Fourteen citizens recently successfully completed the Emergency Medical First Responder Course to be a part of the Medical First Responder System in Oconee County.  The 80-hour course included 24 hours of clinical experience on an ambulance, which allowed the students to apply what they had learned in class and use it on the emergency scene under the supervision of the paramedics of National EMS. 

The Medical First Responder Course, which also provides each student with a Jump Kit and Safety Vest, was funded through National EMS by a grant from the Georgia Trauma Commission and Georgia Association of EMS.  The class was taught by Lead Instructor Glenn Henry with assistance from instructors Ben Ewing, Lisa Henry, Don Pruitt, and Len DeRamus.

The new Oconee County Fire Rescue Medical First Responders are Meagan Bond, Melissa Chirello, Ben Daniel, Drew Grier, Dustin Gurley, Anah Hutchins, Wes Hutto, Chris Mengak, Lauren Minter, Andrew Petersen, Lauren Rodriguez, Cathy Willoughby, Zack Wright, and Oconee Sheriff’s Deputy Byron Smith

 “We are very proud of these newvolunteers, who took time away from family and friends to attend this course” stated Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton.  “Over 56% of the 168 Volunteers with Oconee County Fire Rescue are now trained to respond to medical emergencies in the County whenever the need arises.”

Those interested in volunteering with Oconee County Fire Rescue can contact Chief Thaxton at 706-769-3975.