By: Ryan Duey

The Clay County Commission approved funding for three Clay County Emergency Medical Service (CCEMS) employees to start classes with the final goal of becoming full-time Paramedics. The employees will need to complete the required prerequisite classes before applying for Paramedic Classes.

Alec Trembath, CCEMS Director, said most of those who work there are AEMTs, which limits what they can do. So, adding Paramedics will add more people with expanded capabilities.

Through this approval by the Commission, the employees who complete Paramedic classes will be contracted to work for CCEMS for three years after certification.  Trembath said this is a great opportunity that is given to them by the County.

Trembath said the Paramedic Course is basically like an associate degree, with basic prerequisites needed also.  He said this course takes roughly two to two and a half years to complete.