Roane State Paramedic Student of the Year Russell Collins (center) is congratulated by Dr. Erik Geibig with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine (left) and Roane State paramedic program director David Blevins. (Photo by Roane State Community College)
Russell Collins with American Medical Response—Blount County has been named Roane State Community College’s Paramedic Student of the Year.
Dr. Erik Geibig with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine presented the award to Collins during Roane State’s annual Knoxville paramedic program luncheon. Students completing the paramedic program were recognized at the event, which was sponsored by TeamHealth.
Collins, of Maryville, has served with American Medical Response—Blount County for five years.
“It’s been extremely challenging, but very rewarding,” Collins said of his experience in Roane State’s program. “The schedule and the hours are tough, especially working full-time and having a family. The reward is the knowledge. You learn an immense amount in a short time.”
Collins said he enjoys emergency medicine because of the opportunity to help people, the variety, and the close bond with colleagues.
“I like getting to help people when they are having their worst day,” he said. “Every day is something new. It’s never the same. Some of the people I have worked with have become my best friends, like family. You do not get that with other professions.”
To learn more about Roane State’s EMT and paramedic programs, visit roanestate.edu/ems or contact David Blevins at (865) 354-3000, ext. 4768, or blevinsds@roanestate.edu.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
This story and photo were submitted by Owen Driskill.
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