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Decatur County Fire and Rescue is now accepting applications for their low-cost EMT class, with acceptance decisions being emailed by mid to late November. With the nation facing ongoing shortages of EMTs, Decatur County Fire and Rescue hopes to help find a solution. Tuition costs only $700, which covers the cost of instruction materials and uniforms. DCFR Assistant Chief Jamie Earp hopes it’s an affordable option for any adult wishing to gain more education or change direction in their present careers. 

Engineer Tyler Dalton said they’d seen students from all walks of life during previous semesters, “We want to give people an option, who maybe felt college wasn’t an option for them,” Dalton said.

Earp agreed, stating that the dire need for more qualified men and women in the field should concern everyone. 

With the cost of a college education rising, starting down the path of becoming a certified EMT can be a viable alternative for individuals looking for job stability and good prospects for career growth. “If people are fulfilling our needs in the workforce through the collegiate setting, then that’s great,” Earp said. “But, if they’re not and we can find an alternative then we want to do that.”

Students will receive 160 hours of intensive training in and out of the classroom. Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the National Registry test and ultimately be qualified to work in an ambulance.

Applicants should be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. The class begins January 17 and ends May 4, with dates tentative and subject to change. 

Emails of interest are to be sent to Engineer Tyler Dalton: tdalton@decaturcountyga.gov.