Fairfield University's University College to offer EMT course required for National Registry certification in Spring 2008 | Press Releases

For the first time, University College in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at Fairfield University offers the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Course in Spring 2008. The course runs from Wednesday, Jan. 16 through Saturday, May 3, 2008. This course meets education requirements established by the State of Connecticut and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and is requisite for EMT certification candidates who are compelled to pass the National Registry examination.

With a total of 130 hours of classes, this comprehensive EMT course meets the state requirement of instruction and practice necessary for registration for the two-part examination. Successful completion of the course and, by extension, the exam, ensures EMT certification through the National Registry in 30 participating states.

Areas of instruction covered through lectures and hands-on practice include: CPR, general pharmacology, respiratory, cardiovascular and OB/GYN emergencies, musculoskeletal, head and spine trauma, hazardous materials, ambulance operations, emergency medical techniques for children and scene safety. Frank Ficko, associate director of Public Safety on campus said recently, "The university resources are excellent for this training. Students who successfully complete this course will leave with all the tools needed for virtually any medical emergency situation."

According to the course instructor Joseph Laucella, a part-time officer of DPS and operations manager of Echo Hose Ambulance in Shelton, "There are so many professions in which EMT skills are valuable, for example, pre-med, physician assistant, law enforcement, fire fighters and volunteer service. Even the corporate world recognizes the importance of these capabilities."

The course meets Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the course is $495, including the textbook. There is the added value of 14.4 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU), offered at an additional charge.

In addition to his work at Fairfield University's DPS, Laucella is a Conn. State certified EMS-Instructor, American Heart Association CPR Instructor and a Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor. Several experienced colleagues from Echo Hose Ambulance and DPS will assist him in the practical applications of the course.

For more information or to receive a brochure, please phone (203) 254-4307 or visit www.fairfield.edu/uc. To register, please phone the University "Office of the Registrar" at (203) 254-4288.