CLIFTON PARK, NY, June 22, 2015---Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps. (CPHM EMS) is offering a free EMT course, certification and professional development for combat veterans. They will be hosting two open house, informative sessions about the program; onWednesday, July 15^th from 6pm-9pm and on Sunday, July 19^th from 10am-2pm. The EMT course will begin in September of this year.

This EMT course will be completely free to military combat veterans and will be taught by several CPHM EMS paramedics, who are also military veterans themselves. CPHM EMS will provide this course at their facility located at 15 Crossing Blv. in Clifton Park, NY., and the curriculum will mirror that of the Saratoga County Emergency Medical Services Council. The class will meet twice a week for 6 months.

The CPHM EMS Combat Veteran EMT course will also include professional development, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) resource referrals as well as career counseling. It is the ultimate aim of the instructors to prepare these students for every aspect of a career in emergency medicine while also enhancing their personal growth.

In order to participate in the program, applicants must have served in a military combat zone, as well as attend one of the July information session and submit an application with an accompanying DD-214 form.

Joe Santiago, CPHM EMS Executive Director and Army Captain, feels that this program will allow combat vets an opportunity to establish a rewarding new career path, as well as a strong sense of self worth in their life as a civilian. “A career in emergency medicine opens up so many doors and opportunities. I started as an EMT twenty-one years ago, became a Paramedic and eventually got my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I was able to achieve those gains during combat zone deployments.”

“Becoming an EMT can give combat vets an opportunity at meaningful employment. You feel like you are making a difference, like you did while in service.” says Russell Coonradt, CPHM EMT and Navy Corpsman, Petty Officer Second Class.

Both July information sessions are open house meet-and-greet formats. Interested applicants will have an opportunity to learn more about a career in EMS, meet instructors and complete the application process.

For further information and/or questions, please contact Russell Coonradt via email atrcoonradt@cphmems.org.