|
EMT classes offer chance to help others in the community |
|
|
|
Wednesday, January 02 2008 |
By CHRIS MEYERS
Staff writer
Whether it’s saving a life, helping someone up from a fall or just putting a Band-Aid on a nephew’s scraped elbow at a family reunion, the skills learned in EMT courses can be used in just about any walk of life.
In an attempt to give local residents a chance to learn those skills and serve their communities, Whitley County will be offering an EMT course starting Tuesday.
The course will run from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays until May.
“They learn the basics like back-boarding, splints and bandaging,” said Kathy Shively, director of communications for Whitley County and an EMT on the Churubusco ambulance, which is exactly where more EMTs are needed.
The medics and paramedics on ambulances in Columbia City are paid positions, but those in ’Busco and South Whitley are volunteer positions and more are needed.
“It’s getting harder and harder to find volunteers,” said Deb Brice, a paramedic for Whitley County, adding that daytime help is where volunteers are needed most.
Despite being volunteers, EMTs in South Whitley and ’Busco do get stipends for some clothing and equipment.
Shively said the upcoming course is the perfect way for someone to start a career as an EMT.
As for anyone wondering if they have what it takes to handle the stress that can sometimes come with the job, ways to handle emergencies are covered in the courses.
“They train us to handle those situations … we can teach anybody,” said Tiffany Swinehart, a county dispatcher and medic, who added that many people who are now medics were hesitant about whether they would be able to handle some situations.
Hands-on training and practice scenarios for various emergencies are part of the course as well as time spent in the emergency room and riding along in ambulances.
Brice said there are many emergency situations local medics have to handle, but many times they handle calls for general help.
“Sometimes it’s life or death, but most of the time it’s helping your neighbor … and giving back to your community,” she said.
As for age ranges, some medics working in the county now are in their late 50s or mid-60s and are still able to offer care as needed.
Shively said she doesn’t lift as much heavy equipment as in the past, but age hasn’t changed much else about what she can and can’t do.
Anyone interested in the course should call Brice at 248-9351 and leave a message or send an e-mail to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
“I think it’s invaluable knowledge,” Brice said. |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, January 03 2008 )
|
