The Delaware County Emergency Medical Services department today announced the return of its Citizens Academy. This free weekly course provides Delaware County residents with a hands-on and up-close education about emergency services in the county.

Beginning March 14 and continuing for 10 weeks, Citizens Academy participants will attend an evening class every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and during two Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Classes will take place at EMS headquarters, located at 10 Court St. in downtown Delaware, and occasionally at EMS stations in the county.

Each session will expose Academy participants to a different facet of life-saving services in the County, including the Emergency Medical Services department, the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the County’s 9-1-1 Center. Participants will become certified to administer First Aid, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Bleeding Control (B-CON).

A key feature of the Delaware County EMS Citizens Academy is “Simulation Day,” when Academy participants join with first responders for an emergency-response drill. This format for this year’s drill will be announced later.

Participants must be 18 years or older and have to pre-register by contacting Lt. Travis Ries, who can be reached via email at tries@co.delaware.oh.us or by leaving a phone message at 740-833-2194. A total of 12 participants can be accommodated.

For more information about Delaware County EMS, please visit their website at: http://www.delcoems.org/.