By Nazih Hazime, Fire Chief
Verde Valley Fire District
Cottonwood AZ (August 20, 2016) – Verde Valley Fire District would like to congratulate Reserve Firefighter Heath Kuehne, Firefighter Pete Bailey, and Firefighter Jacob Marx for passing the 18 month EMT to Paramedic class that was offered by Northern Arizona Healthcare Education Department and Coconino Community College. All three attended class once a week from 8:30am to 5:30pm, which came out to 584 classroom hours.
They also had to complete a clinical/vehicular portion which consisted of 500 additional hours. These hours included working in Surgery, Intensive Card Units, Respiratory Therapy, Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, Pediatrics, and they rode along with approved paramedic-preceptors on ambulances and rescue units. Not to mention all the hours they spent studying.
What a great accomplishment! Great job Guys! We wish them luck as they now prepare to take the national registry test. Their accomplishment will add to our level of Medic skills we currently provide to our community.