Paramedic

Paramedic is a promotional opportunity only available to FDNY EMS members.

Admission
To be admitted into the program, candidates must:
- Have a valid NYS EMT certification (that remains valid throughout the duration)
- Be currently employed by FDNY as an EMT, Sergeant, Lieutenant or Captain
- Completed a field internship as an EMT
- Be a candidate on the DCAS Paramedic Civil Service Promotion Exam list
- Have an overall annual performance evaluation rating of "Good" or better
- Have a satisfactory patient care/disciplinary record for the past year
- Be full‐duty status at the time of calling and for the duration of the program
- Have a satisfactory attendance record
- Have a positive recommendation from their respective Commanding Officer
- Pass the FDNY EMS Academy entrance screening exam

The screening exam consists of three sections: reading comprehension, math, and basic EMT knowledge. In order to pass, a candidate must get a 75% or better on all three sections. Exams are given periodically throughout the year and announced throughout the department. Candidates who meet all requirements are offered a place in the program in the order that they appear on the civil service list. A candidate may defer their place in an offered class for one at a later date as long as the civil service list remains active.

While attending the Paramedic Program, all students are required to be full duty. No exceptions will be made. There is no advanced standing available for this program.

Course Completion Requirements
In order to complete the Paramedic Program, students must:
- Pass all psychomotor skills, scenario requirements, and cognitive exams with a 75% or greater, or their corresponding retest.
- Complete all skills as outlined in the Skills Minimum Competency matrix.
- Maintain a success rate of at least 80% for the last 20 intubations performed in the lab or clinical setting.
- Have fewer than 14 missed sessions.
- Complete the Capstone Field Internship and all requirements therein.
- Pass the Paramedic Written Examination as outlined by New York State
- Pass the New York City REMAC Examination

Program Goal and Minimum Expectation: To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Rotation sites include: Adult ED, ICU/CCU/MICU/NICU/SICU, Airway/Anatomy Cadaver, MAYDAY, ALS Ambulance, Medical Control, Anesthesia/O.R., Obstetrics, Asthma Clinic, Pediatric ED, Burn Center, Phlebotomy/IV Team, Capstone Internship, Psychiatry ED. (If any rotation site is unavailable for any reason, the hours will revert to patient care simulations at the FDNY EMS Academy, ALS ambulance rotations, or both.)

Forgivable Loan
The signing of a forgivable loan is required of all students upon admission to the paramedic program. The student agrees to a three-year employment commitment to the FDNY upon graduation. Failure to complete the three-year commitment will result in recoupment of loan obligations. Program failure or withdrawal results in a default of the loan and being barred from entering another FDNY Paramedic Program for the duration of two years.

Course Fees/Cost and Student Pay
The Paramedic Program is available with no fees and only the commitment to the forgivable loan to the student. All textbooks and required learning material will be provided by the FDNY EMS Academy. All initial credentialing exam fees associated with New York State Paramedic certification and New York City REMAC are also paid by the FDNY. Students will be paid for classroom and clinical rotation time.

Students are required to purchase a short white lab coat that is to be worn for clinical rotations. Students must also purchase "business attire" clothing to be worn while on clinical rotation. Students are responsible for all transportation to and from all classes and rotations, including but not limited to tolls and parking fees. Students may be asked to attend classes or rotations anywhere within the New York City limits and surrounding areas.

Withdrawal from the Program
If a student withdraws or is separated from the program, they will return all issued material and sign paperwork stating that they have withdrawn or have been separated from the program. The Program Lieutenant will then call the Commanding Officer of the student's last assignment for re-assignment there. Any student who resigns from the FDNY EMS Academy Paramedic Program will not be permitted to enter another FDNY EMS Academy Paramedic Program for a minimum of two (2) years from the date of separation from their original program. Readmission is possible after two years have passed and a student successfully completes the screening process.