WCC, UNC Health Wayne, Wayne County EMS Partner for Advanced Training

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – A new partnership between Wayne Community College, UNC Health Wayne, and Wayne County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is providing current and future professionals with specialized training in emergency care.

The partnership began as a way for WCC’s paramedic students to visit an operating room to learn better techniques and procedures for intubations and airway management.

Paramedics provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency medical care in North Carolina. They must first become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) before pursuing certification as paramedics.

WCC’s paramedic classes are part of the EMS programs within the College’s Workforce Continuing Education Services, offering short-term training leading to certification.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Emily Peters and Rick Middleton at UNC Health Wayne have been training WCC’s paramedic students in advanced airway skills, leading to even more proficient paramedics.

The partnership will also bring current Wayne County EMS paramedics into the operating room at UNC Health Wayne to refresh their advanced airway skills and airway management.

“This training not only encourages much-needed practice but also allows the anesthesia team to offer new techniques or information to better assist the paramedics in their skills,” WCC EMS Instructor/Coordinator Kimberly Boswell said.

This collaboration allows WCC students and current paramedics to learn from local healthcare professionals, develop their skills, and build community relationships, strengthening the quality of emergency medical care in Wayne County.

“The skill set of this training is top-notch and benefits our paramedic students, our program, our working paramedics, and most importantly, the welfare of our community,” said Boswell.