Local service recruiting new EMTs for classes starting this month

Record numbers of people calling for emergency help have led the Grand Coulee Volunteer Ambulance Service to seek additional emergency medical technicians.

“We are at another record pace of emergency and transport calls for the Grand Coulee Dam Area,” Grand Coulee EMS Chief Rick Paris said.

The year 2018 saw 505 calls, up from 480 in 2017, up from 402 in 2016, Paris told The Star.

As of the end of July 2019, some 283 emergency medical calls had come in, according to a report provided by Paris at the August Grand Coulee council meeting.

Currently there are 15 active volunteer members going on calls, Paris said. The service covers an area of about 500 square miles.

“The range we serve is half way to Nespelem, Wilbur and Coulee City, and out to Leahy Junction,” Paris explained.

Although called volunteers, an active EMT averages less than $100 per month while the more active ones make $150 to $200 per month, Paris explained, “significantly less than a full time person would.”

Paris said they are looking for a couple people to take a state-approved emergency medical technician course at the Grand Coulee Fire Station this fall.

“It is 160 to 200 hours of reading, learning and practicing emergency medical skills and knowledge,” Paris said.

The City of Grand Coulee runs the ambulance service and pays for the required initial training, about $750, and the required ongoing continuing education, Paris said.

The class will meet several evenings between Sept. 25 and Dec. 16 and on a few Saturdays.

Anyone interested can leave a message with name and contact information at 509-633-2200 or e-mail at rparis451@hotmail.com.

“Or talk with a current EMT,” Paris said.