Emergency Medical Technician Safety Training

No one knows emergencies better than emergency medical technicians. While most other people run away from dangerous situations, they come running in to help save as many lives as possible. Below, you’ll find a list of training topics that are required for most Emergency Medical Technicians.
OSHA Required Training
Bloodborne Pathogens OSHA Regulation: 1910.1030(g)(2)
When OSHA Requires Bloodborne Pathogens Training:
Required for employees that may be occupationally exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
Annually.
Downloadable Bloodborne Pathogens Training Resources (free):
First Aid OSHA Regulation: 1910.266 App B
When OSHA Requires First Aid Training:
In the absence of a nearby hospital or clinic (more than 4 minutes away), a designated employee should be trained to render first aid. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
Retraining for life threatening emergencies should occur annually. Retraining for non-life-threatening response should occur 'periodically'.
Downloadable First Aid Training Resources (free):
HazCom / GHS OSHA Regulation: 1910.1200(h)
When OSHA Requires HazCom / GHS Training:
Employees that may be exposed to hazardous substances as part of their job. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
When there is a change.
Downloadable HazCom / GHS Training Resources (free):
Emergency Evacuation OSHA Regulation: 1910.38(e)
When OSHA Requires Emergency Evacuation Training:
If fire extinguishers are provided in your workplace and/or anyone will be evacuating during a fire or other emergency. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
When there is a change.
Downloadable Emergency Evacuation Training Resources (free):
Fire Extinguisher OSHA Regulation: 1910.157(g)
When OSHA Requires Fire Extinguisher Training:
When fire extinguishers exist in the workplace, the employer should train employees on their usage. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
Annually.
Downloadable Fire Extinguisher Training Resources (free):
Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment OSHA Regulation: 1910.132(f)
When OSHA Requires Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment Training:
When an employee is required to wear PPE, they must be trained on its usage. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
Retraining required when the type of PPE changes, employee demonstrates inability to use PPE properly, or when the workplace changes in a way that renders previous training obsolete.
Downloadable Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment Training Resources (free):
Industry Best-Practice Training
(Not required by OSHA)
Decontamination
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable Decontamination Training Resources (free):
Patient Safety
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable Patient Safety Training Resources (free):
Hand Hygiene
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable Hand Hygiene Training Resources (free):
Ergonomics
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable Ergonomics Training Resources (free):
CPR & AED
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable CPR & AED Training Resources (free):
Similar Job Titles
Injury Risk
- Very Low
- Low
- Moderate
- HIGH
- VERY HIGH

Annual Injury Rate
Emergency Medical Technician Safety Tips
Quick Tip
EMTs not only deal with ill and sick people, but are also called to many different types of situations just in case. Sometimes these situations can become very dangerous. Having a good understanding of the signs of aggressive and unstable behavior will help you to properly evaluate any situation you are called out to.
No one knows emergencies better than emergency medical technicians. While most other people run away from dangerous situations, they come running in to help save as many lives as possible. With an extensive knowledge of medicine and the necessity to react as fast as possible, EMTs have to be prepared for anything. With so much information to learn and be thinking of constantly, it can be easy to let some basic safety procedures slip. As an EMT, safety in the community is your number one job, and the best way to make sure that you yourself are out of harm’s way as much as possible is to keep reviewing the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself.
Be aware:
- Survey the scene first. Look for any especially hazardous situations—especially something you feel you shouldn’t engage in alone.
- Look danger in the form of violence r debris on the ground. Move quickly to accomplish what needs to be done, but also be cautious.
- Stay at a safe distance from any violent situations. Follow the instructions of any police officers present; never get in their way if they need to react to a situation with force.
- Learn how to properly use a defibrillator, and make sure this along with any other portable equipment has been inspected and serviced.
- Always consider the risk you are taking carefully. Never put yourself in a situation so dangerous that you are risking your own life.
- Communicate with your coworkers. Being united as you go into a dangerous situation will help keep everyone safe.
Wear proper safety gear
- Bright vests will help to make your presence known if you are working on or near a roadway.
- Helmets should be kept in case you must enter an area where there is potential for falling debris.
- Keep the appropriate gloves for any situation, including handling equipment and performing basic medical procedures.
- When not on a call, keep all your gear together so you can easily grab it during an emergency call.
Limit Your Exposure
- Always follow the basic guidelines that dictate dealing with bio hazardous waste and chemicals.
- Put bio waste, sharps, and any other potentially hazardous chemicals in properly labeled receptacles.
- Wear a mask when dealing with ill patients to limit the spread of germs and airborne disease.
- Keep all equipment clean and sanitized to protect yourself and those you are helping.
- Stay in shape and be properly rested before shifts. This will help you to keep your immune system strong.
Practice safe driving
- Be on constant alert for other drivers that might not pay attention to sirens.
- Even with a siren, use restraint when it comes to excessive speeds.
- Make sure the ambulance or other emergency vehicle has been properly serviced and is in working order.
- Have someone help you when putting the vehicle in reverse; a spotter will help you to avoid minor crashes or pedestrians.
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