Dawson County is set to enhance its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program through a new agreement with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group. During the Board of Commissioners Work Session on December 19, Emergency Services Division Chief Michael Shuren presented the contract, which will allow EMT students to gain valuable in-facility patient experience at the group's urgent care facility on Prestige Lane. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit the ten EMT students currently enrolled, as they prepare to start their clinical training.

In addition to this new partnership, the board also discussed the renewal of an existing agreement with Lanier Technical College. This contract, which allows EMT and paramedic students from the college to ride along with Dawson County ambulance crews, is crucial for providing the clinical experience necessary for students to meet state graduation requirements. The renewal will extend the agreement until February 1930, ensuring that students can continue to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Both agreements highlight Dawson County's commitment to improving emergency medical training and ensuring that future EMTs are well-prepared for their roles in the community. The board's approval of these contracts is anticipated to enhance the quality of emergency services in the region.