Emergency Medical Services courses begin Aug. 18 at IVCC

Illinois Valley Community College has openings in its Emergency Medical Services courses this fall beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18.

The Emergency Medical Responder course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide immediate emergency medical care for life-threatening conditions until the arrival of other emergency medical services.

Police, firemen, industry, public service individuals and others who may be present at the scene of any medical condition will benefit from this course. Upon completion, students will meet the requirements for formal recognition by the State as a First Responder.

EMT Basic prepares students for the roles and responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician. Hands-on training in emergency medical care and equipment is provided. Students must be 18 years of age. Upon completion of the class with a final grade of 76 percent or above, students are eligible to take the National Registry Certification Exam.

Paramedic I covers advanced emergency care of the sick or injured person following the National Department of Transportation Guidelines and is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Areas of instruction includes Introduction to Paramedicine, pathophysiology, medication administration, advanced airway management, patient assessment, obstetrical and cardiac emergencies.

Students must be an EMT or Intermediate, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider and have a high school diploma or GED. Concurrent enrollment in Paramedic Practicum I is required.

“It takes a special type of person to work in the EMS field,” said program coordinator Nick Fish. “We’re proud of our students saving lives here in the Illinois Valley and in other communities.”

For information, contact Fish at (815) 224-0267 or nick_fish@ivcc.edu. Register at www.ivcc.edu/register or call 815-224-0447.