The training, which started on Monday at the Kagman Community Center, is the first of its kind held on Saipan, and will allow participants to get EMT national certification.
David Boer, program director of the Sanford School of Medicine from the University of South Dakota, told the Variety in a telephone interview that the training will further sharpen the skills of the participants.
“This is to help them move forward to provide an advanced level of service to the community,” Boer said.
The training is for personnel who work with an ambulance.
Boer said although the CNMI lacks resources, the participants were quick to learn and were very cooperative.
He said many more individuals from the CNMI, especially those who work as first responders, need the training, but the core group of 15 trainees who will graduate today will be the ones to conduct future training sessions.
After completing the basic training course, Boer said the participants can take the tests online and eventually get their national certification.
Yesterday the participants engaged in field exercises that focused on various EMT components, such as spinal mobility, oxygen therapy, pediatric emergencies and baby deliveries, among other topics.
Boer said they have been conducting similar training sessions in the Pacific region.
Conducting the training with Boer were Amy Marsh from the University of South Dakota, and Don Jones from the Avera McKennan School of EMS.
