Take a Class, Save a Life
Take a Class, Save a Life
The Importance of EMT / CPR Courses
There are events that can stop us in our tracks and be indelibly burned into our memories. Events like 9/11 that occurred on September 11, 2001, January 6, 2021 and most recently witnessing Damar Hamlin go into cardiac arrest on the Cincinnati Bengals football field on January 2, 2023. These kinds of events leave us feeling a crippling fear, disillusioned and helpless. But, they can also help us to be better informed, educated and part of the solution. And, that’s exactly what happened with me.
In February, I like so many others, took a CPR course at the Ellicottville Fire Company. The instructors were all a part of Emergency Medical Services at either a basic or paramedic level. They were so knowledgeable and confident with their abilities to not only assess a patient but also to keep them alive. At the end of the class, it was announced that there is a shortage of ambulance drivers and EMTs in the Ellicottville/Great Valley Ambulance Service. I grabbed an application and initially signed up to drive the ambulance. However, I changed my mind/position and instead decided to enroll in an EMT course.
These courses started on August 28th and end November 16th. It is every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30pm-10:00pm. The goal is to turn out techs who can demonstrate a competency in assessment of a patient, handling emergencies using Basic Life Support equipment and techniques. They must be able to perform CPR, control bleeding, provide non-invasive treatment of hypo-perfusion, stabilize/immobilize injured bones and the spine, manage environmental emergencies and emergency childbirth. They must be able to administer a semi-automatic defibrillator, and assist patients with self-administered or administer emergency medications as described in state and local protocol. There are lab and clinical times where a student participates in simulated/actual patient assessment and care. There’s equipment and tools a first responder needs to feel comfortable and be competent in using and there are the quizzes, exams and coursework that needs to be completed along the way. If it sounds like a lot, it’s because it is a lot. Plus, keep in mind that most EMTs are completely volunteers. Some are hoping to work at a paid facility but will also support their local fire departments which are also volunteers.
This class/course and experience has been completely invigorating for me. In my personal life and even in my career I felt like I was on autopilot. I needed to challenge my brain and stimulate growth in areas that felt dormant. I have always loved learning and educating others either as a schoolteacher or a Certified Personal Trainer and this next chapter feels like a natural progression.
The EMTs who are teaching, demonstrating and encouraging us in this course are true heroes and humanitarians. They have dedicated so much of their lives for a somewhat thankless position, but it is their calling. Each one of our instructors has stories to tell and experiencing to learn from. They do this because maybe they can save a neighbor, friend or family member; if not their own, then somebody else’s. It is truly inspiring to watch them in action.
If you can see yourself as either a driver or EMT head over to your local fire department. Any one of the volunteers can guide you through the easy application process and get you headed on the right direction.
Be a part of a solution. You will be amazed at how in can fill your heart and soul.
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Kim Duke is a certified personal trainer and owner of Core Performance Fitness and Training, located at 55 Bristol Lane, Ellicottville, NY. Kim resides in Ellicottville where she raised her two sons, Zach and Nik. For more information about her studio visit her Facebook page, go to www.coreperformancefitness.com or call her directly at 716-698-1198.
