Rural Paramedics Receive Water Rescue Training from Clay County Fire and Rescue

Photo from the Clay County Fire and Rescue Facebook page.

CLAY COUNTY, N.C. — On Tuesday, members of the Clay County Fire and Rescue team conducted a specialized water rescue training session for paramedic students from Tri-County Community College. The training aimed to equip rural paramedics with essential skills to handle emergency situations that typically require a Fire Department Technical Rescue team.

Unlike their counterparts in suburban and urban areas, where fully staffed fire departments are readily available, paramedics in rural agencies like Clay County often serve as the first responders at complex emergency scenes. These situations may involve water rescues or other hazardous conditions that demand skills beyond standard paramedic training.

The Clay County Fire and Rescue team emphasized the importance of preparing paramedics to manage such incidents effectively until specialized rescue teams arrive. The hands-on training session focused on the basics of water rescue, providing students with practical knowledge to mitigate risks in high-pressure environments.

This collaborative effort underscores Clay County Fire and Rescue’s commitment to supporting rural paramedics, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve their communities in emergencies. Tri-County Community College’s paramedic program continues to benefit from such partnerships, enhancing the capabilities of future first responders in the region.