When you first join South Whidbey Fire/EMS, new volunteers will start either Fire or EMT academy. The time commitment for training is significant. As you work through academy you will start to appreciate how your skills can benefit the community and your own sense of accomplishment! Both academy courses run approximately 4 months, 2 nights a week and every Saturday.

Fire Academy:

The Fire Academy is offered once a year and it is both an IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) and Washington State certified academy. For volunteers joining our organization and planning a career in the fire service this is an important qualification.  

The course work and practical training is a combination of online and class room teaching with practical exams as the academy progresses through HazMat Awareness, Firefighter I & II, Emergency Vehicle Driver Training and HazMat Operations.

All equipment is provided by South Whidbey Fire/EMS for academy training. Upon graduation you are issued operational gear, a radio and a pager.

Emergency Medical Technician:

As with the Fire Academy, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Academy is offered once a year and it is both an National Registry (NREMT) and Washington State certified academy.

You will go through a training program that takes about 4 months. Course topics will include Medical Terminology, NIMS 100,200,700, the EMS System, Anatomy & Pathophysiology, Principles of Pharmacology, Medical Administration, Emergency Medications, Scene Size-Up, Respiratory Emergencies, Cardiovascular Emergencies, Neurological Emergencies and other national and state required topics.

Upon successful completion of the academy and upon passing the National and State exams, you will work under the direction and protocols of our Medical Program Director. You will continue attending monthly training and are required to re-certify your credentials with the state every three years.