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Fla. county FD graduates paramedics in 6-month accelerated course

Lake County Fire Rescue and First Response Training Group graduated 16 firefighters from an accelerated paramedic program

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Sixteen Lake County Fire Rescue EMTs were pulled from the field to participate in the department’s first six-month in-house paramedic program.

Lake County Fire Rescue/Facebook

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County Fire Rescue, in partnership with First Response Training Group, launched its first in-house accelerated paramedic program — a six-month course that lets firefighters earn their certification without leaving the community.

WFTV reported that the inaugural class — 16 EMTs pulled from field duty — completed an intensive six-month program that included classroom instruction, skills labs, and clinical and field rotations. The program was designed to meet competency standards set by both Lake County Fire Rescue and First Response Training Group.

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“This program is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together for the greater good,” Lake County Fire Rescue Chief Kilbury said.

All 16 students received their certificates on Aug. 8, qualifying them to deliver advanced life-saving care to Lake County residents. Lake County Fire Rescue and First Response Training Group are already planning additional courses to further strengthen the county’s EMS ranks.

Chief Kilbury called the new paramedics “the future of emergency medical services here,” adding that the partnership will keep elevating the community’s response capability.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.