Before this fall, Southwestern Community College’s Emergency Medical Students got most of their hands-on training in a cutting-edge ambulance simulator that resides inside their classroom.
The only ambulance on wheels at SCC’s Jackson Campus was more than 25 years old – so EMS Program Coordinator Eric Hester and Clinical Coordinator Robert Grover have long sought an upgrade.
It finally arrived just in time for the fall semester, and it’s a beauty.
The fully certified 2025 model cost $215,000, was paid for by state equipment funds and is equipped with the same medical and trauma care equipment in use by all of SCC’s surrounding EMS agencies.
“In another role, our new ambulance could very well be used for actual EMS calls,” Grover said. “It’s a real game-changer for us.”
Added Hester: “We’ve always found ways to make sure our students are fully prepared to provide life-saving care from the moment they graduate. This ambulance just makes our jobs so much easier and allows our students to train on the exact equipment and in the same type of vehicle they’ll be using in the field.”
Among the specific features that make the new ambulance ideal are:
- An “Auto-Load” stretcher system that loads and unloads the stretcher automatically, so that paramedics don’t have to manually lift the stretcher and patient.
- Simulated blood products similar to emergent release blood that is part of cutting-edge prehospital medicine.
- A Lucas mechanical CPR device that increases CPR consistency and helps maintain manpower during emergency resuscitations.
- Body-mounted, point-view capture equipment used during simulation and teaching to allow for in-depth critique and better learning outcomes.
- Physio Lifepack 15 monitors, Baxter IV pumps and more.
Through Southwestern’s EMS program, students can earn their EMT-Basic to Advanced Certification, an EMS Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Most paramedics working in SCC’s service area (Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary) received their training and regularly get continuing education from Southwestern.
“We’re extremely proud of the training and preparation Robert and Eric provide to our students, and we’re proud of the work our graduates do in the same communities we serve,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President. “I’m thrilled we were able to secure this ambulance to help train the next generation of paramedics who will be serving all of us, and our loved ones.”
For more information about the EMS program at Southwestern, contact Eric Hester (ehester@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4277) or Robert Grover (r_grover@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4309).
