Change is the key word for the Manitou Springs Fire Department EMS Training. Through the instructors efforts we now have three paramedics and 2 EMT-Intermediates on staff. All are capable of providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical care. Additionally we have 23 EMT-Basic's several who received their initial training by our members.

In 2000 and 2001, we have taken significant steps to improve our medical care abilities. First in 2000, with the assistance of Penrose / St. Francis EMS Education, we taught a 140 hour EMT-B course for members of our fire department and neighboring fire departments. Seven of our members attended and have received certification by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to provide medical care at the EMT-Basic level. Those members are currently practicing under the supervision of more experienced members of our department in the new Field Instruction Program. In 2001 we received approval from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to establish the Ute Pass CE Training Group. We have done so with the assistance of the Cascade Fire Department. This joint venture will allow more training opportunities for our members and theirs. This also allows us the opportunity to have ownership in our own training and maintenance of our training records. Each month we provide monthly CE training on the second Tuesday of the Month. Please check our schedule of monthly CE training.

For the future we hope to host another EMT-B course and an EMT-I course, improve our monthly training classes and receive additional training group certifications from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Bike Team

The Manitou Springs Fire Department Bike Team was established in 2000. It was created to provide timely medical response during parades and other events, in town, which minimize the fire departments ability to respond to emergencies during such events. Staffing of the Bike Team is by fire department members who are trained to a minimum level of EMT-Basic.

We will staff up to six mountain bikes for events. Each bike is equipped with a rack trunk and panniers to store medical supplies for all EMT levels. Two bikes have ALS capabilities with a cardiac monitors, or AED in addition to paramedic level medications and supplies.

To date our team has staffed events such as, The Downs Association Buddy Walk, The Manitou Springs High School Homecoming parade, the Mayor's Cup 5K, the Emma Crawford Coffin race and the Mardi Gras parade, here in Manitou. We are available for any event in Manitou. Due to our volunteer status we are available at no cost to the event. If interested in having the Bike Team staff an event please contact Kenny Klamp at the Manitou Springs Fire Department at 685-1444.

We would also like to take the time to thank the Manitou Springs Swimming Pool staff for their generous donation of the bicycles for our Bike Team.