The Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, has launched an online training center that provides first responders of all levels free online training opportunities for career development through continuing education (CE) requirements, which are needed for renewal of EMS and Fire certifications in Ohio.

“The online training program allows completion of applicable courses from any location with an Internet connection at the provider's convenience,” said EMS Executive Director Richard Rucker. “It is hoped that this addition to the site will serve as another effective mode of communication for our EMS and fire providers and a one-stop shop for current EMS and fire-related information ."

This online learning resource provides training materials that are available 24-hours a day and users can enroll and take training in several categories. They can track personal training history, obtain transcripts of their participation, and obtain copies of the certificate of completion at any time.

The initial online training program, EMS CHEMPACK, has been posted and is available to be taken by logging on www.ohioemstraining.com and signing up as a member.

The Division is preparing additional classes for the online training site to assist first responders in accruing their CE hours for EMS and fire service certification and renewal. New fire rules requiring the CE credits were filed in January 2008. The Division plans to offer an Ohio Trauma Triage course, a hospital CHEMPACK course and firefighting courses in the future.