Four EMTs employed by Quality EMS in Adams Township will train with the county's SWAT team, where they will provide medical services when the team is deployed.

Richard Goldinger, county district attorney, received approval from the county commissioners Wednesday to have the emergency medical technicians from Quality EMS train with the team.

Unlike the current EMTs who volunteer with the team, the Quality EMS professionals will be paid for working an emergency situation and covered by the county should they be injured in the line of duty, Goldinger said.

He said four EMTs will be chosen to participate in the four yearly training sessions with the team, which in Butler County is known as the Emergency Services Unit.

Goldinger said they will wear tactical gear, helmets and any other protective devices worn by team members.

He said the EMTs could provide medical care if an officer on the team is injured during a deployment, and will be trained on how to do that safely.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel praised the bravery of the EMTs who will serve with the county Emergency Services Unit.

“There are not that many people willing to put on a (bulletproof) vest and provide medical services,” he said.

Wil White, county solicitor, said while there is some risk to the county in the event that an EMT is injured, it makes sense to assume responsibility for the safety of the EMTs as well.

“It's not fair to cover the law enforcement members and not the EMTs,” White said.