12-05-2025
OFA students to be offered EMT class next fall
May 11—OGDENSBURG — During the 2025-2026 school year at Ogdensburg Free Academy, interested students will be able to take a course to train them as an emergency medical technician or EMT.
The course will be taught by members of the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, which had approached the school district about the EMT course, led by retired teacher and longtime rescue squad member R. Storm Cilley.
OVRS Emergency Services Chief Kenneth Gardner said that the class could help bolster its ranks. With the EMT class taking 120 hours to complete, volunteers are having difficulty fitting that into their daily lives, he added.
"It's getting more difficult for volunteers to be able to take the EMT class. This is a way for students to take an elective, take a chance on getting their EMT certification. If they have the desire to continue on in the EMS service, hopefully we may get some of them to join, that would be a plus," said EMS Gardner.
OFA High School Principal Cindy Tuttle said that the 110-hour, full-year course will be able to take up to 36 students.
"We have 21 students who expressed interest; we may reach out to neighboring schools to offer this opportunity to them. Although we have 21 OFA students interested, we don't know exactly how many can fit it in their schedules as of yet," she said.
The course will be offered to juniors or seniors. Students must be 17 years old by the time they take the test in May. Upon completion of their certification they will be EMTs.
Tuttle added that the school district reached out to South Jefferson Central School which has had a similar course offering the last several years.
"We did speak with one of their counselors to get their input; he was very positive about their experiences at this point," she said, adding that students completing the course and becoming certified would be "employable."
The EMT course is a unique opportunity for students who are looking for a possible career or just want to help their community, according to Tuttle.
"This is great for our students as they may find a career from this opportunity or choose to serve as a volunteer in the community they eventually choose to live in," said Tuttle, "Our students will gain training in real-life medical situations, and we are able to promote a culture of service and civic responsibility. Lastly, this opportunity offers a look at career interests before students commit to a college program."
Gardner agrees.
"It's something different for the kids to take. If they have any interest in any type of health care, it's a good class for them to take," said Gardner.
He explained that the students who get certified could volunteer wherever they choose to live or go to college as well as make a career out of it.
"It gives them a skill that they could get hired for and get paid for," said Gardner. "It's a career opportunity. It could help the entire EMS community not just here in Ogdensburg."
