{"id":130325,"date":"2023-07-05T15:36:43","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T20:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=130325"},"modified":"2023-07-05T15:36:46","modified_gmt":"2023-07-05T20:36:46","slug":"lafayette-county-firefighters-earn-emergency-medical-technician-certification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/lafayette-county-firefighters-earn-emergency-medical-technician-certification\/","title":{"rendered":"Lafayette County Firefighters Earn Emergency Medical Technician Certification"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

All full-time firefighters in Lafayette County are now EMT-certified, enhancing their emergency response to the community.<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this year, all Lafayette County<\/strong> full-time firefighters became equipped with crucial life-saving skills by obtaining their EMT <\/strong>(Emergency Medical Technician<\/strong>) certifications. To Lafayette County Fire Chief<\/strong> Wes Anderson<\/strong>, this decision just made sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLast year, we received 1,919 calls, and the vast majority of those were EMS calls,\u201d said Anderson. \u201cSo it was very important to have everybody medically trained.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the full-time firefighters, each holds at minimum an EMT-B or basic certification, though several have completed the advanced level of qualifications, earning an EMT-A certification. A few firefighters also serve with full paramedic status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Response Capabilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEMTs are really trained to assess, identify and treat major life threats,\u201d said Lafayette County Assistant Chief of EMS<\/strong> Toby Lafayette<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From treating excessive bleeding with tourniquets to administering EpiPens for allergic reactions, Lafayette County firefighters can provide immediate medical aid when needed, minimizing the impact of critical situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a resident in trouble, having firefighters on the scene quickly can be life-changing. \u201cWe\u2019re an all-hazards department. We\u2019re here to help in any aspect of community health, safety and welfare,\u201d said Anderson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ongoing Training and Commitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Firefighters take a 160-hour, semester-long course that involves lectures, skills training and clinical hours to receive their EMT certification. After that, they take a skills test, which, if they pass, allows them to take the National Registry of EMT<\/strong>s test.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once registered, firefighters can start practicing, but that doesn\u2019t mean their training is over. Every two years, firefighters must complete 40 hours of continuing education to recertify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, EMT training was conducted at a community college. Now, firefighters are able to learn these crucial medical skills in-house through the Mississippi Fire Academy<\/strong>. In June, 10 firefighters completed their training. The next class is set to begin in August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working Hand-in-Hand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because fire stations are strategically placed around the county, Lafayette explained, it\u2019s common for firefighters to arrive at a medical situation before an ambulance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can start treatment when we get there,\u201d Lafayette said, \u201cand when EMS gets on the scene, we can help them with anything they need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close working relationship between Lafayette County\u2019s fire and medical services means they can work seamlessly alongside each other, fostering an integrated and efficient response to emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhether it\u2019s a wreck, heart attack, or stomach pains, firefighters, and EMS work hand-in-hand together,\u201d said Anderson.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anderson believes EMT certification is the future for firefighting around the state and country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNationwide, this wave has already come through, and Mississippi is now on board. I foresee the state of Mississippi, our department and neighboring departments to have more advancement in EMS care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By investing in the continuing education of their firefighters, Lafayette County\u2019s emergency services remain at the forefront of emergency response, bolstering safety and protection for the community they serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re trying to do everything we can to help the community in any way possible,\u201d said Anderson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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