Crafton Hills College recognizes ‘compassionate’ 2018 Fall EMT class

Publish Date: Dec. 21, 2018

A path to enter the emergency services field has been opened for 64 Crafton Hills College students after successfully completing the Yucaipa-based institute’s 2018 Fall Emergency Medical Technician certification program.

The program’s goal is to train students to perform basic life support measures in a pre-hospital setting. Successful completion of the program shows students have met program requirements needed to become an Emergency Medical Technician and opens the doors to take National Registry exams necessary for state certification, it continued.

Although students had a short time to take testing required during this term, six were able to, said program director Laurie Green.

“That’s a big deal for this class,” she said.

A graduation ceremony for the group took place on Dec. 12 with family, friends and CHC staff in attendance to recognize its hard work.

Program highlights included the awarding of the Keen Scholarship to student Alexander Scullin. The scholarship is typically given out each semester but may also be used to sponsor students moving forward with their studies in emergency services.

Each EMT class is composed of 60-80 students who show not only a strong compassion for the community it hopes to serve but can handle high-stress environments, Green said.

Completing the course is a pre-requisite for students to enter emergency services-based programs available at Crafton, including the college’s Fire Academy.

“I would say between 80-90 percent of students are using this for as a pathway for the fire community,” Green said. “It’s good exposure because it allows students to see what it is like to handle these kind of situations and make the decisions whether they want to (enter the field) or not.”

To learn more about the program, go to www.craftonhills.edu.