Saratoga County staff told the Economic Development Committee on June 4 that the county’s EMT training program for high-school students will run this summer with funding for six students and a June 30 start date.

The program, run in partnership with Hudson Valley, provides intensive training; students who pass their exam receive an EMT certificate and seven college credits at Hudson Valley. Staff noted that lecture time takes place at the county TechSmart campus, while lab time and equipment (mannequins and other training materials) require travel to the Hudson Valley campus in Rensselaer.

The pilot began about four years ago and expanded from an initial, smaller offering. Staff described it as a pathway to careers in emergency medicine and firefighting and as a local effort to address future EMS staffing needs. “We want to be the county that when you need 911, someone can answer your call,” the staff member said.

Staff said New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic lowered the minimum age so students can begin coursework at 16 provided they are 17 by the time they test; that relaxation made the county program viable for younger high-school students. Last year the program had to run in spring because Hudson Valley could not accommodate summer lab time; this year labs are available and the full roster of six students is enrolled.

Funding for the program was described as coming from county sources; staff noted interest in expanding lab capacity at the Hudson Valley North/TechSmart location if the college increases local lab capacity in coming years.