Westport EMS Needs Volunteers: EMS Certification Class Starts September 21st
Contributed photo Westport Volunteer EMSWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical ServiceContributed photoWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service (WVEMS) has opened registration for their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course beginning on September 21st. Space is limited and goes quickly. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including a vaccination mandate for all students.
The non-profit EMS organization’s volunteers continued to staff the town’s three ambulances throughout the pandemic - solidifying their dedication to the community - while nearly two years of missed classes has led to a decline in membership.
This highly-renowned course is taught by Westport Paramedic and EMS Instructor Rick Baumblatt, and will utilize cutting edge equipment and technologies in harmony with his over four decades of EMS experience.
High schoolers aged 14 and above are permitted to join the Westport EMS Youth Corps - a prestigious group of high school-aged members of the service that fosters leadership skills and prepares for possible future careers in medicine. Many Youth Corps members continue onto careers in the medical fields. Per State regulations, 14 and 15 year olds are permitted for EMR certification only, and can become EMT certified when they turn 16.
Contributed photo. Upon successful completion of the course and its testing, students will be eligible for state certification, allowing them to volunteer on Westport’s ambulances - saving lives in their community.
“Throughout the pandemic lockdowns, many neighbors actually reached out wondering when they could join us on the ambulances - as they had more time in their schedule and a passion to give back. This is your opportunity to join us in helping our community” says Crew Chief and Board Member Jaime Bairaktaris.
No prior experience or knowledge is necessary to take the course. Members come from many walks of life in our community; all enjoy the satisfaction of being able to save lives in their free time.
A full tuition reimbursement program is available to those who successfully complete the EMT course and go on to volunteer with WVEMS.
Those interested in obtaining additional details or applying should email the Westport EMS Training Division: training@westportems.org. Anyone interested in taking a CPR class or learning more about Westport Volunteer EMS should visit our website: westportems.org.