Anyone interested in being an EMT urged to attend introductory sessions being held tomorrow in Murdo and Rosebud

Many towns in South Dakota have had to discontinue operation of their local ambulance service while many others are at risk of losing theirs because of a shortage of trained volunteers willing to respond to the calls.

To help get more people trained, two EMT training courses will begin Thursday (March 20, 2025). One will be held at the Jones County Ambulance Building in Murdo and the other will be held at the Rosebud Ambulance Service in Rosebud.

Matt Helling is the co-owner of Smoke Signal Solutions and one of the training instructors. He encourages anyone who may not be sure EMT training is for them, to attend Thursday’s class to see what it entails.

Helling said there’s typically not much out-of-pocket expense for individuals who take the training.

Helling said there are online EMT training options, but he knows online learning isn’t for everyone.

Helling said Thursday’s registration and introductory meetings in Murdo and Rosebud will both be held from 6-8pm. He said students can attend whichever location is more convenient.

After the introductory session, weekly EMT trainings will be held from 6-10pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 25 through late June. Sessions will also be held every other Saturday– starting April 5– from 9am-5pm in Murdo.

To sign up or for more information about the EMT training classes, email matt@smokesignalsolutions.com.

Helling has been an EMT and paramedic in South Dakota for about 15 years.