Lee Today

North Florida College issued the following announcement.

Education and partnership was the focus of a recent deal struck between North Florida College and the Madison County Emergency Medical Services and Fire department. With approval from the Madison County Board of County Commissioners, Madison County EMS and Fire Chief Allen Clayton donated a 2008 ambulance from the county's emergency vehicle fleet to the College. According to Mike Kirkland, Director of EMS Programs at NFC, the new ambulance will benefit EMS simulation training that prepares EMT and paramedic students for real-world experiences in the field.   

"The new ambulance definitely benefits our students," said Kirkland. "We are able to retire an outdated EMS vehicle and continue to offer opportunities for students to realistically train for real-world scenarios within the ambulance space and setting. This type of training is crucial to our students' success."   

As a result of the ambulance donation, the NFC Foundation designated one full NFC Paramedic program scholarship, valued at $6,000 with textbooks, to Madison County EMS and Fire. The scholarship allows an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to receive paramedic training at NFC without additional cost to the county.

"Thank you for the generous contribution of an ambulance to North Florida College for use as a crucial component of our first responder, paramedic and other healthcare program instruction," said Judy Lundell, NFC Resource Development Director in a letter to the Madison County Coard of County Commissioners. "The donation of an ambulance will go a long way in helping out EMT and paramedic program training." 

NFC's EMT and paramedic programs are nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), offering graduates state and national certification opportunities. The four-month EMT program offers quick training for graduates to enter the workforce and is the first step for students looking to become a paramedic. NFC's shift-friendly courses allow EMTs to easily return to the classroom and work paramedic training around existing work and life schedules.  

For more information on NFC EMS programs, contact Mike Kirkland at 850-973-1673 or email kirklandm@nfc.edu. More information is also available at www.nfc.edu/academics/career-and-workforce/emergency-medical-services.        

Original source can be found here.