Seven Graduate from EMT Initial Training Course Offered Through Anderson County EMS

GARNETT, KS – Seven area students have graduated from the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Initial Training Course offered through Anderson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The 11-week course commenced on May 30 and followed a hybrid model, including self-guided online coursework, weekly virtual sessions, in-person skills labs every-other-week, and 12 or more hours of ride-along with Anderson County EMS. 

“This is the first EMT training of this kind offered through Anderson County EMS, and we were pleased with the number of students who enrolled and completed the course,” said Sherry Schmitz, EMS Lead and Education Coordinator. “The hybrid model made it easier for students to balance family and jobs while also taking on hours of course work and challenging hands-on skills training.”

Course completion does not guarantee employment or certification but provides intense skills training and prepares the student for the state-level testing required for EMT certification.

Students who completed the course were recognized during a graduation ceremony on Aug. 8. Graduates included Jennifer Adkins, Cole Armitage, Tabitha Chambers, Kalina Edgecomb, Korbin Edgecomb, Sydney Stephens, and Lillian Teague.

“I’m not only proud of the graduates but also of what our entire community has gained as a result,” shared Troy Armstrong, Anderson County EMS Director. “Each of these individuals is already a part of our community and now has the tools to be an effective initial responder, take on new volunteer roles, or expand their careers. Either way, it’s a win.” 

Adkins and Chambers are with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and volunteer as apparatus operators for Anderson County EMS. Armitage and Korbin Edgecomb volunteer with the Garnett Fire Department, and Stephens volunteers with Colony Fire & Rescue. Kalina Edgecomb is employed at Anderson County Hospital Residential Living Center and volunteers with Harris Fire & Rescue. Lillian Teague works in Human Resources at Anderson County Hospital and volunteers as an apparatus operator with Anderson County EMS.

Anderson County EMS intends to offer an EMT Initial Training course again but has no dates set at this time. For questions or to express interest in a future EMT course, please contact Sherry Schmitz at slee@saintlukeskc.org or call 785-204-7194.

Anderson County Hospital is a member of Saint Luke’s Health System, which consists of 14 area hospitals and several primary and specialty care practices, and provides a range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care services. Founded as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, our mission includes a commitment to the highest levels of excellence in health care and the advancement of medical research and education. The health system is an aligned organization in which the physicians and hospitals assume responsibility for enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of people in the metropolitan Kansas City area and the surrounding region.