Paramedic students with the Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services Training Academy have been able to gain critical training experience despite COVID-19 restrictions at area hospitals through a partnership between the Training Academy and PCOM Georgia in Suwanee.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, area hospitals began restricting paramedic students from using facilities, whereas prior to COVID, students were able to hone intubation skills required for graduation.
In light of this change, a partnership was developed between Gwinnett County’s Training Academy and PCOM Georgia, which is a private, not-for-profit institute of higher education for students pursuing health care professions, including doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy and graduate degrees in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies.
Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services recently honored PCOM Georgia’s Anatomical Donor Services program and Simulation Center with an award recognizing the partnership.
“What started out of necessity has developed into a very fruitful relationship between PCOM Georgia and the Gwinnett County Training Academy,” said Capt. Chad Bird, paramedic program director, in presenting the award. “I don’t know what we would have done without you.
“Our program found itself in a tough situation,” Bird continued. “Thankfully PCOM stepped up to help. This allowed our students to move forward and gain valuable experience.”
Gwinnett Fire Chief Russell Knick also acknowledged the relationship between the medical school and the fire department.
“It’s a great partnership we have in Gwinnett County,” he said.
Jeffrey Seiple, MBA, LFD, LE, PCOM Georgia’s director of anatomical labs and services, and Toni Musta, MS, manager of the Simulation Center, were on hand to accept the award.
FEATURED PHOTO: Pictured during the presentation of a partnership in education award from Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services to PCOM Georgia are, from left to right, Capt. Chad Bird, paramedic program director with Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services; Jeffrey Seiple, PCOM Georgia’s director of anatomical labs and services; Toni Musta, PCOM’s manager of the Simulation Center; Chief Adam Lane, battalion chief of continuous improvement in operations with Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services; and Gwinnett Fire Chief Russell Knick. Photo courtesy of PCOM Georgia.
