Paramedic graduates

Paramedic Graduates

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 1, 2017 – South Florida State College graduated a class of 15 paramedics during an evening ceremony at the SFSC University Center Auditorium at the Highlands Campus on July 31.

Receiving their paramedic certificates were Brianna Blosser, Dysean Broome, Lawrence Burrell, Myles Cumberland, Bob Daniels, Jason Hutchison, Michael Johnson, Eric Lynn, Amber Noah, Travis O’Bryant, Susan Quinn, Brandy Rudolph, Gordon Sawyer, Daniel Sotolongo, and Kevin Timmer.

Captain James Towns, who graduated from SFSC’s paramedic program in 2009, served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. He is a member of the Polk County Fire Rescue and, in 2015, was named Paramedic of the Year.

Towns offered the graduates some practical tips. “When you get into the field, listen to your patients. They can tell you a lot about themselves. Treat every patient with utmost respect. Just because it’s your 20th call of the day, mostly likely, it’s your patient’s first emergency. Take the time to make it all about your patients.”

He further encouraged them to “never stop learning. Learn from your peers, your patients, keep reaching for higher education. Most importantly, learn from your own mistakes.”

Brianna Blosser was presented a plaque for being the first student to complete all of these programs at SFSC: Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter Minimum Standards, and Paramedic. Further, she recently graduated with her Associate in Arts degree.

Three students were recognized for special achievement. Gordon Sawyer was acknowledged for both the Highest GPA Lab and for the Highest GPA Lecture, the student with the highest grade point average. Eric Lynn and Amber Noah, were awarded with Most Heart, the students who showed the most determination and drive.

The graduates had just completed an 11-month college credit certificate course offered by SFSC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program. Paramedics work as part of an emergency response team called out to traffic accidents, fires, and other life-threatening situations.

SFSC also offers a 300-hour course leading to employment as an emergency medical technician (EMT). EMTs provide entry-level patient care as part of an emergency response team.

SFSC also offers a two-year Associate in Science degree program in Emergency Medical Services, which includes training in both EMT and paramedic programs. Upon completing this program, graduates can work in a supervisory EMS capacity.

For more information, contact Steve Ashworth at 863-784-7272 or ashworths@southflorida.edu.