Mississippi Emergency Medical Services

Ambulance Licensing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: Answer:	Does Emergency Medical Services Personnel have to carry BEMS issued certification while on duty with an Emergency Medical Service? Failure to carry Mississippi State Department of Health issued certification card while on duty or failure to wear appropriate identification as approved by State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) is considered grounds for suspension or revocation.
Question: Answer:	How many times a year does BEMS inspect Ambulance Services? To insure compliance with the law inspection will be made not less than two (2) times each year licensed and in most cases four (4) times or when deemed necessary by BEMS staff.
Question: Answer:	Does the ambulance permit have to be posted inside the ambulance? Failure to carry BEMS issued permit card on Emergency Medical Service vehicles are common grounds for suspension or revocation of the vehicle permit.
Question: Answer:	Should an employee of the Emergency Medical Service be present during an inspection of an ambulance or invalid vehicle? Regulations of the State Board of Health states that during the inspection of an emergency or invalid vehicle the owner or an employee of the particular ambulance service be present during the inspection and where necessary be subject to demonstrating certain equipment items.
Question: Answer:	Should medical supplies that are to be inserted into patients nose or mouth be individually wrapped? BEMS regulation for sanitation states that implements inserted into the patient’s nose or mouth shall be single service, wrapped and properly stored and handled. When multi-use items are used the local health care facilities should be consulted for instructions in sanitation and handling of such items.
Question: Answer:	Do Emergency Medical Service providers have to report accidents involving permitted ambulances? Ambulance services are to submit Mississippi Uniform Accident Reports involving Emergency Medical permitted vehicles with license renewals.
Question: Answer:	Is it required to have AMBULANCE (reverse) decal on the hood of the ambulance? If the construction and design of an ambulance prohibits the placement of the AMBULANCE (reverse) decal on the front hood, it shall be an acceptable exemption.
Question: Answer:	Does BEMS require that the ambulance stretcher have three straps attached to the stretcher? Yes, three (3) strap type restraining devices ( chest, hip, knee) attached to the stretcher. Straps shall not be less than two (2) inches wide, nylon and consist of two-piece assembly with quick release buckles.
Question: Answer:	How often does ambulance service license expires? The State Board of Health shall issue a license which shall be valid for a period of one (1) year when it determines that all the requirements set by BEMS has been met.
Question: Answer:	How often does an ambulance permit expire? Ambulance permits expire concurrently with the service license.
Question: Answer:	What is the cost for an Ambulance Service to be licensed in Mississippi? At present EMS cost for Ambulance Services licenses are $250.00 and $100.00 for each permitted vehicle.

EMS Personnel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Where are EMS- Driver classes located at in Mississippi?
BEMS approves EMS-Driver Classes across Mississippi. A list is provided at BEMS office, you may visit or phone the BEMS office and request information on available EMS-Driver classes.

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Is Anatomy and Physiology I and II required prior to entry into EMT-Paramedic training Program?
Yes, completion of 8 semester hours of anatomy and physiology (A & P I & II with lab) from accredited post-secondary school. Minimum average of C or higher must be obtained.

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Do you have to be certified in CPR prior to entering EMT-Basic training program?
Yes, a valid CPR certification (Health Care Provider) is required prior to entering a EMT-Basic training program.

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Is a Medical Control Agreement (Jurisdictional Medical Control Agreement) required for certification for a EMT-Basic?
Yes, after December 31, 1997 verification of Medical Control (Jurisdictional Medical Control Agreement) will be required for EMT-B certification.

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What is the cost for Mississippi certification and recertification?
The cost for:

Medical First Responder
EMS-Driver
EMT-Basic
EMT-Intermediate
EMT-Paramedic

$10.00
$20.00
$20.00
$20.00
$25.00

by cash if you visit the BEMS office or Money order payable to Mississippi Department of Health.

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Is a copy of the National Registry card required for certification and recertification for EMT’s?
You are required to submit a copy of your National Registry card when certifying as an EMT in Mississippi.

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Is a certification and recertification application obtainable without visiting BEMS office?
Certification and recertification applications are available online @ http://www.ems.doh.ms.gov/pdf/cert_recert_application.pdf or by a phone call requesting an application by mail.

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What are the office hours for BEMS?
The BEMS office is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (exception for holidays).

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In Mississippi what is the required age for EMS-Driver certification?
BEMS requires that applicants for EMS-D certification are at least 18 years old.

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Is there a grace period on expiration dates for EMT certification?
No, all EMT’s failing to recertify with BEMS on or before the expiration date of his /her certification period will be considered officially expired.

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How many times a year does Mississippi offer the National Registry examination?
Usually four (4) times a year. Information on the National Registry Exam is available online @ www.msems.org or at the BEMS office.