myCanvas / myCourses 
Featured photo: Current paramedic students practice safely loading equipment into an ambulance. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
Marketing & Communications Dept.
This spring, Blue Ridge Community College’s entire paramedic class passed the challenging Advanced Emergency Medical Technician state certification exam on their first attempt.
Blue Ridge Community College Emergency Medical Services (EMS) faculty paramedic instructor Virginia Purdy said her six students have been working incredibly hard to reach this milestone.
“The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certification is the next step after EMT, allowing providers to perform IVs, administer a limited formulary of medications, and perform more advanced skills, all of which are essential building blocks on the path to becoming a paramedic,” explained Purdy.
Purdy explained the Blue Ridge EMS program is designed to reflect the real-world demands of EMS.
“We train like we work. And let me tell you, these students show up. Even after working 24- or 48-hour shifts at their EMS agencies, they still make it to class – tired, maybe – but determined,” Purdy said.
She attributed part of her students’ determination to their existing and substantial hands-on experience.
“They know what’s at stake,” she said. “They were all working as EMTs during the hurricane and saw first-hand what working in EMS means to our communities.”
Now that the students have obtained their NC AEMT certification halfway through the Blue Ridge program, they can start practicing at a more advanced level now, gaining confidence and competence in the field. It also means pay raises and expanded roles within their agencies, which benefits the entire community.
”We’re proud to offer this opportunity, and even prouder of our students who continue to push themselves, not just for a certification, but to be the kind of providers their patients and communities can count on,” Purdy said.
Purdy leads by example, demonstrating to her students the same commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning that she encourages in them. This spring, she earned a specialized Community Paramedic certification by passing a rigorous examination administered by the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC). Purdy continues her professional growth by preparing for another challenging IBSC examination to become a certified Critical Care Paramedic.
Information about EMS and other Public Safety Training programs at Blue Ridge Community College, such as law enforcement and fire training, is available online at www.blueridge.edu/public-safety.