Paramedic Class Graduates 11

WAYNESBURG, PA – After almost a year of intensive training, 11 people graduated from the paramedic course at Southwest Regional Medical Center. Through an arrangement with Penn State Fayette, students met twice a week for three hours preparing to become certified paramedics. The classes began September 2008, and graduates received certificates on August 3, 2009.

Southwest Regional Pre-Hospital Coordinator Mike Onusko has been teaching the course at Penn State for 20 years, and said hosting the course at Southwest Regional was a unique experience for the participants. “The nicest part about teaching the class at the hospital was not only could we deliver the didactic portion, but also the clinical portion. Several students completed their clinical in the emergency department,” said Onusko. “It was nice having the classroom and clinical in one area. It made it convenient for the students and for me.”

A paramedic is the highest level of emergency responder in Pennsylvania. Students completed over 600 hours of hands-on, educational and clinical training. Graduates are proficient in advanced patient assessment techniques, IV therapy, medication management, critical care, advanced airway management, intubation, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Patient Management, Advanced Pediatric Life Support and obstetrics training techniques.

“When Mike [Onusko] said you should read the book at least three times, he didn’t lie,” said student Heather Hughes. “Passing the class was very fulfilling, and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor to get us all through.”

According to Onusko, passing this course enables students to sit for the national registry written and practical exams, which they have to pass before becoming certified paramedics. The course marks the first time Penn State Fayette and Southwest Regional Medical Center teamed-up to provide paramedic training for residents in the surrounding area. There are currently 25 paramedics serving Greene County, many of whom are employed by EMS Southwest. Through the paramedic training program, more people have the opportunity to obtain paramedic status in the community.

“The paramedic program was a wonderful and rewarding experience. Each day of class became a day of enjoyment that taught each of us how to treat a patient more proficiently,” said Jammie Gencel. “Our knowledge base as a whole has increased to a new level. Critical thinking is now second nature and the class has made us into better health care professionals.”

“This course proves to the community and EMS services that the hospital is committed to furthering the education of EMS providers throughout the county,” said Onusko. “It builds a nice relationship.” Onusko said the course would be offered again in October. For more information about future paramedic courses, contact Penn State Fayette at 724-430-4217.