The Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) brings lifesaving, emergency medical care to the Commonwealth by certifying and licensing Emergency Medical Personnel, establishes standards for the education and training of Emergency Medical Personnel, and licenses all Ambulance Services in the state of Kentucky. As of 2022, there were 482 Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), 9,335 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), 486 Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), 4,292 Paramedics, 221 Ambulance Services, and 211 Training & Educational Institutions (TEIs).
KBEMS Services include:
- Initial and continuing certification for First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians
- Initial and continuing licensure for Paramedics
- Licensing and Inspection of Ground and Air services
- Promulgating regulations for pre-hospital emergency care in Kentucky
- Legal Services Advisory Opinions, Complaints and Discipline
- EMS Educator Certification
- EMS Evaluator Endorsement
- Administering the Senate Approved Ambulance Grant Program
- Collecting Pre-Hospital Data within the Kentucky State Ambulance Reporting System
- Approving service Medical Directors
- Approving Protocols
- Conducting Initial and Annual service Inspections
- Inspecting Vehicles and Aircraft used by licensed services
- Providing guidance for continuing education of emergency medical personnel and instructors
- Certifying Training and Educational Institutions (TEI)s that provide emergency pre-hospital instruction and training
Additionally, KBEMS is a participant in the EMS for Children (EMSC) Program, a federally-funded initiative that provides funding for statewide efforts aimed at improving emergency medical care for children. The Kentucky EMSC project encourages providers to improve their pediatric skills and increase public awareness regarding the health and safety of children.
Click Here for detailed information regarding the KBEMS ByLaws.
Mission Statement
KBEMS mission is to ensure availability of high quality emergency medical services for Kentucky through collaboration with EMS providers by:
- Ensuring quality, competent EMS care through effective oversight, communication and education;
- Advancing professionalism of EMS providers;
- Promoting health and safety of patients and EMS providers;
- Providing leadership for EMS.
Vision Statement
Through transparent practices, KBEMS will ensure and promote high quality emergency medical care across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Values
- Integrity; High quality care; Quality of education; Competent staff; Accountability of board, services and individuals; Being proactive, not reactive; Highly motivated and progressive board; Advancement of EMS profession; Citizen and provider safety; Ethical standards in dealing with issues
Kentucky EMS Oath
As a member of Kentucky’s Emergency Medical Services community, I pledge that I will strive to:
Alleviate suffering, promote health, and do no harm;
Maintain professional competence and demonstrate concern for the competence of my peers;
Refuse to participate in illegal or unethical activity, and expose the same when engaged in by others;
Advocate for my patients, my colleagues, and my profession;
Continuously improve my knowledge, skill, and abilities so that I can serve the public exceptionally.
Download the KY EMS Oath here.