In an effort to increase numbers of Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) in rural areas, a training course will be offered starting next month.

Greene County Emergency Management Director Dennis Morlan says an internet-based, interactive EMT training class will be taught by instructors from Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines via the internet.  Participants can take the course from their own home, their fire departments or at Greene County Emergency Medical Services building in Jefferson.  There are also six Saturday “skills days” required where students will meet Mercy instructors and get hands-on experiences.  All Saturday portions will be held in a central location in Greene County.

Once the course is complete and participants pass the National Registry Skills Final and a written test on December 12th at Mercy Medical Center, they will be EMT certified.

Morlan states that Iowa law requires at least one licensed EMT must be on-hand to provide patient care with any responding EMS unit.  Churdan and Grand Junction are the only cities in the County that have rescue units in addition to Greene County EMS.  Churdan and Grand Junction each have four EMTs, but some of those don’t work in the community and more are needed to help handle situations in their fire protection districts.  Morlan notes that he also has openings for his EMS unit.  He says it’s a commitment to be an EMT, but one that’s needed to serve each community.

The cost for the class is $900.  Textbooks are $180, a background check is $90 and uniform shirts are $25.  Morlan adds that a grant through the Greene County Board of Supervisors will reimburse an individual once they pass the class.

The class starts on September 1st at 6pm and will be held every Tuesday through November.  For more information, contact Morlan at 386-4404.