John Bovin
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A paramedic in Kaslo will be getting further training thanks to help from the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
The worker will receive $3,700 to help fund their education, after a vote in favour of the grant passed the RDCK board of director’s meeting in September.
“It will help one of the emergency medical responders attend their paramedic training,” says Amy Chris, the regional vice-president for the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, who speaks on behalf of the Kaslo station.
“Training is quite expensive, with tuition, books, training uniform on top of that, plus time off work, as well as travel and accommodation while away at school.”
Chris says funding for a paramedic course – which can cost $5,000 a year in tuition alone – has to be borne by the individual, and in this case the person couldn’t afford the tuition and other fees.
Other funding to support the individual came from the Kaslo Hospital Auxiliary and the Kaslo ambulance unit’s own fundraising efforts, she said.
– Valley Voice