Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Feb. 16, North Florida College issued a press release acknowledging Jefferson County for a generous donation of an ambulance to their EMS Program. The press release states as follows:
“The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners recently donated a 2012 ambulance to North Florida College’s Emergency Medical Services program to assist with EMT and paramedic training at the College. According to Mike Kirkland, Director of EMS Programs at NFC, this newer model ambulance helps the College continue to provide high-quality simulation training that prepares students for real-world experiences in the field.
'This type of training is crucial to our students' success, offering realistic training scenarios within a real ambulance space and setting. We truly appreciate the generosity of Jefferson County and look forward to working with them to train new EMTs and paramedics for this area.'
Anyone interested in training to become an EMT should contact the College now to get started on the enrollment process. NFC’s upcoming EMT class will begin April 4.”
The ambulance, Jefferson County Fire Chief Derrick Burrus says, has been a back up vehicle for Jefferson County for the last two years. The county received it back in 2013, and for about nine years, it was put to good use by local EMS personnel. Two years ago, it was put out of service, and was recently declared a surplus vehicle. When Chief Burrus discovered that the college was in need of one, he made arrangements with the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners to get the ambulance donated.
County Commissioner JT Surles said the board was happy to approve the donation, and added, “We feel this donation is important, and are happy to know that the ambulance will be put to good use.”
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 EMT's 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 http://www.nfc.edu/academics/career-and-workforce/emergency-medical-services.