By Alan Sorensen
The Havre Fire and Ambulance Department hosted a 44-hour First Responder course for the city and county from May 10 through June 11. The course was taught from 7 to 10 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and consisted of 20 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of hands-on practicals.
Seven modules made up the course: preparatory, airway, patient assessment, circulation, infants and children, and EMS operations. After completing the course, students took a written and practical CPR professional test: a 70-question state test and five practical stations dealing with different emergency situations.
The students did an excellent job, Assistant Havre Fire Chief Craig Ellingson said. I am very impressed how dedicated they were in learning their new skills to serve the Havre and Hill County area.
We, the Havre and Hill County area residents need to congratulate and be proud of the following new First Responders.
Students passing the course were: Gabe Matosich, Havre Police Department; Bobbi Langel, Rudyard Ambulance; Heather Wolery, Rudyard Ambulance; Cory Heinzeroth, Rudyard Ambulance; Jim Miller, Rudyard Ambulance; Ryan Sorensen, Havre; Joe Lamphier, Havre; Randy Jones, Havre; Darlene Miller, Havre; Pat Jurenka, Havre; and Josh Granell, Havre.
Ellingson said he owed thanks to the Havre Fire Department EMTs who helped teach the course. He also offered special thank yous to: Mary Vanbuskirk, who taught the class on legal issues; Dr. David Rydell, who taught the class on medical emergencies; and Janet Trethewey, who taught the class child birth.
During the same time, the Havre Police Department held a 16-hour First Responder refresher course. Officer Earl Campbell, an emergency medical technician with the HPD and an EMT state and national certified training coordinator, helped with the class.
Police officers whose First Responder licenses were recertified were: Lt. Mike Barthel, Sgt. Stan Martin, Sgt. Russell Ostwalt, Sgt. Randy Robinson, Sr. Patrolman Tim Evens, Sr. Patrolman Shane Huston, Sr. Patrolman Jerry Nystrom, and Patrolman Shawn Ostberg.
Again, we all need to be thankful for all the First Responders who serve the Havre and Hill County area, Ellingson said.
