Fire and EMS

These two one-year programs are designed to prepare students for a career in the fire and/or emergency services.

The Fire portion of the program is available is juniors and prepares students in Columbia and Greene Counties with training to become paid or volunteer firefighters. Students will receive technical and hands-on training to complete the New York State Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations with Hazardous Material First Responder Operation courses. Students will complete internship hours with local fire departments to gain real-life, hands-on experience.

The EMS program is available to seniors and prepares students for their New York State Emergency Medical Technician certification. Students will receive technical and hands-on training as first responders in emergency medicine. Students will complete internship hours with local rescue squads, while also participating in a variety of rotations in medical careers at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Students can choose to participate in one or both programs. View the program flyer. These programs are only available at the Donald R. Kline Technical School in Hudson.

 

Characteristics of a successful student:

• Interested in firefighting, emergency medicine or pursuing a career in healthcare
• Ability to multi-task
• Caring, compassionate, and considerate individual
• Excellent attendance is a must in order to obtain the hours needed for program certification
• Parental support of the career and the program

 

Courses strongly recommended to take prior to enrollment or concurrently at home school district:

• Biology/Living Environment
• Algebra

 

Curriculum and materials used:

• NYS Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations
• NYS Emergency Medical Technician Course

 

Topics Covered:

• Airway management
• Basic hose maintenance and use
• EMS operations
• Fire extinguisher use
• Firefighting
• General pharmacology
• Medical legal and ethical issues
• Patient assessments
• Ropes and knots
• Safety precautions
• SCBA management and use
• Scene management
• Shock and resuscitation
• Traumatic Injuries

Students may be able to receive academic credit in the following subject areas:

• Math 11 (1 credit)
• Science 11 (1 credit)
• English 12 (1 credit)
• Career and Financial Management (1/2 credit)

For more information on the availability of this option, please contact your home school counselor.

College credit available through the program:

• Columbia-Greene Community College
• Hudson Valley Community College
• Jefferson County Community College
• Mohawk Valley Community College

 

Related career opportunities:

• Emergency Dispatcher
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Emergency Room Technician
• Firefighter
• Paramedic
• Patient Care Technician

 

Industry-Based Certifications (attainable through program):

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification, CPR, AED
• NYS Department of Health EMT-B Certification
• NYS Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations with Hazardous Material First Responder Operation

 

Technical endorsement:

• NYS EMT-B Certification (pass all three parts of the technical assessment: written, performance, and portfolio)
• NYS Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations with Hazardous Material First Responder Operation, (01-05-0101) (Equivalency)

 

Consultant Committee:

• Columbia County Department of Health
• Columbia County Emergency Services
• Columbia Memorial Hospital
• Greene County Emergency Services
• Hudson Valley Community College