New Jersey Association of Paramedic Programs
New Jersey’s Leader in Safeguarding High Quality, Evidence Based, Patient Centric, Cost Effective, Out of Hospital Advanced Life Support Services
Association Representing All NJ Paramedic (ALS) Providers
The New Jersey Association of Paramedic Programs is a non-profit organization serving as the collective voice of all NJ paramedic (Advanced Life Support) providers. Comprised of members from some of the largest and most accredited New Jersey hospital networks, NJAPP’s reach extends to every municipality in all 21 counties of the state. As the lead advocacy organization in NJ representing the interests of all hospital-based advanced life support providers, its mission is to safeguard not only the interests of its members but the welfare of patients under their care. Through its advocacy and initiatives, the organization collaborates with state legislators and regulators to enhance the paramedic workforce and support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. NJAPP remains a driving force in elevating EMS standards by focusing on upholding evidence-based best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ALS Provider?
A paramedic is an ALS (Advanced Life Support) provider. They provide more extensive pre-hospital care than a BLS (Basic Life Support) provider. Accordingly, critical care patients require treatment from an ALS provider. Paramedic courses can be between 1,200 and 1,800 hours. Paramedic education builds upon BLS training, adding topics such as:
- anatomy
- physiology
- cardiology
- medications
- medical procedures
What types of certifications do you need to be a paramedic?
Required certifications for a paramedic license are:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
Paramedics are required to obtain additional Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the 2 year cycle of a paramedic license which may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Certification
- Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) Certification
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification
What is a BLS Provider?
An EMT is a BLS (Basic Life Support) provider. EMTs usually complete a 150 – 220-hour course. Their education includes skills such as:
- CPR
- giving patients oxygen
- administering glucose for diabetics
- treatments for asthma attacks
- treatments for allergic reactions
How do Paramedics differ from EMTs?
Paramedics and EMTs have different levels of education and scope of practice for patients.
EMTs are not allowed to provide medications. There are a few exceptions, such as:
- auto-injectors for allergic reactions
- Naloxone for overdoses
- aspirin
- oral glucose
Paramedics have additional skills to provide advanced emergency medical care. That includes skills such as:
- administering medications
- starting intravenous lines
- providing advanced airway management
- resuscitation
- treating heart attacks, traumas, and other critical care patients
What is the purpose of NJAPP?
NJAPP works with state legislators and regulators to advocate for the best interests of all NJ ALS providers. As a result, it ensures that pre-hospital advanced life-care support provided to New Jersey residents reflects the latest evidence-based best practices.
The Code Green Campaign
Visit The Code Green Campaign for information on the organization’s advocacy, mental health, and education for first responders.
EMS Data
NJAPP contributes to a number of ongoing data collection efforts throughout the state and works closely with the NJ OEMS, the NJ EMS Council and the MICU Advisory Council on these efforts. NJAPP remains committed to transparency in EMS data and driving change through evidence-based practice.
