This is currently a “By Permission Only” course.  A Course Approval Code is required to register and enroll.  

If you have not received a course approval code, please apply at IGEMS website    If your application is approved and you receive a Course Approval Code, please return to this page to complete registration.  If you have any questions about the application, please contact the IDHW's Bureau of EMS and Preparedness program CHEMS@dhw.idaho.gov  (208) 334-4000 

Community Health Emergency Medical Services (CHEMS) is an innovative model where emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are incorporated into the general healthcare delivery system and extend the reach of primary care into a patient’s environment. CHEMS personnel are healthcare providers who receive additional education, work within a medical-health neighborhood, and assist the primary care team to implement a patient care plan. CHEMS personnel operate within their current scope of practice as EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics. These providers act in an expanded role within the medical-health neighborhood.

EMTs in rural communities are trusted and respected for their medical expertise and are often consulted for healthcare advice by their friends and neighbors. The knowledge they developed as first responders may be equally useful to them as part of the primary-care team. The CEMT model can benefit rural EMS agencies by reducing requests for non-urgent services. CEMTs may work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, social workers, discharge planners, pharmacists, community paramedics, and other members of the healthcare team.  CEMTs help individuals and communities overcome barriers that prevent them from accessing and benefiting from healthcare services. They may serve as advocates, facilitators, liaisons, community brokers and resource coordinators to reach optimal levels of wellness for everyone.  

For more information about this training curriculum, contact Suzanne Shemwell at Idaho State University-Meridian, shemsuza@isu.edu or call (208) 373-1764. 

Idaho State University, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness and Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care, with funding from the Statewide Healthcare Innovation Plan (SHIP), is offering training for Idaho residents who are interested in becoming CEMTs.

Statewide Healthcare Innovation Plan (SHIP) is supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS-1G1-14-001 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare