Several members of the Brownwood Fire Department and Lifeguard EMS graduated from an Advanced EMT class which began in April and finished up this month.
After participating in the class, completing required working hours of emergency service and having passed their practical exam, these men and women will face a National Registry Exam.Brownwood Fire Department Chief Del Albright stated that most major medical calls require more than the two people staffed in the ambulance and having firefighters trained helps aid the patient sooner. He explained that firefighters often arrive at a scene before an ambulance can (due to having multiple station locations) and begin basic lifesaving aid.
“As first responders, this (Advanced EMT training) is right in line for us in advanced lifesaving, having more than basic level care until the ambulance can arrive,” said Albright. “We first respond to help citizens get patient care in a timely manner.”
Chief Albright stated that he is very appreciative of the firefighters that signed up and completed the class. He explained that taking the class is strictly voluntary and that the men and women graduating worked as firemen and ambulance crew members while studying and attending many hours of classes.
“I really applaud the dedication for any of my personnel to expand their knowledge, further their career and serve the citizens,” said Albright. “The more they learn and know, it all benefits the citizens.”
Those graduating included John Hendrix (Valedictorian, pictured above), Don Dunavant (Salutatorian, pictured below), Russell Beimer, Connie Beloat, John Cadenhead, Tyler Chew, Jackie Crumley, Brent Holley, Ronnie McDonald, Justin Prince, Mari Rivera and Carlene Selman.
The class was co-sponsored by the Brownwood Fire Department and Lifeguard EMS in order to provide local training and advanced certification for local emergency medical staff. According Chief Albright, classes such as these are usually only available in larger cities such as San Angelo and Abilene. To bring the class to Brownwood enables the agencies to offer their employees advanced training without the expense of travel, meals and lodging. Albright explained that TSTC had offered classes such as this in the past, but after years of not being available locally, the college will soon again offer basic training.
