A new program will educate EMT candidates on the skills they need to provide emergency services for the community.

New program at Lancaster General College will educate EMTs

A new educational partnership between Lancaster Emergency Medical Services Association (Lancaster EMS) and Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences will help fill a growing need for more qualified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Lancaster County.

Few EMT job applicants had the proper skills to provide the best emergency care possible, says C. Robert May, Executive Director for Lancaster EMS.

“It was a concern,” May says. “We rely on our EMTs to provide an important community service, but we were seeing very few qualified applicants.”

So about a year ago, Lancaster EMS started informal discussions with Lancaster General College about the possibility of a partnership to educate EMTs.

“We recognized that there was a huge need for skilled EMTs,” says Tina Baumer, Program Director for the College. “And we had the facilities to help fill that void. The EMT program was a natural fit.”

Today, that partnership is a reality.

The inaugural class of 35 EMT students began its course work in January. May is optimistic that he’ll have an easier time finding qualified EMT candidates this spring, when those first students complete their 210 hours of field experience and education.

“This will really help develop the critical thinking skills EMTs need to have when they’re in the field,” May says.

Gaining clinical & field experience

Instruction is provided by experienced EMTs and paramedics. The program includes classroom lectures, skills sessions and clinical field experience. Classes meet two times per week over four months. Three optional weekend sessions are also available for additional certifications to assist in employment opportunities.

Students must be at least 16 years old to enroll. Any student under 18 requires parental or guardian permission, and students must first pass a physical and criminal background check.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Perform basic patient assessment techniques
• Control a patient’s airways
• Administer CPR and operate the automatic external defibrillator
• Bandage patient injuries
• Immobilize the spine
• Provide oxygen therapy
• Administer basic medications
• Assist with emergency childbirth

“The EMT students will get both clinical and field experience,” Baumer says. “They’ll have time in the Lancaster General Emergency Department and time working with Lancaster EMS.”

She says the program will not only meet the growing demand for more qualified EMTs, but it’s also a great entry level opportunity for people interested in a healthcare career.

“It’s a great way for someone to see if this is the right career path for them, before they commit to a long-term educational program,” Baumer says.

Human Patient Simulator

Students not only have access to the College’s vast medical library and facilities, but will also have the rare opportunity to gain experience using the college’s Human Patient Simulator (HPS), which replicates real-life experience for students.

EMTs see patients at a critical time, when quick response and proper treatment are essential.

“It’s the only Human Patient Simulator of its kind in the area,” May says. “That’s exciting and certainly the only one available to EMT students.”

Before the HPS, many of these training exercises were done with a partner. “It was good, but you just didn’t see the patient the way you can now. EMTs are able to see how their critical actions can mean the difference in saving a life,” he says. “It’s truly a great tool.”

EMTs are a vital part of the healthcare community. They work in various locations, including EMS organizations, fire departments, industrial first aid teams and special response teams. EMTs see patients at a critical time during illness or injury. They are caring people who provide pre-hospital care, comfort and compassion.

As the need for EMTs in Pennsylvania increases, the College and Lancaster EMS are providing the critical education and experiences to address this concern.

“It’s the right time, and it’s the right thing to do,” May says of the partnership.