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Show 4t i ! Errel Rlggs checks back through early records of Garfield County to obtain background for writing a history of Hatch, Asav and Hillsdale. Persons who have background and other Information are Invited to contact Mrs. Riggs. participate. EMT Course Planned For Garfield Plans are being initiated locally for having a second Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training course in the winter of 1978 in Tropic for all of Garfield County. James Hendrickson, state director of emergency medical services, has said candidly that because of Garfield County's poor attendance at a first course in 1976, plans had not been made to include it on the July 1, 1977, to June 30, 1978, agenda, but if at least 40 tentative applications for such a course could be received in his office by May 4, the request for such a course would be honored, honored. Applications are being handled in each of the major areas of Garfield County by the following: Don Mosier 826-4628 for Boulder-Escalante; Lowell Mecham 679-8728 for Bryce Valley area; Jerry LeFevre 676-2748 for Boulder-Escalante; Lowell Mecham 679-8728 for Bryce Valley area; Jerry LeFevre 676-2248 and Garfield Memorial Clinic 676-8842 for Panguitch; and Bill Duckett 735-4265 for Hatch. It is hoped that the communities most isolated from the hospital in Panguitch will demonstrate a good response. Those individuals most involved with the park and forest service, highway department, school, high risk industry such as timber and mill, and community service organization such as posse and Lions' Club are especially encouraged as well. This application is not binding; however, it will show Mr. Hendrickson and the state that Garfield County is interested in its emergency services and organizing locally. If the state comes through with a course in January, February, or March in Tropic, there should be no reason that the many potential course participants will be disappointed by the time of year or location as when it was last offered, conflicting with seasonal work and fishing trips. EMT is the official title earned after 60 hours of study, demonstrations, slides and talks by EMT instructors and physicians. An exam if passed at the completion of the course qualifies one for the national registry in operation of ambulances for life support. By Utah State law after January 1, 1977, all ambulance personnel had to be certified EMT's. Some of your fellow citizens currently doing voluntary EMT work for you include Henry and Naomi Bolton, Lloyd Meacham in Escalante; Tom Jackson and Vicky Ahlstrom in Tropic; Jim Hannah, Ed Garrett, in Bryce Canyon; Flora Wright, George Whiting, and Karen Breinholt and Imogene Killian in Panguitch. Any of these will be happy to explain their work and training to those interested. A simple comparison with neighboring counties points up how a large rural county like Garfield is lagging behind in this vital area of medical services. For example, Piute County has 14 EMT's, Wayne County 18 EMT's, Sevier 84 EMT's; Cedar City, Kanab, Beaver have all had this course previously with the maximum 40 people attending. Amazingly Garfield County in spite of such well-developed ambulance and emergency systems around it has only 11 EMT's almost all graduates of the 1976 course, providing the emergency care for the largest county by area. This is a very competitive program and there is a 2-3 year waiting list around the state so by a good show of tentative applications and early planning Garfield County can assert itself for a favorable course time. For those interested four college credits can be obtained. There is a tuition charge which the county commission in almost all other counties has subsidized. By paying tuition these county commissioners and town governments demonstrated their commitment to their citizens volunteering of their time to take this vital training. This is an exciting opportunity to give some of yourself to your local community and get something in return. If you are interested contact you local representative as soon as possible. |