Normal has been allowing Heartland Community College EMS students to do training with the Normal Fire Department. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – The Normal Town Council on Monday made formal an agreement with Heartland Community College to have emergency medical service students work with the Normal Fire Department.

City manager Mark Peterson said the town has for several years allowed these students to do clinical ride time with the department.

"They get hands-on experience. They're performing procedures in real life situations under the watchful eye of our trained paramedics, of course," he said.

The supervision is done by on-duty paramedics at no extra cost to the town. The training is required by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

"It's also good for our people as well," said Peterson. "It helps hone our own skills, as they have an opportunity to share their knowledge with these students."

Peterson said this hands-on training is a crucial piece of the future paramedic's education.

Parking changes

Also on Monday, the council approved an adjustment to its traffic code which prohibits parking on the same block for more than 24 hours.

The council voted to eliminate what's known as a "non-tolling" provision, which means even moving the car within the block doesn't restart your time.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].