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Oak Ridge firefighter named Roane State Paramedic Student of the Year

Posted at 1:32 pm January 19, 2019
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Roane State paramedic program director David Blevins, left, and Dr. Todd Heffern with TEAMHealth, right, congratulate Brandon Payne of Oak Ridge, Roane State’s Paramedic Student of the Year. (Submitted photo)

Roane State paramedic program director David Blevins, left, and Dr. Todd Heffern with TEAMHealth, right, congratulate Brandon Payne of Oak Ridge, Roane State’s Paramedic Student of the Year. (Submitted photo)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

An Oak Ridge Fire Department captain has been elected by his peers as Roane State Community College’s Paramedic Student of the Year.

Brandon Payne, 40, an Oak Ridge firefighter since 2007, received the tribute during a luncheon last year that continues a longstanding tradition of honoring graduating paramedic students.

TEAMHealth, a hospital staffing firm based in Knoxville, sponsored the luncheon for paramedic students who were in the spring semester cohort.

“It was challenging,” Payne said of the three-semester program to obtain certification as a paramedic. “There was a lot of information in a short amount of time.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Front Page News, Oak Ridge, Police and Fire, Top Stories Tagged With: Brandon Payne, David Blevins, Oak Ridge Fire Department, paramedic, paramedic student of the year, Roane State, Roane State Community College, TeamHealth, Todd Heffern, Tom Herron

Roane State’s Collins named Paramedic Student of the Year

Posted at 7:43 pm August 2, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

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)

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.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Police and Fire Tagged With: David Blevins, Erik Geibig, paramedic, paramedic student of the year, Roane State, Roane State Community College, Russell Collins, TeamHealth Emergency Medicine

Roane State EMS faculty use virtual reality to enhance instruction

Posted at 12:01 pm May 29, 2017
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Wearing the high-tech HoloLens, Roane State director of EMS programs David Blevins manipulates a hologram as part of a cutting-edge program that's being used as a new way of teaching students studying anatomy and physiology. (Photo by Roane State)

Wearing the high-tech HoloLens, Roane State director of EMS programs David Blevins manipulates a hologram as part of a cutting-edge program that’s being used as a new way of teaching students studying anatomy and physiology. (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

KNOXVILLE—Picture this: a high-resolution cross-section of a beating human heart floating in space, allowing for an up-close, interactive examination.

Imagine each student in an anatomy and physiology classroom having access to three-dimensional, 360-degree images, or aspiring first-responders being able to view a completely realistic video of an accident scene.

Welcome to the world of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality as they are now being introduced into the Roane State Community College curriculum for emergency medical services. Instructors at the college’s Knox County Center for Health Sciences are participating in a pilot study with the assistance from the college’s Center for Teaching Arts and Technology. [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Front Page News, Health, Police and Fire, Top Stories Tagged With: 3-D holographic model, Bob Fowler, Center for Teaching Arts and Technology, David Blevins, emergency medical services, EMS, health sciences, hologram, HoloLens, Knox County Center for Health Sciences, Mark Bodine, Microsoft HoloLens, paramedic, Ricoh 360 degree video camera, Roane State, Roane State Community College, Stephanie Moskal, Susan Sutton, technology, Thomas Herron, virtual reality, VR, VR headsets

Roane State offering spring start for paramedic program; apply by Oct. 31

Posted at 8:48 pm October 10, 2016
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

There’s an October 31 application deadline to start Roane State Community College’s paramedic program in the spring semester.

The three-semester program, which features several courses each semester, is normally not offered with a spring semester starting point. It has been added to meet a local, statewide, and national shortage of paramedics, said David Blevins, program director.

The shortfall in advanced emergency medical technicians and paramedics is frequently mentioned during monthly regional meetings of EMS directors, he said.

There are 12 openings for the program, and candidates must be licensed as advanced EMTs or be in the Advanced EMT program now in progress. [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Front Page News, Health, Police and Fire Tagged With: advanced EMT, David Blevins, Michael Burtch, paramedic, paramedic program, Roane State, Roane State Community College

Roane State graduate’s 9/11 tribute gains national attention

Posted at 1:33 am September 23, 2016
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Roane State paramedic graduate Jason Harding said he was “absolutely amazed at the response” to his 9/11 tribute. Early on the morning of Sept. 11, Harding strapped on 75 pounds of firefighter gear and climbed 110 stories on a stair climbing machine at the Maryville Planet Fitness. (Photo courtesy RSCC)

Roane State paramedic graduate Jason Harding said he was “absolutely amazed at the response” to his 9/11 tribute. Early on the morning of Sept. 11, Harding strapped on 75 pounds of firefighter gear and climbed 110 stories on a stair climbing machine at the Maryville Planet Fitness. (Photo courtesy RSCC)

 

A public safety officer at McGhee Tyson Airport never dreamed his solitary, early-morning tribute on the anniversary of a national tragedy would gain so much attention.

Jason Harding’s unique way to observe the 15 anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks went viral on social media and caught the attention of national news outlets, from People magazine to Fox News.

