Global Medic Assist Program
Please read this whole page carefully before you apply!
The mission of the Global Medic Assist program is to provide certified ‘medics’ (AEMT or higher certification) to accompany NGO’s and other humanitarian organizations as they provide service to communities world-wide. Some humanitarian efforts are medical in nature, but many are not, and these non-medical expeditions are finding it more important than ever to have medics accompany them on their trips.
Our first partnership is with CHOICE Humanitarian (www.choicehumanitarian.org) a local NGO non-profit whose mission is to eliminate extreme poverty in seven countries: Nepal, Kenya, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador. Our role will be to send a medic on each of their 26-30 expeditions a year.
Eligibility – The program is open to ALL Utah First Responders with a certification level of AEMT or higher. Applicants are required to have at least six months or 1,000 hours of in-field experience at the AEMT level or higher, so newly certified AEMTs will not be immediately eligible. ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification is also required and is offered through EMT Utah. If qualified, your first action is to fill out the online application for Global Medic Assist, which you can find in the sidebar menu of this page.
Fees and Expenses – EMT Utah and CHOICE subsidize the cost of the medic’s expedition. Public trips cost $1,250 for the medic, this includes Flights, medical supplies and equipment, lodging, meals, and in-country transportation. Private expeditions are subsidized by the private party and are free to the medic*. The medic is responsible for other costs, which would include miscellaneous and sundry expenses while in-country, the cost of a passport, VISA if applicable, Checked luggage and medical insurance (about $100). Some trips may have additional flights or tour extras that must be covered by the participant. *Only select medics who have been on a public expedition and are in good standing can go on private expeditions.
Providing this program is only made possible by fundraising and charitable donations. EMS workers don’t tend to make a lot of money, so it is important that this opportunity is available to those who want to donate their time but might not be able to afford it. Other applicants who have the time and may be in a better position financially can help to keep this program afloat. If you fall in the latter category, please consider a donation to help cover your costs. A suggested donation of $100 can go a long way in covering the costs that EMT Utah assumes by providing this program. Any donations beyond that can help cover costs for another medic who may not be in the same financial position.
A deposit of $100 is required to ensure prompt return of all equipment provided for the expedition. This deposit will be returned to the medic when equipment is returned, photos are submitted*, and an expedition survey is completed.
Equipment – The EMT Utah Global Medic Assist Program provides the protocols, forms, and all medical supplies and equipment. Medics are welcome to supplement this equipment with any of their own supplies at their own expense.
What’s Expected – Almost all trips begin on a Saturday and end on a Saturday. Sometimes this means you leave before Saturday and perhaps arrive home on Sunday. All participants will be required to take part in all the activities and projects on the expedition. In addition, medics will be on call 24/7 to attend to any medical need of the participants. No in-country services will be provided.
*The EMT Utah Global Medic Assist Program requests photos from the medic’s expedition to support future recruitment and fundraising efforts. Medics are highly encouraged to take pictures of themselves on the expedition. Help EMT Utah tell the story of this incredible program with photos of your adventure!
Posting on social media as a medic is absolutely encouraged! We do ask that in each post, EMT Utah and the Global Medic Assist program are mentioned and/or tagged. The more people know about this program, the more funds we can raise, which means more medics on trips.
Scope – Medics attend expeditions to help keep the expedition participants healthy and safe. People in-country are not covered by our medical director and therefore cannot be treated by medics sent via the Global Medic-Assist program. However, these rules do not apply in cases of major disasters, natural or otherwise, where medics are covered under Good Samaritan laws. Medics are expected to practice protocol at an AEMT level, regardless of actual certification.
Application Process – The first step to attending a trip is to apply online. Once your application is submitted, you may be invited to an interview for further vetting. At that point, you can begin submitting copies of all documents that evidence that you have met certain requirements. These documents can be uploaded via the Submit a Document page on the website, or you can mail the copies or deliver the copies to 1135 S. West Temple, SLC, UT 84101. You may also present these items at your interview if invited. (CLICK the button below to apply)
Required Documentation:
- Application (online)
- Letter of recommendation confirming 1,000 patient contact hours
- Copy of valid TB test – must be current
- Copy of valid Basic Life Support CPR – AHA Basic Life Support CPR
- Must have a current ACLS certification
- Copy of current Utah EMS certifications – Must be an AEMT (at a minimum)
- Must “like” EMT Utah on Facebook (by the time you are accepted – WHY NOT DO THIS NOW!!!
All decisions are made by a committee of the EMT Utah Global Medic Assist Program. All decisions are final. The CHOICE paperwork will be filled out ONLY if you are selected to go on an expedition.
Before you complete the Application please check out the available trips to indicate your preferences on the application. (See Expedition Calendar here.)
