We, as a department, are very proud of our level of training that we have acquired and maintain.
We presently have 5 State of Wisconsin Fire Instructors, _ firefighters that have completed the "Entry Fire Officer" program (including all officers), ­8 firefighters that have completed the State of Wisconsin "Certified Driver Operator" program, _ firefighters that have completed the "Certified Firefighter II" Program, and _ "Certified Firefighter I". The remainder of the department is at least trained to the "Entry Firefighter" level, and being encouraged to upgrade their training whenever possible.
All firefighter members are also trained in the Incident Command System, Vehicle Extrication, Ice/Cold Water Rescue, and CPR as a minimum level of EMS training. We also have firefighters trained to various levels in the areas of Fire Investigation, Fire Inspection, Fire Prevention, Hazardous Materials Response, Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and Heavy Vehicle Rescue.
EMS Our EMS Department (formerly known as "Amherst Area First Responders", now known as "Amherst EMS"), like our fire division, is also very active in training.
As one of two EMT/First Responder services practicing to the EMT level of care in Portage County (that began as First Responder Services) we have set down for our selves stringent training and refreshing requirements. As well as state required training our EMTs and First Responders train in house and thru Internet based training systems.
At this time we have 3 CPR/Defib Instructors on staff that do the in house EMS training for the entire department. When an individual first joins the EMS department they must first complete either the State of Wisconsin "First Responder" or "Emergency Medical Technician" course.
Once the person has completed one of the two classes they are allowed to run with the service as a "third", or trainee, with two other experienced EMTs. When the individual has completed enough runs and the experienced EMTs are satisfied with their performance in the field and in training the person becomes a "second", an actual "street qualified" EMS responder. Note: If the person only trained to the "First Responder" level, they can only ever be a "second", running with an EMT as "lead". Once the person upgrades by completing a State of Wisconsin EMT course and have met our requirements for in house training and experience, they can become a "lead".
The Amherst Fire and EMS District remains very committed to training. As well as our normal "Station Training" and state required training members are encouraged to attend outside training whenever possible.
We routinely send firefighters, EMS personnel, and officers to places like Madison, WI, Tomahawk, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Indianapolis, IN, and Emmitsburg, MD for training.