SORT Medic Graduation

By Jay Olson

Eighteen (18) Tactical Medics graduated from the 40-hour Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course that was conducted at Central Office from January 22 to 26.

EMS Instructors from the Hennepin County Medical Center – EMS Education / TEMPO Program conducted the training, which included instruction in Airway Management, Behavioral Emergencies, Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR, Medical Emergencies, Wound Care Management, Trauma, and Toxicology. The training is consistent and compliant with requirements of the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Response Board. HCMC Lead Instructor Mark Cusick stated that the “DOC Medics had the highest overall point score of any class that has completed this program."

SORT Academy Coordinator Lt. Karl Krippner and OSI Director John Melvin were on hand during the graduation ceremony to provide congratulatory remarks. OSI Director Melvin stated that “this training ensures that all DOC Medics are uniformly trained, using national standard tactics and techniques."

Graduates included, Connor Borash (SCL), Mike Brown (STW), Mike Goodhart (LL), Chris Gullickson (LL), Timothy Hansen (RC), Eric Haskamp (SHK), Jay Kopel (SCL), Jason Koshiol (SCL), Brandon Leatherberry (ML), Austin Lipphardt (RW), Frank McGraw (OPH), Samuel Moore (STW), Timothy Pirila (ML), Nicole Riemenschneider (STW), William Schmidt (SHK), Zina Siruk (OPH), Shanon Stitt (SHK), and Justin Watrin (RC).