‘Helping Heroes’ Program Offers Training for Fire/EMS Pros in Need
Three companies that offer training services for emergency responders jointly announced the launch of a program called Helping Heroes, which offers certified first responders, EMTs, and paramedics who are affected by the recession free continuing education to maintain their professional license or certification during their layoff or furlough.
The companies, CentreLearn Solutions LLC (Shrewsbury, Pa.), EMSResponder.com (Fort Atkinson, Wis.), and Emergency Preparedness Systems (Plover, Wis.) together set up the Web site RapidCE.com for the program. James Eastham, Sc.D., CEO of CentreLearn, said the reason for the initiative was because, "Across the nation, many EMS personnel are feeling the effects of the recession firsthand, in some cases even losing their jobs." EPS President Greg Friese, who also is a paramedic, added, "Maintaining EMS certification has real costs -- I am honored to have this opportunity to help lighten the financial burden of EMS professionals who are out of work."
Enrollment in the Helping Heroes program is available at www.rapidce.com/helpingheroes. Documentation of circumstances and EMS certification or licensure is required. Certified first responders, EMTs, or paramedics who qualify will receive a free subscription to RapidCE.com, which offers unlimited access to more than 200 CECBEMS accredited continuing education lessons. CE certificates will be awarded after viewing a lesson and successfully completing a post-test.
"It's very important that everyone in the EMS industry find ways to help those who give so much to our communities," said Scott Cravens, publisher of EMS Magazine and EMSResponder.com.