When an emergency happens, every minute matters. Having trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) available to respond can make a meaningful difference for patients and families throughout Richland County.
The Richland County Ambulance Service is a volunteer service seeking individuals who are compassionate, dependable and ready to make a difference in their community. An EMT training course will begin November 2 and run through March.
“Becoming an EMT is an opportunity to learn valuable skills while giving back to your community,” said Emily Keegan, Richland County Ambulance Service Lead Instructor. “You never know when you might be the person who is able to help someone during one of the most important moments of their life.”
The EMT course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training designed to prepare students for real-life emergency situations. Students will learn how to assess patients, provide treatment, stabilize patients and prepare them for transport. Training also includes ambulance ride-alongs and an emergency department rotation, giving students the opportunity to apply what they learn in a real-world setting
“We try to make the training as hands-on as possible,” Keegan said. “Students have the opportunity to practice their skills in realistic situations, work together as a team and build confidence in their ability to respond to an emergency.”
The Richland County Ambulance Service currently has 32 EMTs serving communities throughout the county. The number of EMTs has fluctuated in recent years, with the service previously having as many as 45 to 50 EMTs. Ambulance units are located in Fairview, Lambert, Savage and Sidney, with two units based in Sidney. The service is looking to grow its team, with a particular need for additional EMTs in Fairview and Sidney.
In the past year, the ambulance service responded to 1,388 calls, highlighting the important role EMTs play in providing emergency care across Richland County.
“The need for EMTs is county-wide,” said Nicholas Priego, Emergency Services Director. “We are fortunate to have dedicated EMTs who are willing to answer the call, but continuing to build our team is important to maintaining a strong emergency medical service for everyone in Richland County.”
For many people, becoming an EMT may seem intimidating at first, but students do not have to navigate the process alone. Experienced EMTs and instructors are available to provide guidance, answer questions and help students build the skills they need throughout the course.
The opportunity is open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Whether someone has always been interested in emergency medicine, wants to learn new skills or simply wants to serve their community, becoming a volunteer EMT provides a meaningful way to get involved.
“EMTs are there for people on some of their hardest days,” Keegan said. “It is challenging work, but it is also incredibly rewarding. If you've ever thought about becoming an EMT, this is a great opportunity to take that first step.”
The EMT course begins November 2, with classes held Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Class size is limited, and applications must be completed and returned by October 23.
The application is available online at SidneyHealth.org. For more information, contact Emily Keegan at emily.keegan@sidneyhealth.org.