In order for our employees to keep their certifications up to date, they are required to do continuing education (CE). Every 3 years EMTs need 40 hours, Intermediates need 60 hours and Paramedics need 86 hours. These hours can be obtained a few different ways. There are CE websites available, usually for a cost to the user. The fire departments in the area offer free CE to their members on a monthly basis. The local hospitals also offer free CEs to those in the area. Here at Samaritan Care, we offer monthly CEs to our employees. This helps them to reach their required hours, while at work. They are getting paid while completing their requirements! We also do yearly proficiency exams, where employees are tested on their skills.
An up to date CPR card is also required for the squad personnel. Quarterly CPR classes are offered at Samaritan Care to keep them certified. The wheelchair van drivers are also required to have CPR training as well as First Aid training, which is provided by the company as well.
Our goal is for our employees to get as much CE as possible while at work. If the squad personnel are present at every CE, they can get between 12 and 24 hours each year, just while working their normal shifts!
Samaritan Care is not only a great place to work, it’s a great place to learn!
