Fentress To Bring Back Emergency Medical Responder Training

Fentress County looking to bring back Emergency Medical Responder courses.

Fire Chief Larry Cooper said the course helps to prepare those in the community to aid in emergency medical situations until EMS professionals can arrive.

“We’ve got several areas in the county that if EMS gets a call they could be 25-plus minutes from that area,” Cooper said. “And if we have an EMR in that area, they can get there, assess the situation, and if CPR is needed, then they know they’re trained.”

Cooper said the county used to offer these types of courses, but stopped after interest and participation dwindled. He said the first course will enroll 12 participants in the program. Cooper said they have many more than 12 people who have expressed interest, including several firefighters.

The County Commission approved some $20,000 of American Rescue Plan funding to help cover the cost. Cooper said participants will pay for the cost of the books and training upfront and will be reimbursed once they complete the program and become certified.

“It’s not to the EMT level but it gives them the knowledge to be able to tell the EMS crew what they have, what the situation is like,” Cooper said. “And that gives them a little bit of knowledge to know what they got when they get there.”

Cooper said the specific date of the class is yet to be determined. He said that decision will likely come after the first of the year.