Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I took the course at Georgetown recently (information here: http://georgetownems.org/training/emt-class/) and it was a terrific experience...

Thanks! I (Not OP) have been looking for an EMT class in the area. I hope to get a job as a ski patrol, and many require EMT training.

Check your local community college for an EMT-B class. That's where I took mine.

From there, you can do a short course to update to an EMT-Wilderness or add Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder to it. NOLS is a reputable company that does that. They offer classes through REI at some stores.

Oh. Come to Montgomery. New training facility opening up in July and they run EMT schools about 4 times per year...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you do it through the fire department, it's a huge time commitment: at least two nights per week, plus one weekend day for training (that lasts six months), plus one overnight ride-along shift per week, plus a monthly department meeting (on a weeknight) plus a bingo shift or two every month (some departments don't have bingo, but there may be other fundraising obligations).

Are you in Montgomery County? It depends on the Station. I am a member at a "ruralish" Station and no over-nights, bingo, drills, meeting etc are required. Essentially, just show up when you want unless you want to meet the LOSAP minimums for the tax and other benefits....

Nope. Fairfax County.

Anonymous wrote:If you do it through the fire department, it's a huge time commitment: at least two nights per week, plus one weekend day for training (that lasts six months), plus one overnight ride-along shift per week, plus a monthly department meeting (on a weeknight) plus a bingo shift or two every month (some departments don't have bingo, but there may be other fundraising obligations).

Are you in Montgomery County? It depends on the Station. I am a member at a "ruralish" Station and no over-nights, bingo, drills, meeting etc are required. Essentially, just show up when you want unless you want to meet the LOSAP minimums for the tax and other benefits....

Anonymous wrote:Please check out carefully whatever place is offering the course. I have a friend in her twenties who has been scammed twice on EMT courses.

Well I was considering going through the fire department near me as a volunteer EMT.

Anonymous wrote:I took the course at Georgetown recently (information here: http://georgetownems.org/training/emt-class/) and it was a terrific experience...

Thanks! I (Not OP) have been looking for an EMT class in the area. I hope to get a job as a ski patrol, and many require EMT training.

If you do it through the fire department, it's a huge time commitment: at least two nights per week, plus one weekend day for training (that lasts six months), plus one overnight ride-along shift per week, plus a monthly department meeting (on a weeknight) plus a bingo shift or two every month (some departments don't have bingo, but there may be other fundraising obligations).

I have been wanting to do this forever, but just haven't pulled the plug to do it. I work FT and DH has a job with unpredictability, so I don't feel as though I can volunteer with the local rescue squad/fire house (which I would love.)

You should absolutely do this! I took the course at Georgetown recently (information here: http://georgetownems.org/training/emt-class/) and it was a terrific experience. The other students were about 50/50 Georgetown undergrads and just people in the neighborhood. It was comprehensive, interesting, and just generally really well done. I haven't had any opportunity to use the skills I learned (haven't worked as an EMT or anything), but I like having the basic knowledge.

Fire stations also offer courses, and they usually come with a lot more practical time, but there's often a commitment to serve as a volunteer afterward. If you're worried about the cost, this is definitely the cheaper route to take.

Please check out carefully whatever place is offering the course. I have a friend in her twenties who has been scammed twice on EMT courses.

Ok.

Where are you looking to take this training?

Thinking about taking a basic class. To get me out of the house, learn something new. Possible job farther in the future but not for income. I like how there are different levels of training I could get one day at my own pace, learn some useful lifesavig skills which may come in handy as a mom and just in general.