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.

The group completed their Emergency Medical Responder training on Thursday night.

Broderick Smith with Floyd Cherokee EMS served as the lead instructor for the classroom course. He told us that the class finished with a total of 15 students from multiple departments throughout the county including Leesburg, Centre, Spring Creek, Sand Rock, Gaylesville, Cedar Bluff and Spring Garden.

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

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.