Emergency Medical Dispatcher
(EMD) Certification Course

The Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) has been recognized as an essential component of effective EMS systems. Proper and timely training as well as a sound medical protocol are what help EMDs deliver quality care to the calling public with emergency medical needs.

Over the past decade, Medical Priority's EMD Certification Course has become the standard for EMD training. The course meets or exceeds all national criteria set by A.S.T.M., U.S Department of Transportation, National Association of EMS Physicians, and others.

The EMD Certification Course includes Medical Priority's EMD Course Manual. Available separately are the Advanced MPDS card sets, ProQA software, and the Principles of Emergency Medical Dispatch reference textbook.

Participants who complete the 3-day course will be eligible for certification through the National (or International) Academy of EMD. To be EMD-certified, the applicant must also be CPR-certified through the National Safety Council, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, European Resuscitation Council or equivalent. We recommend this training be completed prior to attending the EMD course.

Pre-Requisites and Information:

Initial EMD certification requires the applicant to be able to read and write at a high school graduate or GED level, complete an Academy approved EMD Course in which the applicant will complete a 50 question written certification exam with a score of at least 80%, obtain CPR Certification. Retests are available by phone for a $30 fee.

We recommend that the CPR training be completed prior to attending the EMD course; however, CPR certification completed after the course date will still be accepted. (CPR certification or course completion must meet Red Cross, Heart Association, Resuscitation Council, or DLS equivalent standards.) Academy Certification is valid for two years, beginning the day the test is taken and expiring the last day of that month two years later.

Registration includes:

• EMD Course Manual
• Certification fee and testing with the National Academy of EMD
• 8-Hours education that can apply toward other CDE requirements

Successful attendees receive:

• Academy Diploma
• Official Certificate of Course Completion
• 2 year subscription to the National Journal of Emergency Dispatch
• Academy insignia patch and pocket membership card

For more information on the EFD, EPD classes, or to register for a course visit www.prioritydispatch.net for access to a customer service representative in your area.

Certification forms are available in class from a certified instructor, or directly from the Academy. Please call for more information.

EMD Recertification Requirements

Academy Certification is valid for two years unless revoked or suspended. Your continued affiliation with the Academy relies upon your support of the Code of Ethics and upon your participation in the Continuing Dispatch Education program (CDE).

EMD recertification applications can be accepted as early as six months before expiration and as late as 90 days after the expiration date. If expiration is more than 90 days late the member must submit an expired certification waiver request and the Academy’s Lapsed Certification Policy will apply.

1. Submit verification of 24 hours of CDE during the 2 year recertification period (see below). Each credit hour is based on 1 hour of participation.
2. Submit a copy of a current, valid CPR card which meets National Safety Council, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, European Resuscitation Council or equivalent standards;
3. Successfully complete the Academy's "open book" 50 question correspondence recertification exam with a score of at least 80 percent; (retests are also available for a $30. fee)
4. Submit your fee of $50 (for your dues, patch, newsletter subscription, postage, & test processing) with a completed recertification application. If you attend a recertification course approved by the Academy, this fee is sometimes included in the tuition for the course.

For the status of your application call the Academy at 1-800-960-6236. You will receive an application and exam by mail.

Re-certification forms are available in class from a certified instructor, or directly from the Academy. Please call for more information.