Harding, who completed Roane State Community College’s paramedic program in September 2011, is a certified police officer, paramedic, and firefighter for the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.

He went into Maryville’s Planet Fitness at 6 a.m. September 11, wearing 75 pounds of firefighting gear, and asked permission to use one of the gym’s stair climbing machines. [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Front Page News, Police and Fire, Top Stories Tagged With: Jason Harding, Lezlie Bauler, Mark Bodine, Marty Young, McGhee Tyson Airport, Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, paramedic, Planet Fitness, Roane State, RSCC, September 11, September 11 terrorist attacks, World Trade Center

Roane State faculty honored by Tennessee EMS Education Association

Posted at 11:46 pm August 20, 2016
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Tennessee EMS Education Association president Tim Lankford presents the Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award to Roane State EMT/paramedic instructor Roger Badger, center. David Blevins, Roane State Director of EMS Education, also congratulates Badger. (Photo by Roane State Community College)

Tennessee EMS Education Association president Tim Lankford presents the Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award to Roane State EMT/paramedic instructor Roger Badger, center. David Blevins, Roane State Director of EMS Education, also congratulates Badger. (Photo by Roane State Community College)

 

Two veteran Roane State Community College faculty members were recently honored for their longtime service to the emergency medical services education community, said David Blevins, Roane State Director of EMS Education.

Kirk Harris, director of Continuing Healthcare and Safety Education, won the prestigious Lige Turman Lifetime Achievement Award, while Roger Badger, an EMT/paramedic instructor, received the Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award from the Tennessee EMS Education Association.

“Both are the highest honors,” Blevins said. The awards were bestowed during the association’s annual membership meeting, held recently in Murfreesboro.

To be eligible for the Lige Turman Award, a nominee must have at least 20 years in EMS education and a proven history of achievement in that field. “Mr. Harris has dedicated his career to engaging the next generation of medical providers, and his history of new techniques is well known,” Blevins said. [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Health Tagged With: Continuing Healthcare and Safety Education, David Blevins, emergency medical services, EMS, EMT, Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award, Kirk Harris, Lige Turman Lifetime Achievement Award, Mark Bodine, Marty Young, paramedic, Roane State, Roane State Community College, Rodney Byrd, Roger Badger, Tennessee EMS Education Association, Tim Lankford

Rowe named Roane State’s paramedic student of the year

Posted at 8:04 am August 16, 2016
By Owen Driskill Leave a Comment

Roane State paramedic student of the year Grady Rowe (center) is congratulated by Dr. Peter Kah with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine (left) and Roane State paramedic program director David Blevins. (Photo by Roane State Community College)

Roane State paramedic student of the year Grady Rowe (center) is congratulated by Dr. Peter Kah with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine (left) and Roane State paramedic program director David Blevins. (Photo by Roane State Community College)

 

Grady Rowe with Rural/Metro Fire Department has been named Roane State Community College’s paramedic student of the year.

Dr. Peter Kah with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine presented the award to Rowe during Roane State’s annual Knoxville paramedic program luncheon. Students completing the paramedic program were recognized at the event, which was sponsored by TeamHealth.

Rowe, of Halls, is a full-time firefighter, member of the Tennessee Army National Guard and a father of four. He started Roane State’s program in August 2015.

“I love emergency medicine, being there when a patient is at a critical point and making a difference,” Rowe said. “I have enjoyed the entire year. The material, the instructors, the fellow students, it has really been a joy.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Front Page News, Health, Top Stories Tagged With: community college, Grady Rowe, paramedic, paramedic student of the year, Peter Kah, Roane State, Roane State Community College, Rural/Metro Fire Department, TeamHealth, Tennessee Army National Guard

Smith of ORFD named Roane State paramedic student of year

Posted at 11:46 am August 4, 2015
By Roane State Community College Leave a Comment

Joey Smith Roane State Paramedic Student of Year

Roane State paramedic student of the year Joey Smith (center) is congratulated by Roane State President Chris Whaley (left) and Roger Brooksbank with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine. (Photo by Roane State Community College)

 

Joey Smith of the Oak Ridge Fire Department has been named Roane State Community College’s paramedic student of the year.

Roger Brooksbank with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine presented the award to Smith during Roane State’s annual Knoxville paramedic program luncheon. Students completing the paramedic program were recognized at the event, which was sponsored by TeamHealth.

Smith has been an emergency medical technician for eight years. He decided to go back to school last fall to become a paramedic. Smith said he appreciated the support he’s received from the Oak Ridge Fire Department and from his family as he has juggled work and school. [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Front Page News, Health, Oak Ridge, Police and Fire, Top Stories, Uncategorized Tagged With: Chris Whaley, Joey Smith, Oak Ridge Fire Department, paramedic, paramedic student of the year, Roane State, Roane State Community College, Roger Brooksbank, TeamHealth Emergency Medicine

Seven emergency workers honored for baby deliveries, fire rescue

Posted at 8:08 pm January 22, 2015
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Stork Pin Billy Sharp, Chris Bice, Stephanie Fox, and Gage Whitman

From left wearing blue shirts are Critical Care Paramedic or CCEMTP Billy Sharp, Paramedic Student Chris Bice, AEMT Stephanie Fox, and Paramedic Gage Whitman. They were awarded the Stork pin when the Anderson County Commission met on Tuesday morning. The Stork pin is traditionally given to a field provider for helping to deliver a baby. Also pictured at far left is Nathan Sweet, director of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services. (Photos courtesy Anderson County Emergency Medical Services)

 

Four emergency medical workers in Anderson County were honored Tuesday for helping with baby deliveries, and three rescuers were recognized for their courage in pulling a woman from a burning home in November.

