The Rotterdam Police Department Paramedic Program was established in 1980 with the position of Police Officer / Paramedic. As original Police  Officer/Paramedics retired or changed positions, there arose a need to create a new type of Paramedic program.

Paramedics today undergo thousands of hours of training to achieve their state and/or national certification. This certification is dependent upon successful completion of a re-certification exam every three years and many hours of continuing education annualy. Paramedics must also maintain other certifications to practice in their respective operating region such as CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Prehospital Trauma Life Support.

As the field of EMS has evolved to become extremely intricate and demanding, many colleges and universities have developed accredited Associate degree programs in pre-hospital medicine to meet the educational demands placed on advanced providers. In addition, many Paramedics go on to earn degrees in medicine and nursing, obtaining positions in other health care fields as well.

Currently the Rotterdam Paramedic unit employs one Paramedic Supervisor and three full-time duty paramedics. We also staff a significant compliment of part-time paramedics to supplement staffing as well.