Mitchell announces combined fire/EMT course
Mitchell Community College will hold a combined Basic Firefighting Certification and Emergency Medical Technician Certification Class in fall 2018. Students can earn the certifications to begin a career in firefighting in a single semester.
Medical responses make up 70–80% of most U.S. fire department responses, and as such, it is critical for firefighters to be cross-trained. Combined fire and EMT certifications increase an individual’s employability potential. Growth in the firefighter profession is projected at 7% in the near future. “There is a misconception that a firefighter must be a big and strong person,” said Mitchell’s Director of Public Safety, David Bullins. “The reality is that firefighters simply need to be fitness minded, health conscious and have a desire to serve their communities.” Firefighters typically begin their careers with salaries in the $30,000 – 35,000 range. As firefighters obtain advanced certifications, formal education and move up in the ranks, so does salary. Firefighter schedules are often one day on, two days off. Both Statesville and Mooresville fire departments currently have positions open.
The combined Basic Firefighting Certification and Emergency Medical Technician Certification Class will run 8/13/18– 12/15/18 (Fire: 8/13/18–10/12/18, EMT: 10/15/–12/15/18). Fire classes will be held 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Each student will receive approximately 500 hours of basic firefighter training. No experience is necessary. The combined class will also prepare students for the NC EMT Certification Exam. EMT classes will be held 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday for a total of 200 hours of training.
Firefighters certainly fight fires but they also teach fire safety in the community, train daily, assure water distribution system functions properly, responds to rescue calls such as confined space, trench collapse, and hazardous materials. Firefighters work in a team environment and most feel their firefighting crews are their extended families. Firefighters spend 24 hours at a time with their peers and quite often spend their off time together with their families. To learn more about this unique opportunity to jumpstart your career as a firefighter, contact David Bullins at (704) 978-5446 or dbullins@mitchellcc.edu.