BCC to Offer Two Summer EMT Training Courses

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PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC), in conjunction with Action Ambulance and County Ambulance, will offer two EMT training courses this summer. 
 
The Action Ambulance course will be held June 2 – Sept. 6 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The County Ambulance course will be held June 16 – Aug. 23 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Seating is limited, and 100 percent attendance is required. Scholarships are available for students who qualify.  
 
To register for either course, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-2115. 
 
An EMT works alongside paramedics to help assess injuries, provide emergency medical care and transfer patients to medical facilities. EMTs typically: 
  • 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, and any treatment provided, to physicians, nurses or other healthcare staff  
  • Inventory and replace medical supplies and clean equipment after use 
 
The program covers the National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards and prepares students for the National Registry of Medical Technicians practical and cognitive testing. Upon completion of the program and successful certification with the National Registry of EMTs, students may apply for certification by the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services. 
 
Sponsored by the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board, this project is funded through the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund FY '21-FY '22 Appropriations and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. It is administered by Commonwealth Corporation. 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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