SOUTHWICK—The Southwick Fire Department is hosting an EMT course this fall to help residents become certified EMTs.
Tyler Buscemi of Southwick Fire getting acclimated to the back of an ambulance. He is a firefighter taking this year’s EMT course.
The course costs $750 per student, and includes 198 hours of training, including classroom, online and hands-on training. The program is looking for Southwick residents, but is also open to nearby municipalities if the 30 seats do not fill up. The class begins Oct. 4 and ends Jan. 21.
The program is being run by Human Services Training Consultants from West Springfield but will be provided through the Southwick Fire Department, with all training happening at the department, as well as instructors coming from the department.
“We are going to be able to provide EMT training at our facility and it’s a great asset to have a class like this,” Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson said.
Anderson said that the program may help to improve the amount of EMTs the department has, as they continue to search for new members.
“This wouldn’t be a guarantee for a spot on Southwick Fire, but we would certainly consider them for a spot on the call force for the ambulance and it would give them the necessary credentials,” Anderson said.
Mike Marafuga, who is a Southwick EMT and emergency medical services coordinator for the department, as well as instructor for the course, said that participants can expect to learn a lot, as well as experience some unique instances.
Southwick fire truck.
“You’re going have lectures, practical, auto extrication class where they take people out of cars,” Marafuga said. “And we’re trying to get a car for Southwick Fire to rip apart.”
This training would be used to mimic what it would be like during a car accident, including people who are portraying injured patients and the obstacle of getting them out of the car when it is damaged.
The class will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as six Saturday classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Southwick Fire Department. People who are interested in signing up or who would like more information can contact the Southwick Fire Department at (413)569-6363.
