Training Information

All members of the DVAC are required to be certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (Basic) by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services. No prior medical knowledge or experience is required. In fact, most DVAC members joined with no, or very little, prior experience. Course tuition, textbooks, and other course related costs will be 100% free for DVAC members

EMT-B courses are run in the Spring, Summer, and Fall of each year. The Spring and Fall classes are held two nights a week, in addition to several weekend sessions. The Summer classes are an accelerated program, and generally require several days each week. Students are also required to complete ten hours of practical experience, either on an ambulance, or in a hospital emergency room. DVAC probationary members often meet this requirement by taking ambulance calls in Dumont.

There are two training centers located in close proximity to Dumont. Most often, students will attend the EMT training at the Bergen County EMS Training Center in Paramus, while other students may choose to attend the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute in Mahwah. While these training centers are recommended, there are others throughout the state, and some hospitals and colleges may offer the course periodically. For more information about the two Bergen County training centers, see the following information:

Bergen County EMS Training Center East 281 Pascack Road Paramus, NJ 07652 http://www.bergen.org/EMS/

Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute 281 Campgaw Road Mahwah, NJ 07430 http://www.bergenemt.org/

In addition to the EMT course, DVAC Probationary members have the added benefit of the DVAC Corps Instructors, who will provide supplemental training and assistance that will help bridge the gap between how things are taught in the classroom, and how things are handled during a real emergency. Members will also receive a "learn-by-doing" approach by actively riding on the ambulance.

Upon your completion of the class, you will be a certified Emergency Medical Technician. This certification is valid for three years. During those years, you will be required to complete 24 Continuing Education Units (CEU's) by taking additional classes. There are a wide variety of courses offered at various locations, and you will have the opportunity to choose those that interest you. Many of these classes will be held at the DVAC building, and most members do not have any issues with taking enough CEU's within the required time. Finally, as your certification expires, you will be required to take a "core" refresher course to renew for another three years.