According to Chief Rich Lindsey, several of Cherokee County’s first responders recently completed an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course. EMR is a course designed to teach first responders proper techniques in providing pre-hospital care for medical emergencies. The class was taught through East Alabama Emergency Medical Services, Inc. and was taught by local paramedics. Classes were held in the new training / meeting room at McCord’s Fire Department Station #2.

The course consisted of 48 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction. Participants covered topics such as the human body, patient assessment, lifting and moving patients, medical and trauma emergencies, CPR and AED usage, respiratory emergencies, spinal and bone fracture immobilization, legal and ethical issues, and EMS operations.

Sixteen students completed the course. They included representatives from McCord’s Fire Department (MFD), Spring Creek Fire Department (SCFD), Gaylesville Fire Department (GFD), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office (CCDA).

Chief Lindsey said, “I believe this class will truly enhance the medical services provided to the community by the agencies involved.” He went on to say that he would like to thank all of those who made the class a success.