Three First Care employees pass EMT exam
The single most important goal of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is to offer assurance that EMS personnel providing treatment to patients at their highest moment of need are competent.
EMS personnel are highly qualified experts who understand what is involved in treating patients in the out-of-hospital setting. They must follow specific requirements when delivering care for their patients because of the sensitive nature of the EMS profession and the level of trust placed on EMS personnel.
Three employees at First Care Medical Services recently passed the diffecult exam on the first try to become certified as Emergency Medical Technicians: Brook Johnson, Sarah Lee and Steve Rasmusson. They completed the 150-hour course during the months of January through March, committing three days a week for class. With their nationally certified registration, they are qualified to work in any state in the United States as an EMT.
"This is a difficult class to take and pass on the first try, and all three First Care employees passed the test the first time," said instructor Kreston Lane. "That's commendable." First Care Medical Services now has 21 employees who qualify as an EMT in one of three designations: Basic, Intermediate or Paramedic. Members of the emergency crews are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
Providing emergency medical services is a vital public service and access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates of those who experience sudden illness or injury.
Since 1970, when NREMT was founded, pre-hospital emergency medical care has continually evolved and improved. The EMT has been acknowledged as a bonafide member of the health care team. Excellent training programs have been developed and a vital focus has been placed on continuing education. National standards have been established. Ambulance equipment essentials have been set. National accreditation of paramedic programs has been achieved, and professional associations for the EMT have been organized.
The FCMS Foundation has committed to raising 25% ($20,000) of the cost of purchasing a replacement ambulance. The ambulance goes on over 500 transfers per year, and an estimated 350 of those are emergency situations. It is critical to the health of patients that the ambulance is reliable. For more information about the Foundation ambulance project, contact Eileen Hegg at (218) 435-7632, Mary Peterson at (218) 435-1133 or Mark Finstad, Foundation Chairman, at (218) 435-2265. You can also visit the Support First Care page of the website for more information.
For more information about the Emergency Services department at First Care Medical Services, contact Jim Aagenes at (218) 435-7690 or by email at jaagenes@firstcare.org. You can also get more information by going to the Emergency Services page in the Hospital Services section of the First Care Website.
First Care Medical Services is an equal opportunity provider and employer.