Ambulance service offering EMR course

Classes will be held soon to develop badly needed emergency medical responders to bolster ambulance services.

The Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department has scheduled an informational meeting for 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 4, at the fire station on Spokane Way.

Fire Chief Rick Paris stated, "We are looking for individuals from the area to become Washington State-certified Emergency Medical Responders by completing 60 hours of special training."

Interested parties should attend the Dec. 4 meeting to have any questions answered.

The training includes lectures, studying and testing for about 50 hours over eight evening sessions, plus three all-day sessions of practical skills, hands on with instructors and practice patients.

Successful trainees will have to do at least 10 hours of internship on an ambulance or in an emergency room, during which they will have five patient contacts.

The EMR candidates will accomplish this during a three-month period.

"Our local area needs additional people to staff the ambulance," Paris said. "These are volunteer positions with varying hours, no set schedules. You need to have a desire and time to devote to providing a needed service to our community."

Training is being conducted by the local ambulance education group under the North Central Emergency Care Council Training Agency program.

Applicants must be 18 years old and self motivated, and they must be able to pass a background check. Applicants must be able to lift 50 to 100 pounds and have a driver's license.

Cost for the course is about $300. The fee will be covered for those who meet requirements established by the Grand Coulee Ambulance Service.

Anyone interested can call and leave contact information at 633-2200, contact a current firefighter or EMT, or just show up on Dec. 4.