COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Peter Pilafas, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion and Action: Resolution No. 25-3848 Approving Memorandum of Understanding with Lake Havasu Unified School District #1 for the CTE/EMS Program 2025-2027 (Chief Pilafas)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
Department
PURPOSE:
To consider adopting a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lake Havasu Unified School District #1 for the CTE/EMS Program.
BACKGROUND:
The Lake Havasu Unified School District #1 (LHUSD) and Lake Havasu City Fire Department (LHCFD) are collaborating to establish a Career Technical Education (CTE) program focused on Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This initiative will include two instructional courses: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B), specifically designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in pre-hospital emergency medicine.
The EMR course equips students to provide immediate life-saving interventions for patients of all ages while awaiting additional emergency medical services (EMS) resources. The curriculum covers topics such as an introduction to EMS systems, the roles and responsibilities of the EMR, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, and considerations for working in the pre-hospital environment. By engaging in this course, students will learn to make informed decisions about delivering care during medical emergencies. Upon successful completion, students will earn two certification cards: the National Registry EMR and the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR. This EMR course serves as a prerequisite for progression to the EMT-B course within the CTE EMS program.
The EMT-B course is designed to meet the requirements for students to qualify for the National Registry EMT-B Certificate. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide out-of-hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who utilize the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs possess the essential knowledge and skills to stabilize and safely transport patients, ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life-threatening situations. They operate as part of a comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight, and execute interventions using the essential equipment typically found in an ambulance. EMTs play a vital role in linking the scene of an emergency with the healthcare system.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Fire Department is committed to creating a professional pathway for high school students interested in pursuing careers in Fire/EMS. This program allows students to obtain industry-recognized EMS certifications, enhancing their employability and readiness to enter the Fire/EMS sector. By supporting these students' educational advancement, the department aims to develop a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the community and upholds the highest standards of service within the Fire/EMS field.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This MOU will enable the City to generate $12,000 per semester to help subsidize the program's expenses. This funding will be allocated to cover essential costs, including training materials, equipment, and instructor resources, thereby ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution No. 25-3848
MOU LHUSD #1 CTE/EMS Program 2025-2027
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended action
I move to adopt Resolution No. 25-3848 approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake Havasu Unified School District #1 for the CTE/EMS Program 2025-2027; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.