Grady Hospital opens new paramedic training facility

from Atlanta Intown - May 2015

by Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Intown, Reporter Newspapers

Real Estate Briefs

By Clare S. Richie

Looking to work in an industry with a lot of opportunity, growth and flexibility? Consider registering for Grady Emergency Medical Services (Grady EMS) Paramedic Program at its new 30,000 square foot education and training facility on 2284 Marietta Boulevard NW.

Grady EMS, the hospital-based emergency care component of the Grady Health System, recently expanded to provide education courses at three levels: Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT (AEMT), and Paramedic.

At the scene of an emergency, an EMT provides basic life support, an AEMT has extra training to perform some procedures (e.g., start an IV), and a Paramedic serves as a link to the emergency room doctors, by diagnosing and treating the patient in the field.

The program includes classroom lectures, skill development labs, and supervised clinical field experiences. Student Jason Hewell gives the program high marks. “Thus far, I’m personally impressed with the education that has been provided. The equation is simple. Experienced instructors that care about learning, along with beyond adequate clinical/lab resources, equals a high quality program.”

Grady EMS is looking for others to follow in Jason’s footsteps. “We need a constant pipeline of employees for Grady EMS, because we are always growing,” shared Michael Colman, Director of Education and Staff Development.

Grady EMS provides emergency ambulance services to anyone within the City of Atlanta-Fulton County. It’s one of the busiest 911 providers in the southeast, handling approximately 110,000 emergency requests annually, frequently responding to car crashes and difficulty breathing.

Grady EMS also provides service to Downtown sports arenas, high school games, and other large events.

The work is intense but comes with a flexible schedule. “We’re open 24 hours a day 365 days per year, ”explained Jeff Asher, Education Manager and instructor at the new facility. You can schedule your three 12-hour (or four 10-hour shifts) for nights, weekends, off-peak commute times, and around childcare needs.

And to promote professional development, a current Grady EMS AEMT with one year of experience can attend the Paramedic 13-month program for a small fee and agreeing to an 18-month work commitment. This is a $4,000 savings for the employee.

The training is also open to the community. “Training can be used to stay with Grady EMS or to go elsewhere,” per Jeff Asher. AEMT training prepares you for any EMS position and for other jobs, like a firefighter. The newest Paramedic training cohort includes 11 Grady employees and 4 community members.

“There’s a big interest in a supercondensed summer EMT program from nursing, physical therapy, and medical students,” Jeff shared. It’s good preparation for students pursuing their degrees and some choose to work as an EMT while in school.

In response, Grady EMS is offering an EMT licensure class for 10 weeks, instead of the usual 20 weeks. Starting mid-May, Grady EMS is offering an accelerated and a regular EMT class. As of early April, there is still room in both classes. If they fill up quickly, Grady EMS now has the space and flexibility to consider adding more classes.

When considering an EMS career, student Preston Jeanis wants you to know. “It isn’t for everyone. It’s hard work, with an emphasis on handling emergencies and continual critical thinking. However the reward is unlike any other because what we do makes a difference. It’s all about giving back, because we were all in need at one point in our lives.”

Go to www.grady-ems.org for more info on classes, tuition/fees, and application process. Contact Takiesha Bankston, Registrar’s office at (404) 616-7414 or tgbankston@gmh.edu.

The Atlanta Police Department has graduated 40 new officers, including 32 men and eight women. According to a report from APD, 10 of the graduates have military experience and 21 are college graduates. More than 20 of the graduates moved to Atlanta specifically to join APD. The new officers competed 22 weeks of rigorous training at the Atlanta Police Academy, along with 12 weeks of field training with veteran officers. The training includes classroom courses in constitutional law, APD policy and procedure, hands-on defensive tactics, arrest techniques and daily physical fitness.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners has approved the purchase of three new fire trucks for the Fulton County Fire Department at a cost of $1.2 million. The Board also approved the lease purchase of 10 Police Pursuit Vehicles and four Parks & Recreation vehicles.

City of Decatur dispatcher Jeremy Pickett was voted the Southeast Regional Honoree in the annual Smart Telecommunicator Awards. The awards recognize and reward 911 operators for leadership, performance, compassion for callers, ability to inspire co-workers.

Fulton County Police Chief Cassandra Jones retired from office in April. “Her work was a key part of our crime prevention efforts in this county,” said Fulton County Commission Chairman John H. Eaves. “Due to her emphasis on community oriented policing, burglaries in our unincorporated area decreased by more than 22 percent during her tenure.” Jones served with the Fulton County Police Department for 36 years and is the only female to serve as chief.