Sixteen firefighters in the St. Thomas-St. John District began a specialized training this week in emergency medical technician courses. The training is in partnership with the Department of Health and EMS, according to a press release issued Thursday by the Virgin Islands Fire Service.
Acting Director Daryl A. George said, “This is an intense, four-month training program that will help improve our fire personnel’s skills as first responders – to help better prepare them to assist in the event of an emergency, and in the care of and medical treatment of victims and patients.”
As a joint venture of the VIFS, DOH and EMS, according to George, the effort is “a long-awaited activity that will strengthen and realize the importance of working together to address the needs of the community while improving each agency’s service in providing effective and efficient emergency responses.”
George also noted that this is a great achievement for the Fire Service, consistent with the missions of both agencies. “The Fire Service recognizes the importance of providing this training and will continue to work together with the support and cooperation of the Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Service Training Division to ensure that our members receive the proper training to carry out their duties.”
On St. Croix, a smaller class of firefighters began their four-month training class several months ago and is almost completed.
