INLET - Dave Berstresser will offer a Basic Emergency Medical Technician class in Old Forge Fire Hall Mondays and Thursdays starting Jan. 5 and running through May 17. To sign up call him at (315) 369-3546 or cell at (315) 369-8578.

Berstresser has been working in healthcare, in some form, for the last 30 years. The classes will run from 6-10 p.m. The fee for the class is paid by the New York State Department of Health as long as the student is a member of a fire department, rescue squad or ambulance service.

Students must be age 18 before the end of May. The class is sponsored by Faxton St. Luke’s HealthCare in Utica.

“When you are done with the class you will be able to treat and transport patients to the hospital in the back of an ambulance as part of the healthcare system,” Berstresser says.

The class will cover EMT basic certification as well as certifications in CPR and Automatic External Defibrillation. It will include 10 hours of ride time with an ambulance service somewhere in the Utica area and it is possible to schedule more ride time.

The class itself includes a lot of reading along with hands-on instruction in skills such as splinting, bleeding control, patient extrication, assessments and treatments, taking vital signs, reporting and documentation.

“The emergency services offered in Old Forge are some of the best in the state and an important facet of our community. It certainly isn’t for everybody, but it can be a gratifying experience and the knowledge gained will stay with you for a lifetime,” Berkstresser said.

Berkstresser has been a certified in instructor for over 20 years.

— M. Lisa Monroe