§ 5-20. Certificates; application procedures and standards for personnel.

(a)

Any individual desiring certification as an emergency medical technician shall make application to the department on forms provided by the department. The department shall determine whether the applicant meets the prescribed qualifications as set forth in this division.

(b)

An applicant for an emergency medical technician's certificate must:

(1)

Have successfully completed an emergency medical technician training program, approved by the Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, and possess valid, current certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as an emergency medical technician (basic, intermediate or paramedic level);

(2)

Hold a valid card for cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued by the American Heart Association or The American Red Cross, at the appropriate level;

(3)

Be free from addiction to alcohol or any narcotics or drugs;

(4)

Provide proof of current advance cardiac life support (ACLS) completion, if an emergency medical technician (paramedic);

(5)

Provide proof of satisfactory completion of a hazardous material certification - first responder - awareness level;

(6)

Be free from any physical or mental defect or disease which would impair the applicant's ability to perform as an emergency medical technician;

(7)

Not have been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States, or any other political subdivision therein; all applicants shall submit to a background investigation which includes but is not limited to fingerprinting and a criminal history check by a post certified law enforcement agency;

a.

If an applicant's background investigation indicates that he/she has a felony conviction or has had any license pertaining to the provisions of emergency medical services and/or non-emergency medical transportation revoked in another jurisdiction, the license shall be denied.

(8)

Have completed within the past one (1) year, a defensive driving course, or a flight safety, or a water vehicle operator's safety course, as applicable, approved by the department;

(9)

Hold a valid chauffeur's license (Class "D") or equivalent from another state;

(10)

Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(11)

Meet all state requirements for an emergency medical technician (basic/intermediate/paramedic) and provide current certification.

(c)

Emergency medical technician certificates are valid for a period of not more than one (1) year from the date of issuance.

(d)

Temporary certificate may be issued at the discretion of the director or his/her designee.

(e)

Emergency medical technician's licenses/certifications must be in the individual's possession at all times.

(f)

In order for certificates to remain valid, all requirements must be maintained during the certification period.

(g)

Certificates shall be renewed only if the holder meets all the prescribed standards at the time of renewal.

(Ord. No. 22477, § 6, 4-13-05; Ord. No. 23782, § 8, 3-24-10; Ord. No. 25357 , § 2, 5-3-17)