Become An Emergency Medical Responder

Do you know what to do when someone is having trouble breathing? Or having a diabetic emergency? Or when you come upon a car accident? Emergency Medical Responders, known as EMRs, learn how to deal with these emergencies and many more. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to help family, friends and your community with medical problems and other emergencies.

A 12-week EMR course starting December 14th in Proctorsville is designed to teach the knowledge and practical skills needed to qualify as an EMR. This intensive course will cover many topics, including helping people with everything from allergic reactions and cardiac problems to broken bones and strokes. In addition to class time, there will be required reading and experience in an ambulance and in the emergency room.

Once certified as an EMR, you can join a local ambulance service. For instance, Chester Ambulance Service (CAS), which serves both Chester and Andover, needs more certified providers. After a six-month probationary period, CAS will reimburse you for the tuition for the EMR course. The most important benefit of belonging to a local volunteer ambulance service is the opportunity to help people in need. Other benefits include training to maintain and improve knowledge and skills, and compensation for being "on call" and for ambulance runs.

The EMR course will meet on Mondays from 6pm to 9pm, and on a handful of Saturdays from 9am to 3pm, starting December 14th and going through March 12th at the Proctorsville Fire Station in Proctorsville. Tuition, which includes the textbook and supplies, is $200.00. To register, or for more information, please call Meghan at 802-376-8737.