For the third consecutive autumn, the Killingworth Ambulance Association will offer a four-month EMT class – this one running from Aug. 26 to December 14.

The course is open to anyone who turns 16 by Dec. 14, though students under the age of 18 must have their parents’ consent. Classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays, 6-10 p.m., as well as five Saturdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m, and the cost is $1,000.

But that fee can be reimbursed. If class graduates are active members with the KAA for six months, half of the money is returned. If they remain with the KAA for an entire year, they recoup the entire sum.

This year’s course is the third autumn class since COVID canceled the 2020 fall program, and a shortage of students erased the 2021 course. The KAA, which responded to an annual record of 562 calls in 2023, currently has a roster of 20 active EMTs.

“From our aspect,” said Mike Haaga, the KAA’s Chief of Service who has taught the class with wife Marguerite for over 20 years, “we need more volunteer techs. That’s why we do this. One-thousand dollars is a very reasonable cost, compared to a lot of the other classes out there. So we do this, not for monetary gain; but to get more techs into Killingworth.”

And that has happened. A year ago, the Haagas had nine students in their fall class. Now, two of the graduates, Jenn and Brian Carroll, are active EMTs with the ambulance association. Furthermore, four of five graduates from the Class of 2023 went on to serve with the KAA.

“We want to bring in more volunteers,” said Marguerite Haaga, vice president of the KAA. “That’s what it comes down to. This is all about giving back to the community, so I like to see our students succeed.”

Worth six college credits, the course is highly recommended for persons interested in pursuing medical careers.

For more information, please contact the Killingworth Ambulance Association at (860) 663-2450.