April 25, 2024
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IVCC’s Ottawa Center hosts critical EMS courses

8 area fire and ambulance members attend Ottawa Center’s program

By Shaw Local News Network
Illinois Valley Community College EMS instructor Nick Fish (left) with students Tyler Walsh, Dylan Kimak and Brady Mitchell put on gloves prior to starting an intravenous line.

Illinois Valley Community College EMS instructor Nick Fish (left) with students Tyler Walsh, Dylan Kimak and Brady Mitchell put on gloves prior to starting an intravenous line. (Photo provided by Fran Brolley)

Illinois Valley Community College is addressing a critical community need by producing Emergency Medical Service professionals through courses at its Ottawa Center at 321 W. Main St. There are eight area fire and ambulance members in Ottawa Center’s program.

“Ottawa Center’s program is an example of the college helping create an EMS workforce for Ottawa and other area departments,” said Ottawa Fire Chief Brian Bressner.

Illinois Valley Community College EMS student Tyler Walsh starts an IV on a training arm.

Illinois Valley Community College EMS student Tyler Walsh starts an IV on a training arm. (Photo provided by Fran Brolley)

Bressner credited IVCC President Jerry Corcoran for listening to Ottawa’s needs and EMS instructor Nick Fish for partnering with the city and fire department to develop a much-needed paramedic program.

“IVCC took the initiative to develop the program, brought it to Ottawa Center and accelerated the timeline for getting high-quality paramedics into the field,” said Bressner.

Paramedics are the most highly-trained of all Emergency Medical Technicians. Paramedics take charge in emergencies and perform life-saving procedures while transporting patients to hospitals.

IVCC’s paramedic program can be completed in three consecutive semesters: fall, spring and summer. Graduates receive the paramedic certificate and qualify to take the National Registry of EMT’s Paramedic Exam.

To enroll in the program, you must be licensed as an EMT basic or intermediate, said Ottawa Center Administrator Jeannette Phalen.

For information about the EMS program, contact Fish at 815-224-0267; for Ottawa Center information, contact Phalen at 815-224-0800 or email Jeannette_phalen@ivcc.edu.

Illinois Valley Community College EMS student Clayton Wellenreiter practices starting IVs on a practice pad.

Illinois Valley Community College EMS student Clayton Wellenreiter practices starting IVs on a practice pad. (Photo provided by Fran Brolley)

Area fire and ambulance personnel in the Illinois Valley Community College paramedic program at Ottawa Center are (from left) Clayton Wellenreiter, Tristen Beck, Caleb Beck, instructor Nick Fish, Tyler Walsh, Brady Mitchell, Brandon Bice, Dylan Kimak and Lauren Bangert.

Area fire and ambulance personnel in the Illinois Valley Community College paramedic program at Ottawa Center are (from left) Clayton Wellenreiter, Tristen Beck, Caleb Beck, instructor Nick Fish, Tyler Walsh, Brady Mitchell, Brandon Bice, Dylan Kimak and Lauren Bangert. (Photo provided by Fran Brolley)