[Clinton, N.C.] – On February 10, Sampson Community College (SCC) transformed into a ‘mini-metropolis’ for a first-of-its-kind collaborative effort between the College’s Emergency Medical Science (EMS) program, nursing programs, and regional partners for an authentic student training exercise.
For 16-hours, students were put to the test to ensure that when they leave SCC, they are prepared for any situation that might arise on-call. Over 40 ‘patients’ were cared for by the SCC healthcare programs, simulating psychiatric disorders to major trauma emergencies. Johnston County Emergency Services Training Officer, Allison Bissette, assisted and even recruited her 7-year-old daughter, Avery, to become a ‘patient’ in multiple scenarios.
Senior-level nursing students were overseen by SCC nursing faculty and Brian Hehl, Bladen Community College EMS Program Coordinator, as they worked in a simulated hospital environment equipped with a 9-bed emergency room, ICU, and surgical floor. Outside of the Technology Building, five senior paramedic crews paired with freshman partners also responded to a variety of situations on campus.
Angela Magill, SCC EMS Program Director, explained, “Training like this helps students from both EMS and Nursing to better communicate when they leave the halls of Sampson Community College. Training collaboratively only strengthens the continuum of care and ultimately benefits the patients by ensuring that everyone has a good idea of the environment on the other side.”
Sampson CC extends a special thank you to Thomas Newcomb and Tina Madgar of TnT EMS Training Solutions, who coordinated and oversaw the event; Mrs. Megan Callahan for being the Nursing liaison; Dr. Alexandria Apperson, Dean of Health Sciences; Dr. Bill Starling, SCC President; Mrs. Amanda Bradshaw, Vice President of WD/CE; Jim DeMay, Dean of Public Safety; SCC Board of Trustees; and to the many instructors, agencies, and freshman nursing students who participated voluntarily and helped prepare, evaluate, or provide equipment.
“Overall, the training was a great success,” expressed John Turner, EMS Clinical Coordinator at SCC. “Students got a good idea of what to expect when they matriculate from our program into their career, but also areas to focus on in the next few months to better prepare for the throes of medicine. Thank you for entrusting us with representing Sampson Community College and the freedom to create such elaborate and intense training. Your presence and support was noticed and appreciated.”
For more information about the Emergency Medical Science or Nursing programs at SCC, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/ems or www.sampsoncc.edu/adn
John Turner, EMS Clinical Coordinator, contributed to this article.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
