The Health Technology program at the Franklin County Technical School (FCTS)
in Turners Falls has implemented an exciting new emergency medical technician
(EMT) training program in collaboration with the Greenfield Community
College Division of Health Occupations and Baystate Health Ambulance. Five
senior
health technology students are participating in this 200 hour course. Students
are eligible for 6 college credits through GCC upon successful completion
of the course, as well as being prepared to sit for the practical exam
which would lead to certification as EMT-basic.
The course is being taught on site at the technical school by Sandy Mizula,
a paramedic with 30 years of experience in emergency medicine. The course
started in September, and will meet every other week 1 full day and 2 ˝ days
through March. Students receive extensive classroom instruction, as well
as practical training in such skills as CPR, first aid, use of a long board,
patient assessment, applying a cervical collar, and other aspects of pre-hospital/trauma
care.
In November, students involved in this program held a publicity
event where they demonstrated the skills they’ve learned in the course to
date. Baystate Health Ambulance, GCC and FCTS staff collaborated in the planning
and implementing of the demonstrations that covered care in accident situations,
cardiac emergencies and monitoring of vital signs.