With Mercer County facing an ambulance shortage, nearly 25 people are taking part in a pair of local EMT training courses.
The classes started on Feb. 10 and are being offered in both Aledo and New Boston. The Aledo course has 12 people training to become new EMTs, while the New Boston course has eight people training in addition to four nurses taking part in the course.
Aledo Fire Protection District Board of Trustees President Mike Sponsler says those numbers could have a big impact on ambulance service in the county.
The trainees will take a national board test on May 2. If they pass, they will officially become EMTs.