Clinton County EMS is prepared to welcome and train a second class of paramedics in the new year. Applications for the 12-month program are now open.
“The program takes an emergency medical technician (EMT) to a paramedic,” EMS’ Paramedic Program Director Dolores Paul explains. “Paramedics hold all the responsibilities of an EMT but have the additional responsibility of leading the team in the field, giving oral and IV medication, providing advanced airway management, reading EKGs, providing advanced cardiac life support, and deciding where to take a patient for the best care.”
Clinton County will graduate its first class of nationally certified paramedics at the end of this year, at which time it can file for full accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This year, it has operated under a Letter of Review from the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professional.
EMS Director Steven Deckard says it’s an important first step in reversing a nationwide shortage of paramedics. “Low wages, a lack of work-life balance, and burnout are driving emergency medical services personnel around the country to quit. Having our own program not only allows us to set our own standards, train our own people, and recruit new paramedics to Clinton County, but ensures our healthcare services are delivered by a highly qualified workforce.”
The new cohort will begin classes in January and will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for 12 months. Participants will undergo more than 900 hours of clinical training in a variety of settings including emergency departments, intensive care units, obstetrics and gynecology offices, and respiratory clinics. To qualify, prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED, CPR and EMT certification.
For further information about Clinton County EMS and to apply for the program, contact Steven Deckard at 765-659-6310 orsdeckard@clintonco.com. The deadline for application is Nov. 30. There is limited space remaining.
