The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies four levels of prehospital medical providers: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Paramedic (NRP). The Stanford EMT Training Program educates students at the EMR and EMT level.

Emergency Medical Responder

The NREMT defines an EMR as follows: “Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) provide immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the emergency medical services system. EMRs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport.”

Students who satisfactorily complete EMED 111A/211A are qualified to take the NREMT exam to certify as an EMR. California does not recognize EMR and does not offer a state EMR certification. 

Emergency Medical Technician

The NREMT defines an EMT as follows: “Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening emergencies.”

Students who satisfactorily complete EMED 111B/211B are qualified to take the NREMT exam to certify as an EMT. After certification by the NREMT, students can apply for a California EMT certification. 

EMTs perform a wide range of duties as they respond to many types of emergency calls, including medical emergencies, hazardous materials exposure, childbirth, child abuse, fires, rescues, injuries, trauma, and psychiatric crises. They may serve within an EMS agency, fire department, or independent rescue team.