Barren-Metcalfe EMS launching EMT basic class

GLASGOW, Ky. – Emergency medical services are short staffed across the region and one local ambulance service is working to be a part of the solution.

Thursday morning, Barren County Judge-Executive Michael Hale and the executive director of the Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Medical Services, Joe Middleton, announced their second EMT basic class.

After the first class, which ultimately served as a test run, was a success, the decision was made to launch the program in full force, starting this semester.

“We currently have 18 students. There’s a mix of funding there for that tuition, some of those are private pay, some of that’s being supported by volunteer fire departments and some being funded through the workforce development program. So, it’s very exciting that we have this opportunity because we are training the people who are going to be applying for the positions here,” said Middleton.

Many ambulance services in the area are struggling to find enough workers and are short staffed, according to Hale.

“We have a shortage of EMTs. That affects the healthcare sector, which, there’s a lot of different jobs in healthcare and this is actually one that, in my opinion, is overlooked a lot of times,” said Hale.

The program will be held every semester from now on as long as students are show interest in the class.

“We’re taking local people that were born in Barren and Metcalfe County raised in Barren and Metcalfe County and developing a career path for them in an area that they would appreciate and enjoy,” said Middleton.

This is a big announcement as over the past handful of years similar classes around the region have been discontinued.

“They are the first line of defense for our emergency services, and we have to have a well-trained staff,” said Hale.

If you would like to participate in next semesters classes, you can contact Barren-Metcalfe EMS’ main office or keep an eye out on their Facebook page to find out when enrollment opens.

The class costs $1,500 and includes books, equipment and uniforms.