Effort to Address Volunteer EMS Shortage
Tompkins Cortland Community College will offer a Certified First Responder course this fall at its campus in Dryden. The course is designed for all emergency response personnel, and is being made possible with support from Tompkins County.
In response to a shortage of volunteer Emergency Medical Services personnel, and at the request of the Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG), a Fire and EMS task force was convened in 2017. Based on the needs identified by that group, the Tompkins County Legislature approved $25,000 in funding to help support this initiative.
“First Responders are typically the first individuals on the scene to perform initial patient assessment and treatment while using a limited amount of medical equipment,” said course instructor and coordinator Lee Price. “This course will provide the knowledge and skills to successfully recognize the seriousness of a patient’s condition or extent of their injuries and provide initial treatment as necessary.”
The course is limited to 24 students. Classes will be held twice a week beginning August 22nd, concluding in December with both a New York State Practical Skills Exam and a New York State Written Certification Exam.
“We are pleased to partner with TC3 on this CFR course,” said Brian Robison, Director of Emergency Response for Tompkins County. “It’s an opportunity for first responders in our area to receive this training at no cost to them and without having to travel far distances.”
The $260 cost for each participant is reimbursed by the state, as long as the participant is affiliated with a fire or EMS agency.
“It’s hoped that by offering this course in Tompkins County, it will help overcome an obstacle that has discouraged people from volunteering for emergency medical services,” added Robison.
Those individuals interested in registering for the program can contact BIZ at Tompkins Cortland Community College, 607-844-6586 or email BIZ@tompkinscortland.edu