Maybe it’s the fourth time that’s a charm.
For the fourth time in the past four years, the Killingworth Ambulance Association has plans to offer an EMT class in the fall. That’s the good news. The bad is that the last three attempts at autumn instruction had to be canceled or postponed.
Nevertheless, instructors Mike and Marguerite Haaga will try it again this fall, with the first class beginning Monday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. at the KAA’s Route 81 headquarters. The course is expected to last three-and-a-half months, with instruction on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-10 p.m. and five Saturdays from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Mike Haaga is the KAA’s Chief of Service. Marguerite Haaga is its Vice President. Both are EMTs and have taught the class for over two decades. Instruction will include CPR, patient assessment and treatment. Protective facemasks are not required.
The last time the Haagas completed an EMT course was in the winter and spring of 2020. Originally scheduled to be held in September, 2019, it was postponed because of low enrollment and resumed in January of the following year.
Despite extraordinary circumstances that included protective facemasks, social distancing and one student who attended from Idaho via Zoom, the class was a success. Ten individuals participated, and eight became certified EMTs – including six who joined the Killingworth Ambulance Association.
COVID canceled the 2020 fall program, while a shortage of students erased last autumn’s course.
The class is six college credits and highly recommended for persons interested in pursuing medical careers.
“Not only is it a chance to help out the community,” said Marguerite Haaga, “it’s a good step toward something in the science, medical and nursing fields.”
For more information, please contact the Killingworth Ambulance Association at (860) 663-2450.