Deer River Ambulance Service Offers EMT Certification Class
Deer River Ambulance Service is now enrolling students aged 18 and up for an Emergency Medical Technician certification course set to begin this fall.
Victor Williams, a Deer River resident who also serves as Chairman of Deer River HealthCare Center's board of directors, agrees that becoming an EMT can change your life. Or better yet, someone elseıs.
Williams has been using his EMT training as a Deer River ambulance volunteer since 1994. During his EMT training, Williams learned the ABC's of lifesaving, literally.
"Airway, breathing and circulation, always in that order, are the first three things to look for as part of the care procedure," he stated.
According to Williams, he learned to administer CPR, oxygen and basic life support during a 110-hour EMT certification course, which prepared him to take the national exam. He also said the course taught him how to respond to emergencies and even save lives.
"The course is a great introduction into the medical profession, or for anyone 18 or older who wants to help people and give something back," stated Williams. "When you pass the course, youıve finished the first learning process, but then the real experience begins. Thatıs why it's important for us to keep learning from each other."
Williams, along with the other volunteers at the Deer River Ambulance Service, takes a refresher course every 2 years to keep his skills up to date.
Renee Donnelly, Director of Deer River Ambulance Service, estimates that their service responded to 439 emergency runs and transfers in 2005. So far, those numbers are about the same for 2006. She also mentioned that openings are currently available to those interested in volunteering as a certified EMT.
"Deer River Ambulance welcomes anyone interested in learning emergency medical techniques to join the EMT class we will be hosting in September. The class is held two nights a week and lasts until mid December, " stated Donnelly. "Itıs a great skill to have in any career, but it's required in jobs where responding to trauma is part of the daily protocol."
For more information on becoming an EMT, please call Deer River Ambulance Services at 218-246-2909.
ABOUT DEER RIVER HEALTHCARE CENTER
Deer River HealthCare Center, Inc. (DRHC) is a non-profit community owned and operated comprehensive health care campus. Located in Deer River, Minnesota, with a service area consisting of a 50-mile radius, the staff of over 200 health care workers offers area residents a wide range of high-quality health care services - in one convenient location. Deer River HealthCare Center is committed to providing quality, compassionate health care for life.
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