Berlin VT, August 12, 2020–Longtime MRVAS AEMT Howard “Howie”​ ​McCausland was recently presented with the Virginia Caffin Award. This award, created to honor the memory and dedication of Virginia Caffin one of the founders of modern EMS in Vermont and a founding member of Vermont EMS District 6, is presented annual to the Vermont EMS District 6 EMS Provider of The Year.

An AEMT with MRVAS for the past 7 years, Howie began his career with Bristol Rescue in 1994 but his interest in emergency medicine began in his youth when he was a Boy Scout and also a Lifeguard. In addition to his AEMT duties, Howie also serves as MRVAS ALS officer as well as its representative to VT EMS District 6.

“Howie has dedicated a good portion of his life to pre-hospital emergency medicine as well as serving his community. He has an intense interest in the delivery of nontraditional EMS education such as the design and execution of Tabletop and Full Scale Exercises intended to offer responders training in areas not often seen in the field ” stated Mark Podgwaite, Chair of Vermont EMS District 6 .

Virginia Caffin, along with her husband Frank, starting Cabot Ambulance Service in 1966. She served Vermont EMS District 6 as EMS coordinator, trainer, and board member from its inception in 1972 until her death on March 29, 1999.

Have you ever given thought to becoming an Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, or Paramedic? Now is your chance!

Vermont EMS District 6,  in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health,   is very pleased to announce the COVID-19 Relief Funding Education Plan.  Many thanks to the Vermont Legislature who recognized the significant challenges placed upon emergency medical services during this pandemic.  In passing H961, State leadership made clear their intent to increase the ranks of Vermont EMS. 

The following is an overview of how the Department of Health will make this education funding available to EMS agencies.

Licensure Course Tuition Voucher Program;

The Vermont Department of Health will fund tuition for Vermont EMS approved licensure training programs beginning between August 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.  Available funding will correspond to the level of licensure program and be limited to the following levels:

•             Emergency Medical Responder - $500 

•             Emergency Medical Technician - $1000

•             Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - $1,500

•             Paramedic - $18,000* 

·  Preference will be given to in-state paramedic programs; however, funding is available for Vermont EMS approved out-of-state paramedic programs as well.  Paramedic funding may be used only for program core content, not prerequisites, corequisites, or general education requirements of degree programs.

Applicants must be a member of a licensed EMS agency at the time of application and  apply to the Vermont Department of Health using the Course Enrollment and Tuition Voucher Application available on the Vermont EMS website.  This application requires a signature by a head of service attesting that the applicant is primarily affiliated with the service, is committed to obtaining/updating an EMS license, and is fully participating as an active member of the organization.    Applications may be returned by mail or scanned and returned by email to VTEMS@vermont.gov. Vermont EMS staff will process all applications as quickly as possible.  Formal notification will be made to the applicant within 10 days.