MARSHALL COUNTY AMBULANCE PUTTING ON FREE EMT TRAINING

    Marshall County Ambulance is calling on residents to join an effort that could save lives and strengthen rural emergency services. The organization is launching an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class early next year and is actively recruiting participants.
    “There is a desperate need for EMTs in Marshall County and across the state of South Dakota,” said Logan Roehr, Marshall County Paramedic and Emergency Management Director. “Completing this course not only provides individuals with life-saving skills but also ensures our rural communities have access to vital emergency medical care.”
    The course will run from January to May, with classes held twice weekly in the evenings for two to three hours. Sessions will be conducted in person, with a virtual option available via Zoom on a case-by-case basis. 
    Thanks to a grant from the South Dakota Department of Health, the class is free this year. The grant covers all equipment and required materials, waiving the usual cost of $700 to $1,000.
    Upon completing the course, participants will earn Basic Life Support CPR certification and be prepared to take the National Registry Cognitive Exam for EMT registration. Successful students must pay fees set by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for the cognitive test.
    Prospective students need access to a computer and internet, the ability to attend in-person sessions, and a commitment to giving back to their community. Participants must be at least 16 years old to enroll, though they must be 18 to sit for the national licensure exam.
    Marshall County Ambulance members are compensated for their service. Volunteers receive on-call pay, which increases during ambulance runs based on experience and the nature of the call.
    The course is open to Marshall County residents, with potential availability for participants from neighboring areas if space allows.
    For more information or to register, contact Logan Roehr at 605-448-2339 or Cason Dinger at 605-290-6391. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference and help ensure that rural communities have the emergency services they need.