PHOENIX (April 6, 2020) – The apex of Coronavirus cases across Arizona has yet to be seen. However, in the coming weeks, doctors, nurses, and paramedics will be needed more than ever. With that knowledge in mind, The National Registry of EMT (NREMT) has issued a provisional certification, supported by the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of EMS Trauma Systems (AZDHS BEMSTS) so Phoenix College paramedic Students can begin emergency medical service in the City of Phoenix and beyond.
“We are proud to support our allied health partners since we work collaboratively to educate and to train the current and future workforce members.” said Maria Reyes, Dean of Industry & Public Service Academic Affairs of Phoenix College. "It was critically important that we answer the request from our partners to provide any resources we could.”
The 14 students from Phoenix College, who are also Phoenix Fire Department employees, are less than 200 hours away from completing their training to become paramedics. They are currently participating in their capstone field internships at various Phoenix Fire Department stations around the city. They will fulfill the requirements of the internships by May 1. Thanks to this collaboration, Phoenix College’s Paramedic Program will provide a pathway to a provisional certification allowing these students to begin their service as paramedics in battling the global COVID-19 Pandemic.
“The Phoenix Fire Department is fortunate to have highly trained front line Paramedics and EMT’s who manage our community’s pre-hospital health needs. Having this option during these trying times truly boosts our efficacy and ability to provide the best service possible. We are grateful for this partnership with Phoenix College that allows us the flexibility to further enhance our service delivery model,” says Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner.
In addition, Phoenix College is also providing hundreds of pieces of PPE supplies to Phoenix-area medical providers. The school is additionally donating two much-needed ventilators to a local hospital to aid in treating COVID-19 patients.
Click here for additional information about the Phoenix College paramedics program.
In addition to Reyes, two students in the program can be made available for interviews. Contact Erika Keenan 602.373.5923 to set up an interview.
About Phoenix College:
Phoenix College is the flagship of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. The College will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2020. Phoenix College offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfer, certificates and short-term job training to more than 17,000 students annually.