This course establishes the basic knowledge needed to provide, under medical authority, prehospital emergency care and to pass the NC State or National Registry certification exam. Students will acquire basic life support knowledge through a combination of classroom instruction, practical laboratory exercises, field time with an EMS agency, and clinical experience in hospitals. Students will acquire a thorough understanding of criminal, civil, and vehicle laws pertaining to the EMT's services; develop understanding and knowledge of human anatomy and physiology; deal calmly and efficiently with childbirth, injuries, poisonings, and other medical emergencies such as heart disorders, strokes, and diabetes; and in general be able to provide basic life support for seriously/critically ill patients.

The EMT program must be conducted by an approved Basic or Advanced Educational Institution as defined in the rules of the North Carolina Medical Care Commission. The lead instructor for the EMT educational program must be a NC credentialed Level I EMS Instructor at the EMT, EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic level as defined in the rules of the North Carolina Medical Care Commission.