Stamford EMS Congratulates New Graduates

On Saturday, September 9, friends and family gathered together to attend a Stamford EMS ceremony celebrating the graduation of 21 Emergency Medical Technicians.

Peter Kessler, Stamford EMS Paramedic and Instructor/Coordinator for the EMT training program, presided over the ceremony, which was held at the organization’s headquarters on Long Ridge Road in Stamford.

“This EMT initial training course is a challenge, and the amount of training, effort and commitment by our students to learn life-saving skills has been extraordinary,” said Kessler.

The 170-hour EMT program consists of lectures, interactive presentations, participation in skills labs and simulations. Students must also complete fieldwork, observing experienced Stamford EMS professionals on calls. The program builds knowledge and skills to care for patients, and prepares students to take the state examinations for emergency medical technician certification.

“This group of graduates consists of students from two training classes,” explained AEMT Robert Hackett, who served as Skills Coordinator for the course. “Some students who completed the course in the spring furthered their training by staying on as skills interns for the next class.”

Graduates Joselyne Galeano, Armela Olaes, Katelyn Sci and J. Scott Cameron, all received special commendation for becoming skills interns in the program.

“I have a life goal to work as an EMT and become a paramedic,” said Cameron, a Darien resident. “Because it’s a national certification, I can take it with me wherever I go, and that’s one of the things I love about this profession.”

Graduate Francine Manfredi frequently volunteers at Our Lady of Grace School in Glenbrook, where her son attends. “I see so many children suffering from breathing disorders and allergies, and thought I better get some training. This is an incredible program.”

At age 16, Mansi Dhond of Greenwich was the youngest student in the program. “I always wanted to be a surgeon, and figured this would be a good first step,” said the Greenwich High School Senior.

Enrollment is open for the Stamford EMS Fall EMT program. The course begins on September 25, 2017. Those interested should visit http://www.stamfordems.org/ems-courses/ to learn more and register.

Stamford Emergency Medical Services Inc. is Connecticut’s only CAAS accredited EMS agency, and services over 14,000 calls each year as a private, nonprofit organization. Since it accepted responsibility for Stamford’s ambulance services in 1992, Stamford Emergency Medical Services has remained clearly focused in its mission to provide high quality, compassionate emergency care and education to the communities it serves. To learn more, or to make a donation, visit stamfordems.org or call (203) 968-1118.

Graduates included: Bottom row (left to right): Thomas Matula, Dennis Pinto, Jose Mollindedo and J. Scott Cameron. Top Row (left to right): Jillian Silano, Christine Yeshua, Caroline Alfen, Michelle Skowronek, Ashley Turzer, Francine Manfredi, Mansi Dhond, Katelyn Sci, Cathy Osorio, Joselyne Galeano, and Armela Olaes.