Now is the time to become an EMT; A most rewarding career - Classes start March 28 at reduced cost
EMT Bethany Stock ... Bethany Stock of Waukon just obtained her EMT license and is joining the Veterans Memorial Hospital ambulance service. She explains why she decided to take this recent class and encourages others to sign up for the next class starting March 28. “When I was working at VMH, I started to realize the high demand there was for EMTs. Since NICC was given a grant to cover a majority of the costs for the EMT class, I decided that now was the time to take it in order to help my community and local ambulance crew,” explains Bethany. “While completing my clinical experience for my EMT class, most of the ambulance calls I went on were for someone that I knew or recognized from the community. Knowing the person is what makes the job 10 times more rewarding for me. When it’s someone you know, you try everything in your power to help them and make sure they are okay. Even if it’s a complete stranger, when I can help save just one life someday, I know that the hours spent in class and studying will be worth it.” Submitted photo.
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions will be offering an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course in Waukon beginning March 28. This 138-hour course will conclude the end of July. This will be an in-person class held locally in Waukon, which is a huge advantage to students attending versus taking an online class. NICC has received a grant to cover 70% of the tuition for this course so generous tuition assistance is available, keeping the class costs under $400.
Bethany Stock of Waukon is a new graduate and obtained her EMT license just this month. She works in Decorah during the day, but plans to help with ambulance call some evenings and weekends.
“When I was working at VMH, I started to realize the high demand there was for EMTs in our local communities. After being around the pagers at the hospital, I quickly began to recognize the voices of the few EMTs we have throughout the county,” explains Stock. “Since NICC was given a grant to cover a majority of the costs for the EMT class, I decided that now was the time to take it in order to help my community and local ambulance crew.”
“While completing my clinical experience for my EMT class, most of the ambulance calls I went on were for someone that I knew or recognized from the community,” Stock adds. “In a small town, I know this is a common occurrence and can be difficult for EMS responders. However, knowing the person is what makes the job 10 times more rewarding for me. When it’s someone you know, you try everything in your power to help them and make sure they are okay. Even if it’s a complete stranger, when I can help save just one life someday, I know that the hours spent in class and studying will be worth it.”
This next class that begins the end of march will include an introduction to emergency medical services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMTs, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, special considerations for working in the pre-hospital setting, and providing patient transportation.
The class will meet two nights per week, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night and clinicals will be held in-person. Students who successfully complete this class will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification examination. With this certification, individuals are able to volunteer on their own community’s ambulance service or rescue squad, as well as be prepared for careers in emergency services.
For more information, contact Jacob Dougherty, Paramedic, EMS Supervisor, or Cheryl Livingston, Paramedic, Class Instructor, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
