BCC Offers Free EMT Basic Training Course

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — The Workforce & Community Education Program at Berkshire Community College (BCC) presents an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) basic training course from Jan. 23 through
April 26, 2025. 
 
Two class times will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays, either noon-4 p.m. or 6-10 p.m., plus every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition is grant-funded for eligible applicants. One hundred percent attendance is required for this training course. 
 
Instructor Christine Isca offers face-to-face instruction at County Ambulance, located at 175 Wahconah Street in Pittsfield. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.  
 
To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/emt
 
The program covers the National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards and prepares students for National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians practical and cognitive testing. Upon completion of the program and successful certification with the National Registry of EMTs, students are eligible to apply for certification by the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services. 
 
EMTs work alongside paramedics to help assess injuries, provide emergency medical care and transfer patients to medical facilities. Typically, EMTs: 
 
  • Respond to calls for medical assistance, such as at the scene of a car accident in which someone is injured 
  • Assess people's condition and determine what treatment, if any, is needed       
  • Provide treatment, such as first aid or life support care, to sick or injured patients 
  • Prepare patients for and safely transport them to the emergency department of a hospital or other healthcare facility 
  • Document and report observations, as well as any treatment provided, to physicians, nurses or other healthcare staff         
  • Inventory and replace medical supplies and clean equipment after use 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Cultural Council Quits After Chair Fired

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board's decision to terminate the town manager's executive assistant, Alyssa Maschino, has had a ripple effect. 
 
Maschino's colleague in the town manager's office, Kira Smith, said Thursday she was submitting her resignation.
 
And the Dalton Cultural Council has resigned en masse. 
 
Maschino has been the chair of the council, which is charged with promoting the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences as a way to improve residents' quality of life. One of its tasks in planning Dalton Day. 
 
Dalton Day would not be what it is if it weren't for Maschino, council clerk and recording secretary Mary Ferrell said. “We believe in the things that she accomplished with us and it just wouldn't be the same without her."
 
Ferrell said the firing caused her to re-examine her opinion, trust, and respect for some of the board members and further demonstrated the importance of participating in local government. 
 
Linda Galok, a member of the council, described Maschino as hard-working and never failing to respond to an email or call. 
 
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