Initial EMR registration
If you wish to render assistance as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) in Colorado, you may apply for voluntary registration. Colorado issues a 3-year registration to first-time EMRs whose applications are approved by the department. Those who have never been registered in Colorado as an EMR are considered initial applicants.
EMR application requirements
Applicants for Colorado initial EMR registration should gather the following prior to applying:
- A fingerprint-based background check submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
- A valid NREMT number at the EMR level.
- An image of your current and valid CPR card.
Steps to initial EMR registration
- Find an initial Colorado EMR education program.
- Complete an emergency medical responder training course.
- Gain a NREMT registration for emergency medical responder by passing the NREMT written and psychomotor exams.
- Create an OATH account to apply for registration.
- Submit an application: Within your OATH account under applications find the application named "Emergency Medical Responder Registration - Initial/Reinstate".
- Download and review the instructions for obtaining your fingerprint-based background check.
- Submit a fingerprint-based background check to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
- Wait for the fingerprint sample to be processed.
The department will receive the fingerprinting results from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the results will be added to your submitted OATH application for further processing.
The department will review the application and notify applicants of any errors or issues. Once approved, the department will email the applicant about this status. An EMR registration card will be available to print in the EMR's OATH account.
Renewal EMR registration
Emergency medical responders in Colorado may renew their state registration every three years. EMRs who are within six (6) months of their registration expiration date are eligible to apply for renewal EMR registration. Colorado accepts a current valid NREMT number as proof of the required continuing education. EMRs who are not registered with the NREMT can renew their registration using the state renewal method.
The state renewal method requires EMS providers to complete continuing education. An EMR must complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education (CE) during their 3-year registration period. The CE must be approved by a department-recognized education program.
The 12 hours of CE must be comprised of the following:
- One hour of preparatory content,
- Two hours of airway assessment and management,
- Two hours of patient assessment,
- Three hours of circulation topics,
- Three hours of illness and injury topics, and
- One hour of childbirth and pediatric topics.
After obtaining the required CE the EMR must do the following in OATH:
- Start an application: Within your OATH account under "Applications", you will find the application named "Emergency Medical Responder Registration - Renewal."
- Verify CE. The EMR renewal application requires that the EMR's CE hours are complete and verified by an education recognized by the state.
Continuing education may be obtained from various sources, but you must contact and choose only one recognized program to verify your continuing education. Use the links below to find a Colorado EMR education program authorized by the department to verify continuing education.
More information
- Find a recognized EMR education program
- Approved CPR programs for EMR registration
- Instructions for obtaining your fingerprint-based background check
- Fingerprint-based criminal history record check policy
- Criminal conviction policy
- Colorado EMS education, certification and scope of practice rules - 6 CCR 1015-3
- Contact other state emergency medical services offices
- Request a name change