FAQ

 If they are exceptionally good questions we will also post them here.  

Please read the yellow highlighted area. Several years ago the National office discontinued the libility coverage for individuale patrollers. See below why you should strongly apply for the EMT-FR (First Responder).

1.    Act 45 . what level of protection does it cover?

1. OEC Technician's
   ACT 45 only is applicable for certified Penna. EMS Providers – OEC is NOT an EMS classification nor certification therefore is NOT included in act 45.
2. First Responder level of care
   See State BLS protocols: (read carefully as there are difference listed for FR and EMT-B)

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2.    The level of care as a EMS-FR in Pennsylvania?

         a.    What does a FR course cover?
                        See national standard curriculum (above)

         b.    Basic course hours?   Typically 40+ hours.

3.    What is the "Good Sam" Act in Pennsylvania?

         a.     Is Ski Patroller still listed in the PA Good Sam Act?

         b.    If not, why was it removed?
                        Ski Patrollers were never listed in the Pa Good Samaritan Law .... OEC was officially recognized separately as ‘equivalent for Good Samaritan Purposes’ on ‘adjacent’ documents.

4.    Why should I call the EPA Region Web Master to give him my SS  number information if I do not want to include it on the EMS  Application?
All state tax records/payment, professional licenses, drivers licenses, and EMS certifications in Penna. REQUIRE your SSN.

Your EMS certification is also DEPENDENT on having and maintaining a CLEAR criminal history, which is regularly checked by the state through the Pa State Police. 

IF No SSN is given .... application is rejected. ... just as no driver’s license is issued, no professional license is issued .... and NO tax refunds.  EPA website page for this application is HEAVY encryped and is secure to the same security level needed for online banking transactions.

Webmaster Toll Free Number = 

5.    What happens if I refuse to give them my SS number?
If no SSN, Application is unable to be processed and is REFUSED / REJECTED!!

6.    Does a FR certification require a con-ed to keep the certification?

FR requires 18 ConED CCU hours per 3 years.  Attendence at 3 OEC refreshers within the 3 year period will give MORE than 18 CCU per 3 years ... and will be reported automatically to the state by the EPA Region.   Your local EMS region will issue a yearly report of your CCU activity so you can check to see if the CCU ‘numbers’ are accurate. Remember that we stated ... NO HASSLE.

7.    How long is a FR-EMS certification good for before renewing is  required.
First Responder is kept ‘active’ by maintaining 18 ConEd CCUs every 3 years.  If you dont meet 18 CCU in three years your certification is automatically  ‘inactivated’.  You may ‘reactivate’ after consult with your local EMS region office and then possibly ‘make-up’ the missing CCU.  EPA Region will automatically report all CCU as awarded by attendence at OEC Refreshers to state which should more than cover your 18 CCU hrs./ 3 years.

8.    Why did our Patrol Director or Area say we must apply?
EPA region states that this application is ‘optional’. If your Patrol Director / management states that its mandatory, we cannot go against your local patrol or managements directions or requirements.

9.    Why don't the Patrol register everyone.

We are doing just that !!!!  We need all your ‘numbers’ and personal ID -- that you enter on the encrypted/secure portion of the EPA website. We dont want groups of individuals carrying around highly important and very confidential information .... thats why the EPA website application pages are DEEPLY encrypted.

10.   If I put a FR decal logo on my car, what responsibly does that require?
Go look up “abandonment”, etc. in any EMT or First Responder textbook.  Generally, if you have no duty to respond, make no personal contact with the injured, sick, or dying ... you have no LEGAL requirement to help.  You, yourself, will decide if you have a ‘moral’ duty to help.  Consult with your personal attorney for further info.

IMPORTANT

For QUESTIONS, ADDITIONAL INFO ....

DO NOT CALL YOUR LOCAL EMS REGION OFFICE OR THE STATE EMS OFFICE .
.... ask all your question on the EPA WEBSITE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(j) Liability.--

(1) No authorized medical command physician who in good faith gives instructions to a

first responder, an emergency medical technician or EMT-paramedic or health

professional shall be liable for any civil damages as a result of issuing the instructions,

unless guilty of gross or willful negligence.

(2) No first responder, emergency medical technician or EMT-paramedic or health

professional who in good faith attempts to render or facilitate emergency medical care

authorized by this act shall be liable for civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions,

unless guilty of gross or willful negligence. This provision shall apply to students

enrolled in approved courses of instruction and supervised pursuant to rules and

regulations

(3) No approved emergency medical services training institute nor any entity participating

as part of any approved educational program offered by such institute as authorized by this

act shall be liable for any civil damages as a result of primary and continuing educational

practice by duly enrolled students under proper supervision, unless guilty of gross or