From Beaufort County Community College

In response to the need for a new mobile simulation lab for EMS students at Beaufort County Community College, PotashCorp donated $18,500 toward the purchase of an ambulance.

The mobile simulation lab enables EMS students to practice treating patients on the highway under realistic ambulance conditions. It allows students to become more comfortable practicing technical life-saving skills during their initial training at BCCC and during monthly continuing education classes. Instructors can stop a scenario and students can repeat a procedure until they show that they can do it safely and efficiently under stressful, simulated conditions. This mobile classroom can be driven to the various EMS departments in BCCC’s service area and used for training. The Beaufort County Schools Fire and EMS Academy will also use this lab.

The ambulance is a functional vehicle refurbished by Select Custom Apparatus of Falkland, and now rebranded with BCCC’s name and logo.

The college offers EMT, advanced EMT and paramedic certification classes. It also offers monthly refresher courses for all level providers in the field. A large driving pad and garage for training vehicles are planned on BCCC’s campus using funds from the Connect NC bond that passed this spring.

“The state is increasing the requirements for paramedics while community colleges are not putting out enough trained paramedics to keep up with demand,” said Billy Respass, director of EMS programs. “The new ambulance means that we can give our students the latest training they will need to pursue a career in EMS.”

Registration is currently open for fall classes. Funding assistance for students may be available through NCWorks Center. There are also scholarships available through State Employees Credit Union and Golden Leaf.

PotashCorp has a goal to be a responsible member of the community. By supporting projects and initiatives that reflect its goals and values, it strives to improve the quality of life in Beaufort County and surrounding areas. PotashCorp’s priority areas of giving are food security, education and training, community building, health and wellness, environmental stewardship and arts and culture.