Ever Thought About Becoming an EMT?

You know that feeling when you drive past an emergency and wish you could help? Or when you wonder what you'd do if someone needed medical help right now? Well, here's your chance to turn that "what if" into real skills.

The Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department is starting an EMT-1 class on January 25th, and here's the best part: you don't need any experience at all. Seriously, none. If you can show up ready to learn, we'll teach you everything else.

When Does It Happen?

The class runs from January 25 to March 16, 2026. We've set up the schedule to work around real life:

• Sundays: 8 AM to 5 PM

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 6 PM to 10 PM

That's 150 hours total. We know it's a commitment, but we've structured it so you can still handle work, family, and everything else on your plate. And if childcare is a concern, we've got stipends available to help with that.

"But I've Never Done This Before..."

We hear you. And honestly? That's totally fine. Most people who walk through our doors haven't either.

Our instructors are folks who remember what it was like to be the beginner in the room. They'll start with the basics and build from there, giving you plenty of time to practice in realistic scenarios until things click. No one expects you to know anything coming in—that's literally what the class is for.

What You'll Actually Learn

Over those 150 hours, you'll pick up skills that can genuinely save lives:

• How to quickly figure out what's wrong with someone and what needs attention first

• Keeping airways open and getting oxygen to people who need it

• CPR and what to do when someone's heart stops

• Taking care of injuries—broken bones, bleeding, burns

• Recognizing heart attacks, strokes, and other medical emergencies

• How to talk to patients and families during scary moments

You'll get classroom time, sure, but also tons of hands-on practice. By the end, you'll know what to do when it counts.

Why Petersburg Needs You

Here's the thing about living in a place like Petersburg: we look out for each other. When something goes wrong, volunteers are often the first people on scene—sometimes the only people who can get there quickly.

Becoming a volunteer EMT means:

• You're there when your neighbors need you most. Whether it's a fishing accident, a heart attack, or a car crash, you'll have the skills to help.

• You gain confidence you can use everywhere. These aren't just emergency skills—they're life skills.

• You join a team of good people. Our volunteers are teachers, fishermen, parents, retirees—regular folks who decided they wanted to make a difference.

• You can work it around your life. Volunteer shifts are flexible. You're not signing up for a second full-time job.

Ready to Jump In?

If this sounds like something you want to do, here's what to do next:

Fill out our volunteer application: Join!

Spots might be limited, so the sooner you reach out, the better. We're here to answer questions and help you through the process.

What Helps (But Isn't Required)

You don't need to be in perfect shape or have a medical background, but a few things will help you succeed:

• Basic reading and writing (you'll learn medical terms, but you need to be able to study)

• A willingness to be part of a team

• Time to attend classes and study outside of class hours

That's really it. Bring a good attitude and we'll handle the rest.

The Real Impact

When you complete this training, you become someone who can step up in a crisis. You'll be able to stabilize someone until they reach the hospital. You'll know how to keep a bad situation from getting worse. You'll provide not just medical care, but calm and reassurance when people are scared.

In Petersburg, that matters. A lot.

This isn't about being a hero—it's about being a neighbor who's ready when called. And right now, we're calling.

Questions? Want to know more? Reach out to the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department. We'd love to talk with you.