Junior EMT program begins in Dumont: Ambulance crew sees renewed community interest

The Dumont city council recently approved a Junior EMT program allowing students who have completed the high school EMT program to join the ambulance crew as Junior EMTs, as the crew gains new members and works to spark renewed interest in the community.
     There are three students who live in Dumont at present who are about to complete the high school EMT program, but under state law students cannot take the test to earn their certification until they are 18. Ambulance crew chief Pam LaRue expressed concern that without the opportunity to become involved in the service, youth could lose interest and lose the skills and knowledge to pass the test in the interim.
     “If we make a Junior position on our service for them, they are able to keep up the skills they have learned and keep the knowledge fresh,” said LaRue. “My goal would be by the time they are able to test out, we will only have to pay their testing fee, much cheaper than paying for a whole class.”
     She sees benefits in the program for both youth and the community. Youth will have the opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership skills, while the city will hopefully gain future EMS volunteers.
 
Read more in the April 26 edition of the Tribune-Journal.