Regional Center for EMS Education is a key ingredient in busy training schedule
The Regional Center for EMS Education (RCEMSE) at Kirkwood Community College was formed in partnership with St. Luke’s Hospital, Mercy Medical Center and the Area Ambulance Service. By combining resourc3s, RCEMSE is able to provide high-quality, accessible EMS education programs in the seven-county area Kirkwood serves.
Since this initial partnership in 1998, RCEMSE has continued its commitment to provide quality EMS education. On March 16, 2007 Kirkwood’s Associate of Applied Science degreed Paramedic program received initial accreditation for three years by the Commission of Allied Health Education Programs. Most recently the college’s accreditation by that body was extended until March 2011.
Kirkwood is authorized by the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of EMS to provide training in First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate 85, Iowa Paramedic, and Paramedic Specialist courses. They also offer EMS continuing education to all levels of EMS providers. There were 180 students enrolled in their EMS coursework in the fall of 2009. Kirkwood offers their college credit EMT-Basic course each semester and has an annual start of the credit Paramedic Specialist program.
Kirkwood officials are also excited to announce the opening of the college’s Healthcare Simulation Center. This 12,000 square foot addition to Linn Hall opened in August 2009. The center integrates high fidelity simulation into a realistic healthcare environment. From the pre-hospital apartment to an in-patient ICU, each of the center’s seven simulation rooms has the look, feel and smell of an authentic healthcare setting. Each room is equipped with state of the art audio-visual recording capabilities. “Not only can we simulate an EMS call, but the instructor can view the live scenario from the control room to monitor the students’ assessment skills, treatment and professionalism,” said Kirkwood Health Professions Director Mike McLaughlin.
For more information about any of the RCEMSE or Kirkwood training programs, visit the college website at:
Kirkwood also welcomes interested individuals or groups to tour the new Healthcare Simulation Center.
[This article originally appeared in the journal of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association. Used by permission, Copyright 2010.]