When I got involved in this forum several years back, it inspired me to continue my education and make sure I was prepared for whatever the world threw at me. As part of that quest, I re-certified as an EMT and joined my local rescue squad. The experience has been valuable in so many ways.

I just wanted to let you all know that I was sworn in a few days ago as the newly elected Lieutenant of the Rescue Company.

I'm not posting this to boast (though I am proud of it!), but rather because you all were a big force behind my deciding to get involved in the first place, so I wanted to let you know, and say thanks.

I hope you all have a great 2012!

That's a nice accomplishment!

Can you tell us what certifications/courses/education were necessary for you to become an EMT and to get re-certified?

Thanks. Tim

Congratulations and now for the hard work.

As a lieutenant you are now a role model, it is one of many new responsibilities you now have as an officer. Not always an easy path considering the often encountered politics, but well worthwhile.

Your actions will serve as a role model for some of the newer members and demonstrate to the older members, that you can maintain the balance between tradition and purposeful change.

Pete

Congratulations!

Way to go Jesslep!

Bravo, Jesselp!! That is quite an achievement as well as public service.

Good luck!

Congratulations to you, Jesselp!

It had been a good 15 years since I had last been certified as an EMT, so I got to take the course over again from scratch. Truth is, most of the information is common sense, and I remembered a lot as well, so it was not difficult for me. It just took a lot of time.

Here in Nassau County, NY, the county EMS academy runs EMT-Basic courses several times a year. The course runs for six months, two nights a week, 7-10. You could also do a day course, but I have to earn a living so that didn't work for me! In addition to the classroom time, there was ten (I think) hours of time observing/helping out in the ER, and an extrication lab on a Saturday morning. I would assume the total time committment will not be terribly different anywhere else, as it's mostly a DOT mandated curriculum.

I have found serving as a volunteer to be a very rewarding, if occasionally very frustrating experience (people are involved, after all!). I would encourage everyone who is able.

Excellent! So glad for you!

You'll serve as inspiration for me. I want to get into EMS (was an Army medic previously).

Good job, keep us in mind at story telling time.