Those who helped deliver the babies received a Stork pin, said Nathan Sweet, director of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services. The four were honored during a Tuesday meeting of the Anderson County Commission. They are Critical Care Paramedic or CCEMTP Billy Sharp, Paramedic Student Chris Bice, AEMT Stephanie Fox, and Paramedic Gage Whitman.

They helped with baby deliveries in October, November, and December. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Police and Fire, Police and Fire, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Commission, Anderson County Emergency Medical Services, Anderson County Sheriff's Department, baby deliveries, Billy Sharp, Chris Bice, critical care paramedic, Gage Whitman, Gene Rose, Marlow Volunteer Fire Department, Nathan Sweet, paramedic, Stephanie Fox, Stork pin, Wiley Maloney, Zach Presnell

Spotlight: Oak Ridge firefighter completes grueling smoke diver class

Posted at 10:29 am December 1, 2014
By City of Oak Ridge 1 Comment

Steve London

Steve London

Part of being a successful firefighter is the ability to control fear—and rely on skills that must be constantly renewed and sharpened.

An Oak Ridge firefighter recently completed one of the most grueling courses designed to teach survival techniques, and he will be training other Oak Ridge firefighters soon.

Thirty-nine firefighters from several departments qualified to begin this punishing six-day course, but only 12 of those finished the class. The Georgia Smoke Diver course, conducted by the Georgia Fire Academy and the Georgia Smoke Diver Association, is a six-day, 60-hour program designed for experienced firefighters who want realistic training in skills including firefighter rescue, thermal imaging, teamwork, discipline, and situational awareness.

One of the 12 firefighters who finished the class was Steve London of the Oak Ridge Fire Department. London holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in environmental studies, and he is a firefighter/paramedic for the City of Oak Ridge. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Honors and Spotlight, Oak Ridge, Police and Fire Tagged With: Darryl Kerley, firefighter, Georgia Fire Academy, Georgia Smoke Diver Association, Georgia Smoke Diver Course, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Fire Department, paramedic, smoke diver, Steve London

Results announced for fundraising 5k run honoring Colton Stout

Posted at 1:31 pm August 3, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Colton Alexander Stout

Colton Alexander Stout

Results are now available for a fundraising 5k run held at the Oak Ridge Marina Saturday morning in honor of a young firefighter and emergency medical technician who died in a car crash in January.

See the results here: Buy the Ticket Results.

The new Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride 5K Run honors the memory of Colton Stout, an EMT-IV/firefighter. It raises money for the nonprofit Colton Stout Scholarship Fund Inc.

Organizers said this year’s event proceeds will be used for two EMT or paramedic certification scholarships to help selected candidates follow their dream and pursue a career in the first responder field. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, Front Page News, Police and Fire, Recreation, Sports Tagged With: 5K, Buy the Ticket Take the Ride, Campbell County EMS, Colton Stout, Colton Stout Scholarship Fund Inc., emergency medical technician, Marlow Volunteer Fire Department, Oak Ridge Marina, paramedic, scholarships

Honors: Hicks named Roane State paramedic student of year

Posted at 8:57 pm July 28, 2014
By Roane State Community College Leave a Comment

Terry Hicks Roane State Paramedic Student of the Year

Roane State paramedic student of the year Terry Hicks (center) is congratulated by his mother, Tangiela (left), Dr. Roger Brooksbank with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine (back), and Roane State paramedic program director David Blevins (right). (Photo by RSCC)

 

Terry Hicks of Robbins was named Roane State Community College’s paramedic student of the year.

Dr. Roger Brooksbank with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine presented the award to Hicks during Roane State’s annual Knoxville paramedic program luncheon. Students completing the paramedic program were recognized at the event, which was sponsored by TeamHealth.

Hicks started as a volunteer firefighter. As he worked his way through the ranks, he became interested in pursuing education in emergency medicine.

“It’s been long, committed hours,” Hicks said of the year-long paramedic program. “You have to stay in the books, stay studying, and stay on top of your clinicals. My teachers at Roane State are fantastic. They make sure we are ready, and they do a fantastic job.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Health, Honors and Spotlight Tagged With: David Blevins, emergency medical services, paramedic, paramedic program, paramedic student of the year, Roane State Community College, Roger Brooksbank, Tangiela Hicks, TeamHealth Emergency Medicine, Terry Hicks

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EXTENSION OF THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE LITHIUM PROCESSING … [Read More...]

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