Paramedic Program

Program Description

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) Paramedic Program is a fast-paced, intensive, internal training program designed to prepare San Diego firefighter emergency medical technician (EMT) employees to become paramedics. The program adheres to U.S. Department of Transportation National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards, and focuses on San Diego County paramedic protocols, as well as SDFD standards and practices. Students are prepared to pass the EMT-Paramedic National Registry written and psychomotor exams. This enables them to obtain licensure as paramedics in California and San Diego County. The course includes a rigorous classroom phase, during which students master the cognitive and psychomotor knowledge and abilities necessary to function as an entry-level paramedic. Upon successful completion of this phase, students enter clinical training where learning transitions to application of their knowledge and skills to patients in the hospital setting. The clinical phase is followed by a capstone field internship, which takes place on board an advanced life support apparatus (both a fire engine and ambulance), as part of the 9-1-1 system. The entire learning experience culminates with the capstone field internship.

There are a total of 31 Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited paramedic programs, and two programs seeking accreditation currently in California. The SDFD paramedic program is the only fire department-based paramedic training program in California. The other programs consist of college, community college and private post-secondary institutions offering paramedic training.

Accreditation Information

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Paramedic Program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP Executive Office). This letter is NOT a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation status. It is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the NREMT’s Paramedic credentialing examination(s).  However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Paramedic Program has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113^th St. N. #7709
Semionle, FL 33775
www.caahep.org

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions Executive Office

8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX, 75088
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org