Decatur County Fire will offer free EMT training; How to register

• This is a free EMT training course.
• The program begins Jan. 14, but due to the limited number of classes, the fire department encourages those interested to register now.
• Watch the story to understand why firefighters view this as a reward to the community.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

This is an opportunity to help keep neighbors safe in the event of an emergency.

“Lucky for someone who says I want to do something for my family…I want to serve my community,” said Senior EMT Instructor Tyler Dalton.

Track the need for paramedics in the community and how leaders here are working to train more people.

Tyler Dalton works as an engineer for the Decatur County Fire and Rescue Department, but on a biannual basis he is better known as…

“A senior EMT instructor,” according to Dalton.

Dalton is part of the county fire department’s EMT training program.

This is a program that meets an ongoing need, according to the Georgia EMT Association, which reports a statewide EMT shortage.

“As a county, we are currently understaffed,” said Jaimie Earp, deputy fire chief and EMT program director.

The program is funded by grants and county assistance.

Earp said the tuition-free program is offered by the department as a reward to the community.

“Give them a level of training that allows them to protect and serve. I think you’re doing them a service,” Earp said.

Participants must pay for their own books, medications, and background tests.

Interested individuals must be 18 years old, have a GED or high school diploma, pass a drug test and background check.

Dalton says those looking for a career change tend to sign up.

“We’ve had people come up to us and say…I’m doing this class because of my kids. I wanted to show my kids that there’s another option,” Dalton said.

Anyone interested in the course is asked to contact the Decatur County Fire and Rescue Department for more information. You can fill out their survey here.