EMS Certifications

The Louisiana Bureau of EMS is responsible for the certification of individuals who meet the qualifications for Telecommunicator and/or Ambulance Operator. All qualified applicants must complete the appropriate certification application on the Bureau of EMS Information Management System.

Telecommunicator

Telecommunicator certification is defined in La RS 40:1133.16 et.al.

A public safety telecommunicator shall be trained in telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-CPR) utilizing training that meets or exceeds nationally recognized emergency cardiovascular care guidelines adopted by the bureau every two years. At a minimum, this training shall incorporate recognition protocols for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, compression-only CPR instructions for callers, and continuing education as appropriate.

Certification as a Telecommunicator is valid for two years and can be renewed. Education for the certification can be obtained through one of the state-approved courses listed below.

1. Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy – Online Training
2. International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED)
3. APCO Emergency Medical Dispatch

Ambulance Operator

Ambulance Operator certification is defined in La RS 40:1133.17

Certification for Ambulance Operator is valid for a period of one year (shall expire one year after it is issued) and is nonrenewable. Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a valid unrestricted driver’s license, a current and valid defensive driving certificate issued by the National Safety Council or its equivalent, current CPR credential (American Heart Association Health Care Provider credential, American Red Cross Professional Rescuer credential, or an equivalent cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certification), official driving record from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. A licensed emergency medical services practitioner is not required to hold a certification as an ambulance operator in order to operate an ambulance.

A certified ambulance operator may perform the following functions:

1. Operate an ambulance in compliance with federal, state, and local law.
2. Assist with the handling and movement of a sick, injured, or disabled individual if a licensed emergency medical services practitioner, registered nurse, physician assistant, or physician directly supervises the operator. No ambulance operator may administer care procedures that a licensed emergency medical services practitioner is authorized to administer unless he is trained and certified or licensed to do so.

For more info, email EMS.Communications@LA.gov.