Enthusiastic volunteers needed to fill EMT Class starting in January
Sherry Jensen ... Submitted photo.
The number of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in this area has dwindled over the years as licensed EMTs have retired. Allamakee and northern Clayton Counties are fortunate to have many emergency response services, but nearly all of them are in need of more EMTs on their service to share the call time, ensuring local emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
NICC will be offering a face-to-face EMT Class in Waukon beginning in January. This class is not offered locally each year, so the fact it will be held in Waukon is a convenience for those wishing to take the course with little travel time. This is a 138-hour course which will conclude in May. Registration for the class must be completed prior to the orientation night January 8.
The EMT class prepares the students to provide pre-hospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study 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.
Enthusiastic, willing volunteers wanting to truly help people are needed to fill this class. The class will meet two nights per week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6-10 p.m. and clinicals will be held in person. Students who successfully complete this class and the certification examination will be able to volunteer on their own community’s ambulance service or rescue squad, as well as be prepared for careers in emergency services.
Sherry Jensen is a new EMT working in both Waukon and McGregor, and she states, “I chose to take the EMT course after taking early retirement from teaching, primarily due to the shortage in my small town. This means our citizens are waiting longer for the immediate help they need. I had no idea how rewarding it would be in a multitude of ways. It is truly a gift to help someone on possibly their worst day - to be the smile and caring hands that helps them through that day. Secondly, all the EMS personnel I’ve met are truly friendly humans. This has been a life-changing experience and such a blessing.”
For more information, contact Jacob Dougherty, Paramedic and EMS Manager, or Cheryl Livingston, Paramedic and Class Instructor, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411. Further registration information for the course can be found at: https://nicc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&in....
