EMT Training

In 1989 the Hurst Fire Department began sending EMT- Basic personnel to EMT- Paramedic School to begin preparing to place paramedics on each department apparatus. From 1990 to 2000 the department provided ALS first responder capabilities on each responding vehicle. In October of 2000 the Department began providing the ambulance service to the Citizens of Hurst along with the paramedic first responders on fire apparatus.

Currently all but six of the uniformed personnel are trained to the paramedic level.

EMT - Paramedic: National Standard Curriculum

History of the Hurst Fire Department EMT Program

The Hurst Fire Department from 1968 to 1971 grew from a 6 man to a 29 man department. This included a new position for a paid Fire Chief, a Captain over fire investigations, one Lieutenant over training, 6 Lieutenants and 24 firefighters assigned to 24 hour shifts.

In 1971, the need for more and better training in the Emergency Medical field was apparent. By 1972 the Hurst Fire Department had 19 certified Emergency Medical Technicians.

In 1975, Dewayne Selman was the first trained and certified EMT and Paramedic for the Hurst Fire Department. In 1989 the Fire Department began sending firefighters to paramedic school on a volunteer basis. By July of 1990 the Hurst Fire Department was running ALS engine companies. Also in that same year, it became a condition of employment that all firefighters hired in the future would become paramedics.

By 1999 there were 22 paramedics on shift. On October 1st, 2000 the Hurst Fire Department hired 6 new firefighter/paramedics and manned two (2) new MICU ambulances. At the present time the Hurst Fire Department has a total of 32 paramedics on duty covering 3 - 24 hour shifts.

In the first year of service, the Fire Department ambulance has responded to more than 2400 medical calls in the City.