HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 17-year-old Hutchinson resident has earned national paramedic certification after completing a dual-credit program through Hutchinson Community College.
Avery Hoy became an EMT at 16 and recently passed her final exam to become a nationally certified paramedic, KWCH reported. She said she discovered her interest in emergency medicine at 15 while taking an EMT class.
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“I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I just instantly fell in love with emergency medicine. I just found my direction. I love it,” Hoy said. “I mean, it’s absolutely crazy to me. And I think at any age, this would be a huge accomplishment.”
When she’s not working, Hoy is in class or training as a ballerina. She said dance has helped her in emergency medicine.
“In the dance world, they’re constantly training you on precision and grace and confidence,” Hoy said. “And those overlap both with my teaching and when I’m out in the field.”
Hoy is recognized at the state and national levels as among the youngest to earn paramedic certification. She said being the youngest in professional settings was initially intimidating, but it also created opportunities to learn. After graduating from the program, Hoy will hold national paramedic certification before she receives her high school diploma.
How old were you when you became an EMT or paramedic? If you could go back in time, what advice would you give younger you?
EMS1 readers respond
“I was 18 and a senior in high school when I got my NREMT certification. I just recently at 25 got my NRAEMT certification. If I could tell my younger self anything it would be to not worry so much about what people think and to just focus on being the best provider you can be. Train hard and be proficient with your skills because it is what our patients deserve.”
“My question is how is she certified as a Paramedic at the age of 17 and was supposedly certified as an EMT at 16 when state requirements specify an age requirement of 18?”
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