Classes provide opportunity to be an EMT

When accidents or traumatic injuries happen, the speed of response emergency medical personnel is critical. The pubic can expand their knowledge of what emergency medical technicians (EMTs) do and help their community.

Jim Andreen said EMT classes begin starting Nov.6, with a final class April 2, with a final test to be determined. Classes will be at the fire hall Monday and Thursday evenings, 6-10 p.m., with a few all-day Saturday classes. Andreen said these classes are more than basic first aid skills. Participants must be CPR certified as part of the course, though they can earn that certification through the classes, and pass a background check.

Among the education they’ll receive is about the human body and how to treat illnesses and injuries.

In the past, Andreen explained, those who earned the basic education were referred to as EMT-Basic. These days, they are just called EMTs. As they continue their careers and education, that can be changed as well. “In the EMT world we’re constantly doing continued education to stay certified,” Andreen said, “just like nurses and doctors have to.” He added he is an Intermediate.

The classes have a 25-person cap, and there has already been a lot of interest, Andreen said. The cost of the class is $200, but that covers the cost of books as well online access to the national registry study guide.

He further explained those who decide to take a national registry test and pass can go to a different state that recognizes the registration and have their EMT certification honored.

Currently, there are eight EMTs that run consistently on the crews and are certified, Andreen said, which run on four different shifts, which are 12 hours Monday to Sunday. There is a day shift, running 6 a.m.-6 p.m., and the night shift running 6 p.m.-6 a.m. The ultimate goal, he said, is to get more crews put together so those eight aren’t running every couple weeks. Those who take and pass the EMT classes will be able to run on the crews.

Being on the responding crew means you’re on call. You don’t have to be at the ambulance garage at all times, but when the pager goes off that’s where you need to go.

Within the classes, there are six section tests, and students will be allowed to ride along on the ambulances after they pass their first section test. Andreen said part of the requirement of the course is for students to have clinical hours, and they can do that through real life incidence, so they can see what’s done and what needs to be done.

Prior to the state final test, in past years there have been mock up incidents where students arrive on scene, assess the situation and provide treatment as necessary. After passing that final test, Andreen said, and their overall average is above the percentage required by the state, they’ll be certified EMTs and be able to run on the ambulance.

As Thermopolis is an elderly community, Andreen said the calls EMTs respond to are not necessarily the traumatic injuries as one might think. “Thankfully we’ve been blessed with not very many wrecks. I’ve been on my fair share, but it’s rewarding and it’s a great way to help the community . . . It’s rewarding to know that you’re helping people out.”

For more information on the classes, contact Andreen at 921-8147.