LOCAL NEWS — Counties across Tennessee from Moore to Macon report a shortage of qualified, trained Emergency Management Service employees. In addition, the number of monthly EMS calls is increasing. It’s a situation that’s approaching a crisis.
“The nation is in a EMS shortage and EMS providers are hard to find,” says Metro Public Safety Director Jason Deal. “Currently Moore County is blessed and we have no full time openings at this time. However part time help is hard to find to allow vacation request and sick call outs. We have to rely on our full time to fill in most of the time.”
Motlow State is doing their part to solve the problem with a new three month Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program that can get those interest in saving lives trained and in the field s quickly as possible.
“I saw Motlow State was offering a summer course in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), so I decided to take a leap of faith and register for it. This was probably the best decision I have ever made,” said Gabrielle Hernandez, graduate of Motlow’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program.
“EMS in the State of Tennessee offers many possibilities for individuals regardless of their career choice,” said Houston Austin, Director of EMS as Motlow. “It is not just for working in an ambulance. It is also working event medicine, firefighting, police officers and so much more.”
Not only is it a quick and easy way to earn a certification to jump start your future, it is also more financially feasible than a traditional four-year university.
Director Deal says that two Motlow alumni currently work at Metro EMS: Critical Care Paramedics Hunter Case and Rheannon Gagnon. Both are Moore County High School graduates as well.
“Being able to hire and retain people who grew up in this community is a blessing,” Deal says. “Having Motlow State in your back yard is a wonderful resource in many ways and one of those ways is this EMS program.”
After students earn their certification, they are already on a great path towards pursuing an associate or higher degree. EMS training is an excellent gateway into pursuing medicine. It’s a way to earn money to put yourself through medical school or nursing school.
Not interested in practicing medicine? That’s ok. EMS training is a great foundation for any degree. You can be a better engineer when you have EMS training. You can be a better athletic coach if you have EMS training. You can be a better farmer with EMS training.
“Some complete the training with no intentions of ever working the ambulance. They want the knowledge to be able to take care of themselves or employees if needed,” said Austin. “We have had farmers, mechanics, coaches, engineers, athletic trainers, and forestry firefighters take this course just for those reasons.”
In addition to saving lives, EMT certification can help those interested in a medical career narrow down their focus and serve as a gateway to Advanced EMT and Paramedic certifications.
Motlow State fall classes begin August 23. Apply today to Motlow.com/apply. For more information regarding reduced costs for students, email [email protected] or call 800-654-4877. •
{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}