Paramedic, Downieville EMS Operations manager, and course instructor Tegan Harrington in front of his EMS vehicle at the Downieville Fire Station
DOWNIEVILLE — Paramedic and Downieville EMS Operations Manager Tegan Harrington is looking to put together an EMT certification course in Downieville. The course would run from January 6th through April 19th, with classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8:30 PM and some Saturdays from 11 AM – 7 PM at the Downieville High School in Room 5. The Sierra County School for Adults (SCSA) would oversee the course, with Harrington instructing.
Enrollment costs $345, significantly lower than most courses, which can be over $2,000. However, for SCSA to sanction the class, at least six students must enroll; otherwise, interested students will be directed to attend classes in Plumas County. Two students have already committed to the Downieville course, but four others must sign up as soon as possible, ideally by December 1st, to ensure it is held.
An EMT certification can lead to a wide range of opportunities in healthcare, including opening doors to becoming a paramedic and being a competitive candidate for nursing school and, potentially, medical school. The course is also an excellent opportunity to expand emergency service participation and knowledge in Sierra County.
In Sierra County, Downieville EMS is the only employer hiring full-time paramedics (two during the summer), but volunteer EMTs are paid $17-$20 an hour when responding to calls. Anyone can become more involved in volunteer fire and EMS by attending training. Downieville holds training every Thursday at 5:30 PM at the Downieville Community Hall, Sierra City at 6 PM on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Sand Shed, and Pike and Alleghany at 6 PM on Mondays at the Pike Fire Station.
The SCSA is the accrediting educational institution for the course, ensuring state and national standards are met. The organization takes advantage of grants from the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) and the Federal Work Improvement Opportunity Act (WIOA) to help reduce certification costs.
Students can sign up for the course by contacting Program Director Wendy Jackson at wjackson@spjusd.org (office phone 530-993-4953), then giving Harrington notice by emailing medic73@dvlfire.onmicrosoft.com.