Education

The Blacklick Valley Foundation and Ambulance Service (BVFAS) staffs its ambulances with crews comprised of Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics (EMT-P). 

 

    EMRs receive approximately 48-52 hours of classroom and practical training in an approved EMS educational training center.  EMR’s provide immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the emergency medical services system. EMRs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response.

 

EMTs receive approximately 150-200 hours of classroom and practical training in an approved EMS educational training center and are certified to provide care at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level. EMTs can perform patient assessment, CPR, apply splints and bandages, administer oxygen, and assist in childbirth.

 

Paramedics receive 1,000-1,200 hours of training, in the classroom, hospital units, and as an intern in the field. Paramedics provide care at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level under the authorization of a physician. Paramedics can perform advanced patient assessment, interpret heart rhythms on an EKG monitor, initiate IV access for fluids and medications, insert breathing tubes, and administer various medications.

 

Prior to being permitted to ride on our ambulances, all EMTs and paramedics receive a thorough evaluation of their clinical knowledge and skills as part of our orientation process. As mandated by the State of Pennsylvania, all active EMS personnel are required to meet continuing education (con-ed) requirements to maintain their level of certification. BVFAS offers our members various educational opportunities for maintaining either their EMT or Paramedic certifications. EMTs are required to obtain 24 con-ed credits within 3 years to maintain their certification. Paramedics are required to maintain 18 hours of con-ed a year to maintain medical command status. Paramedics are also required to maintain Basic Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support. These classes can be attended internally through our in-house training program, or taken externally at another training center.

 

Community Education

 

BVFAS also provides education and training to various groups within our community. We regularly teach first aid and CPR classes to police officers, firefighters, Boy Scout troops, and other groups within our community. We are also frequently asked to speak to community meetings, where we provide information on the EMS system and pertinent topics (such as injury/illness prevention).

 

Every other year during National Emergency Medical Services Week (EMS Week), we invite the members of our community to an open house at our main station. We also invite other emergency responders and community health and safety organizations to participate. The goal is to educate the community about the various resources that are available to them in their community to help keep them safe and healthy.

 

 

If you would like to request training for first aid, CPR, or to request a speaker for your group, please contact us at; 814 749-7332

 

Become a Member?

Please call us at:
814 749-7332 814 749-7332 or fill out our contact form.

Connect with us on Facebook to learn about upcoming events. @BVFAS