Longtime EMT and public information officer for the Nucla-Naturita Fire Department Jeff Stephens told the Forum last week there will be a preliminary class for anyone wishing to take the EMT class this fall. Anyone interested signing up should attend July 12 at 1 p.m. at the Nucla Fire Hall.
Stephens said he has to get an idea of who’s interested, and he needs to discuss the class with those that aim to take it. He cannot schedule dates and times until he’s discussed it with the group. And, he needs to let higher-ups know how many will be joining. Some of the numbers also have to do with funding for the class. Pueblo Community College offers the actual course, but it will be done through the Mancos campus.
The EMT class is based on the national registry’s curriculum, Stephens said. Some parts are online, and some are in-person, though even the web-based work is done in a group setting. Stephens said he prefers the online work to be done together at the Nucla Fire Hall, so he can check for understanding.
Stephens has been teaching this type of class for nearly 20 years.
“I enjoy the teaching part of it,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding.”
He said he can make Nucla’s EMT class flexible. Participants can do two days each week, or three to four days each week. He said it can be done in three to six months, but three months is more accurate. He’d like to start in September or October, and have completion by the time the new year begins.
With three EMTs for the department right now, Stephens would like to see more join.
Anyone at least 18 years of age can sign up. Though, in the past, some high school students who knew they’d be 18 by the time the certification happened have participated. Stephens said it looks good on a resume when someone volunteers in this way for their community. He said the EMT class is also good for anyone who wants to work in law enforcement, or as a firefighter, but it's great for anyone in any career to have taken the training.
“It’s about helping your fellow man and your community,” he said. “It’s for people of that mindset who want to help.”
Stephens would like to see at least five take the upcoming class; in the past he’s had as many as 12. He added it would be great to get someone from Paradox to do the EMT training. Currently, an older couple are covering Paradox, but it would be great to get some younger people trained too.
In other fire and EMS news, Stephens told the Forum it had been rather quiet last week. By July 3, he was growing a bit anxious. He said usually times of silence are followed by four or five calls at the same time.
And, leading up to the weekend, Nucla-Naturita crews were gearing up to make sure everyone was safe at Water Days and to perform the “cool down” in the Nucla Town Park. Volunteers set off the fireworks both nights, in Naturita on Friday, and in Nucla on Saturday.
Stage 1 fire restrictions were announced last week and started July 3. Stephens said the little rain that happened last week did help with some dampening, but the West End was projected to have very hot temperatures this week.
