For the last several weeks a number of Cherokee County First Responders have been working to receive certification aimed at helping them to better serve the residents of Cherokee County.

Andy Fairel, who is the Captain of Operations at Floyd Cherokee EMS told WEIS Radio News that the class finished with a total of 23 students from multiple departments throughout the county. Floyd EMS Paramedic Broderick Smith served as the lead instructor for the 45 hour classroom course.

Training included bleeding control, bandage and splinting, oxygen administration, patient assessment and other topics. On Monday night those that completed the course were presented with ‘jump kits’ by Floyd EMS. Those kits include basic first aid items and assessment equipment.

Fairel said that he was very impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the Firefighters and First Responders in Cherokee County and expressed what a privilege it was for Floyd to be able to play a small part in the overall big picture of public safety in the community.

These dedicated men and women gave up numerous hours of their personal time in order to continue their education and training in making sure that the citizens of Cherokee County receive critical care in those minutes prior to the arrival of Paramedics which is often times crucial.

The class was sponsored by the Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, Floyd EMS and the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency.