June 1, 2018
By Bob Fowler
Roane State staff writer
KNOXVILLE – Roane State Community College EMS students now have an ambulance for hands-on training, thanks to a donation from Lifeguard Ambulance Service in Knoxville.
Officials recently accepted the keys and title to the vehicle at the college’s Knox County Center for Health Sciences.
The gift of the 2002 Ford Type II ambulance “is very much welcomed,” said Roger Badger, who teaches EMT and paramedic classes. “We’ve got a lot of opportunities here.”
The ambulance will be outfitted with standard response equipment and allow college faculty to offer an emergency vehicle operations course, which must be completed as a new hire with an EMS service.
“This will make our programs even stronger so graduates can handle any emergency they may face in the field,” said David Blevins, Roane State Director of EMS Education.
Students will learn first-hand how to work in an ambulance’s close quarters, said Kristin Davis, operations supervisor for Lifeguard Ambulance. As part of the company’s policies, the ambulance – which has more than 500,000 miles on it — was retired from service and donated to Roane State.
“We got together (with Roane State) and made it happen,” said Bernie Hayes, director of Lifeguard’s Knoxville office.
The college offers classes for Emergency Medical Technician, advanced EMTs, paramedics and critical care paramedics.
“We’re excited to provide our students with more in-depth training prior to their ride-alongs with EMS services during their education,” Blevins said. Students beginning their EMS careers and those wanting to obtain more degrees or certifications will benefit from the donation, he added.
The donation occurred during National EMS Week May 21-24.
This generous gift in support of Roane State health sciences programs was arranged in partnership with the Roane State Foundation. The foundation is a 501c3 corporation governed by an independent Board of Directors and established to provide financial support for Roane State students and programs.
The Roane State Foundation seeks to enhance community awareness of the college, to secure private contributions and bequests, and to manage donated monies and properties. Learn more at roanestate.edu/foundation.
To learn more about Roane State’s EMT and paramedic programs, visit roanestate.edu/ems or contact Blevins at 865-354-3000, extension 4768 orblevinsds@roanestate.edu. Eligible adults can now attend Roane State tuition-free with the new Reconnect grant. Learn more at roanestate.edu/reconnect.
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Caption: Roane State Director of EMS Education David Blevins, center, accepts the donation of training ambulance from Kristin Davis, Operations Manager (left) and Bernie Hayes, Director (right) with Lifeguard Ambulance Service in Knoxville.
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