(Guthrie Center) A group of firefighters are developing a Guthrie County First Responders Association.
Levi Johnson, spokesman for the Association, says the main goal is to allow firefighters to respond to medical calls, boost EMS, and provide general patient care throughout Guthrie County.
Levi Johnson, Spokesperson of Panora EMS, said initially, it would be challenging to spark interest and get the association up. One of the ways they can draw interest in the association is by hosting a free EMT Class next spring.
The goal is to partner with DMCC to put on the classes annually. Currently, there is enough funding for fifteen EMT students. The group is in the process of becoming a 501c (3) non-profit to continue to fundraise.
He says they currently have seven firefighters signed up for the EMT class. The class is 60 hours in the classroom and 60 more hours of on-the-ground training.
Johnson says they hope to use all local paramedics to teach the skills. There will be five different places to take the class throughout the County.
