Votech targeting new students for EMT class
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The Upper Bucks Vo-Tech is piloting a new program to offer EMT certification to students who wouldn’t normally attend the school.
The semester-long course will likely start next month and is open to students from the Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown school districts, targeting seniors who aren’t already studying at the school, which is in Bedminster.
�It’s a service for students who can’t come out here all three years,� said David Warren, administrative director for the vo-tech’s 727 students.
Warren said students requested the course, and the vo-tech sees emergency medical technician training as a �high priority occupation. It carries over into a lot of different careers. There is such a need, not just in our community.�
The Upper Bucks community has experienced problems in the emergency medical field, culminating with two ambulance companies, Perkasie Community and Dublin Regional EMS, shutting down last year because of economic and management problems.
At a hearing before Bucks County Congressman Patrick Murphy ambulance officials said they face difficulties recruiting and retaining squad members and stressed the importance of educating the public about the service EMS provides.
Even hospital staffers could use some work in this area, as they often look at EMS providers as �pizza delivery men,� said Dr. Emil Matarese, director of the stroke center at St. Mary Medical Center in Middletown, at the June hearing.
DisplayAds (’Middle’);Students who take the vo-tech course will receive a minimum of 120 hours of training in medical emergencies, injuries, and other skills related to EMT duties. Upon completion of the course, students would be eligible to work as an EMT once they pass a state test.
The Bucks County Emergency Management Agency and Bucks County Community College are funding the $60,000 pilot program. The school has contracted with Safety Training Associates in Emmaus, Lehigh County, to provide instructors for the class, which will have as many as 15 students, said Warren.
About a dozen students are signed up. If space remains, the class would be open to adults, who would pay tuition. The cost has not yet been decided.
The vo-tech already runs an EMT class, but it’s only for students in law enforcement and health-careers program. The former are required to take the class, while it’s optional for the latter.
Warren said the school is hoping to expand the program next year and offer two semesters.
Hilary Bentman can be reached at (215) 538-6380 or hbentman@phillyBurbs.com.
