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Paramedic Program in Review

Our history dates back to September 1990 when Gateway Technical College provided both lead and adjunct instructors in a collaborative paramedic course jointly sponsored by both Kenosha Hospitals and Gateway Technical College. Gateway’s involvement increased in September 1992 with the paramedic refresher training conducted at three Kenosha County sites to meet the needs of the area Fire Departments.

In March 1994, the college realized the need to focus much of its attention toward the ALS (Advanced Life Support) section of EMS. Prior to 1994, EMS in its entirety was led and managed alone by a very busy supervisor, Mickey Hay. Her legacy continues today with the EMS Division running multiple courses at multiple sites, throughout Racine-Kenosha-Walworth Counties. Since October 1994, Gateway Technical College has now conducted yearly paramedic courses, as well as annual Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification programs.

Gateway has always supplied a unique feature unlike other training centers – that being the offering of part-time studies in the field of paramedic medicine, allowing the adult learner and full time worker the opportunity to stretch the program over a 10 month period. While that need dictated the service Gateway provided for years, the College later learned that it was necessary to offer full time studies (40-hours / week) in order to train the influx of Racine County Fire Department personnel to the Paramedic level. That need was addressed by the employment of Karen Smith RN / EMT-P as the lead instructor for that program, with Gateway Technical College offering its first full time course in January 1998 (2 days after Karen started her employment). Karen has been instrumental in the success of our paramedic training program and refresher series since her start.

Robin Jones – Associate Dean of EMS was hired in April 1999. Her duties include management in all components of Emergency Medical Services, ranging from CPR, EMT Basic, EMT Intermediate, EMT Paramedic, as well as all of the refresher courses that are provided annually. Brenda Graff became the new EMS Section secretary, replacing Diane McFarlane in October 2000 and took on a very active role in the course of EMS organization for this college.

In August 1999, Gary Leyer RN/EMT-P became the second full time paramedic instructor for Gateway, with duties ranging from the instruction of the part time study paramedic program, as well as refresher courses and EMT Intermediate instruction and refresher programs.

As the program grew, it required yet another full time instructor, with Trish Flannery RN/EMT-P being brought on board in January 2001 with overall program management now led by Randy Smith, who took over in May 2002 as the Dean of Protective Services (EMS, Fire, Police and Traffic Safety), vacated with the retirement of Ross Marshall.

Shortly after Dean Smith’s arrival in Burlington, a department-wide realignment occurred, moving Gary Leyer to the role of EMS Program Chair, and the addition of two part time EMS Assistants, Arlene Odeja and Denise Funk to help coordinate the activities of the EMS Office, including National Registry testing, American Heart Association and Medic First Aid courses.

With demand for flexible scheduling, a part time day program meeting every 3^rd day was created to fit with more traditional fire department schedules. This successful program was initially coordinated by Trish Flannery, and later by Craig Schambow (who joined our fulltime team in the Fall 2003).

Change continued in the field of ALS training. Curriculum changes moved the program from 750 hours (16 credits) and a state certification exam, to 1000+ hours (20 credits) and National Registry certification exams, to our present program of 1140 hours (36 credits). Now, a student has the ability to complete the technical diploma portion of the class in the first year, and for those interested in higher education, an Associate Degree as a Paramedic Technician beginning with the Fall 2005 term.

All of our instructors were very active in this transition process for EMS in Wisconsin and two sat on the state committee responsible for the re-writing of the new curriculum. The future continues to show additional specialty training offerings in PEPP (Pediatric EMS Education), PHTLS (Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support), ACLS & PALS programs, GEMS (Geriatric Emergency Medical Services), Traumatic Brain Injuries / Care.

Our ALS students continue to enjoy our initial training center in Racine, and are especially excited to be in our new Burlington Campus training center starting with the August 2005 classes. Full-time students will still take their program in Racine, while the part-time programs will stay in Burlington. Gone are the days of floating between available classrooms and buildings and going back even further - gone are the days of working around jet engines as we initially were provided practical lab space in the Aviation Center hanger. Keeping flexibility and accessibility for training as a focus, a pilot paramedic program is just finishing which was provided at a local fire department for on-duty employees, allowing them to take the course during normal work days and times, and over an extended period that fit into the fire fighter schedule more easily.

Gateway Technical College is certainly a leader in EMS / Paramedic level training. Since our start, 16 full time classes 20 part time classes have been conducted. It must be worth the drive as we have plenty of out-of-district students attending as well. In a report compiled last year, the average paramedic student traveled between 53 – 61 miles one way to reach our seasoned and experienced training centers!

Our students benefit from a proven program, dedicated instructors, and knowledgeable leadership by our Protective Service / Emergency Medical Services Division. Our training and methods for teaching are constantly being revamped and modified as needed. Experienced adjunct staff support our training program well, and include specialty clinicians with in expertise from street Paramedics, Physicians, Lawyers, Law Enforcement, Flight Paramedics / Nurses, and other support personnel.

We work closely with area hospitals, fire departments, medical directors, medical staff, EMS Coordinators and ALS providers to assure our students have the opportunity for valuable learning experiences – both in the classroom and during their field/clinical studies. Our program receives active input by our membership of both the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, and the Paramedic Advisory Committee which is made up from representatives from all area departments, providers and hospitals.

Thank you for your support and interest in our / your Paramedic Training Center. Stop in for a visit and see why your neighbors already come this way for their EMS training.