PIKEVILLE — On Thursday, 19 men and women from Eastern Kentucky attended a ceremony to celebrate their completion of the Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Eastern Kentucky Rural EMS Training program. The inaugural class of the new program marked a milestone for PMC in its efforts to work collaboratively with other organizations to advance the level of emergency medicine available in the region.
The PMC Rural EMS Training program was launched in December 2022 after the medical center received a nearly $200,000 grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The funding allowed those wishing to receive emergency medical training to do so at no cost. Men and women were able to receive the training over a 10-month period by attending classes held on weekends and after normal business hours during the week.
The program’s focus on Basic Life Support (BLS) and emergency medicine skills has equipped a dedicated group of individuals with the knowledge and expertise necessary to serve their communities in times of need. PMC’s commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services extends beyond the walls of the hospital, and the Rural EMS Training program exemplifies this dedication.
“PMC’s Rural EMS Training program is a shining example of what can be achieved when our community comes together to address critical needs,” said Pikeville Mayor Jimmy Carter. “This program not only equips individuals with life-saving skills but also reinforces our collective commitment to the well-being of Eastern Kentucky,” Mayor Carter added, “I’m proud of our partnership with Pikeville Medical Center and other stakeholders, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact these graduates will make in our region’s healthcare.”
The inaugural class represents the future of emergency medical care in rural Kentucky, where access to lifesaving skills is invaluable. The Rural EMS Training program was designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Eastern Kentucky, with limited access to healthcare facilities and the critical need for trained emergency medical personnel topping the list. During the program, students received comprehensive training in basic life support, which includes CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) usage, airway management and other essential life-saving techniques. This knowledge equipped students with the ability to respond effectively to emergencies, increasing the chances of survival for those in need.
Donovan Blackburn, PMC chairperson, president and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s success, stating, “This graduating class represents a significant step forward in bolstering emergency medical services in our region. Those who have completed the program are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to obtain their certification as an emergency medical technician (EMT). This will allow them to gain meaningful employment while filling many open EMT positions throughout the community. With each trained individual, Eastern Kentucky becomes better equipped to navigate healthcare emergencies.”
The inaugural PMC Rural EMS Training program was made possible through collaborative efforts between PMC, the City of Pikeville, Pikeville Fire Department, SAMSHA, local educators and community leaders who recognize the vital role emergency medical personnel play in Eastern Kentucky’s well-being.
