Emergency medical responder course offered

TEN SLEEP — The Ten Sleep Ambulance Service is offering a 70-hour course for emergency medical responders.

EMRs were formerly known as first responders, according to Ten Sleep EMT Becky Mills. Mills said the class is open to anyone 16 years and older. She said the course is good for firefighters, law enforcement officers, people who work outdoors or who live in remote areas.

The first class will be this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Ten Sleep High School English room.

Mills said the course likely will be held on Mondays and Thursdays.

“This is a good course for someone who is interested in becoming an EMT because they can learn some of the basics to see if it is something they want to pursue, she said.

The EMT course is longer and more detailed, Mills said.

According to study.com, an emergency medical responder is to be the first to arrive on the scene to assist victims until a paramedic or EMT arrives, so they must be skilled in assessing injuries, caring for immediate wounds, and even assisting in childbirth. The emergency medical responder was developed to address the lag between the time an accident happens and the arrival of an emergency medical technician.

According to study.com, which Mills said provides a good overview of the class, programs usually begin with a brief overview of the human body, as well as discussion of some of the legal and ethical issues of concern to first responders. Other topics covered in a certified first responder course generally include illness and injury, cardiac arrest, childbirth, patient assessment and oxygen administration.

Anyone interested may call Mills at 307-366-2488 for more information and for costs. The fee will cover cost of materials.