EMS: Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides urgent medical care and transportation to people who are seriously ill or injured. EMS is a crucial part of the healthcare and public safety systems, designed to respond rapidly to emergencies, stabilize patients, and ensure they receive appropriate care either at the scene or during transport to a medical facility.

Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass the National Registry EMT Written Exam (NREMT Exam Schedule) and become certified Emergency Medical Technicians. The EMS program is closely integrated with the Chabot College Fire Technology program, as EMS coursework is a required component for the Fire Technology degree.

Certification and Program Requirements

EMTs can work in the following:

Ambulance Services

• Private EMS companies
• Municipal EMS (city or county services)
• Hospital-based transport units

Fire Departments

• Many firefighters are cross-trained as EMTs.
• EMTs respond to medical calls, traffic accidents, and fire-related rescues.

Hospitals and Emergency Departments

• EMTs may work in EDs as technicians, helping with triage, patient monitoring, or transport within the facility.

Event and Entertainment Venues

• Concerts, sports arenas, and festivals often hire EMTs to provide on-site emergency care.

Industrial and Occupational Settings

• Factories, construction sites, and oil rigs may employ EMTs for workplace safety and first response.

Wilderness or Remote EMS

• EMTs can work in national parks, ski patrols, or adventure tourism to respond to medical emergencies in remote areas.

Air and Ground Transport Services

• While flight roles typically require a paramedic license, EMTs may assist inter-facility ground transport teams.

Law Enforcement and Tactical Units

• Some EMTs work with SWAT or search-and-rescue teams in tactical or high-risk situations.

Correctional Facilities

• Jails and prisons often employ EMTs to handle medical needs and emergencies on-site.

Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid

• EMTs may volunteer or work with FEMA, the Red Cross, or international relief organizations.