Shelby County Today

October 20, 2015 - Panola College student Sarah Botkin hobbled on crutches into her EMT class on October 13, the victim of a head-on collision the evening before.  She had been driving home to Nacogdoches on Highway 315 when her car was struck head-on by a speeding vehicle that was attempting to pass two 18-wheelers on a hilly curve. The crash demolished both vehicles, but no one was seriously injured.

For Botkin and the other students in the Panola College EMT class this wreck on a remote stretch of rural highway, at least 45 minutes away from the nearest hospital, illustrates the important role played by EMT personnel.

“I didn’t have to ride in an ambulance that night, but it was good to know trained emergency responders were there in case someone had been seriously hurt,” she said.

Instructor Ronnie Morton has a long career in emergency response, working as a paramedic in Marshall before joining the faculty at Panola College. With the move into the new Health and Natural Sciences Building in the fall semester, the EMT program has expanded to include the newest technology and equipment available.

“We have an ambulance simulator that is fully outfitted with the same equipment you would find on a real unit,” he said. “It comes with four corner-mounted video cameras that allow me to stand in the classroom and watch my students work on the mannequin inside the unit.

The visual feed from the video cameras shows up on a wall-mounted television screen so that students in the classroom can see and experience the action inside the unit.

The Panola College Paramedic Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.  Students in the program start out with courses to allow them to become Emergency Medical Technicians. Through continued study and education, they may decide to obtain a Paramedic certification.

After completing the coursework and a required exam from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, students are able to work as EMTs in fire departments, private emergency medical services, hospitals, and ambulance companies.

The average pay for an EMT is $14.91 per hour, or $31,020 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job outlook projects 23 percent growth for EMTs and paramedics, a rate much faster than average.

EMTs and paramedics respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance, and are often called upon to perform CPR, treat wounds, assess patients’ conditions, and determine a course of treatment. The Panola College EMT coursework trains students in the use of all equipment inside an ambulance, from backboards and neck braces to oxygen and other medical devices. Some EMTs work as part of medical helicopter flight crews, transporting critically injured patients to a hospital from the scene of an accident or other emergency situation.

EMT-Basic is the entry level position for someone completing the coursework. Students who continue with their education may obtain certification as an Advanced EMT, and ultimately, may become a certified Paramedic.

“Paramedics can provide more advanced care than EMTs,” Morton explained. “Paramedics may give medications orally and intravenously, and they can interpret EKGs, intubate patients, and use other more complex monitors and equipment.”

EMTs and Paramedics work in high-stress situations, but they save lives every day, Morton added.

“By using the ambulance simulator and going through the coursework, my students gain the confidence they need to perform in life or death situations,” he said.

Students currently enrolled in the EMT class come from diverse backgrounds and locations. Kaleb Jones of Carthage helped out in emergency response before signing up for the EMT class. “I just like helping people,” he said. Harold Faucett, IV, of Woodlawn near Marshall currently works as a volunteer fire fighter, and decided to pursue a career in emergency medical services. Joshua Serrano of Elysian Fields is known as “Doc” to his fellow classmates because he is taking pre-med courses along with his EMT class.

Registration for Panola College spring 2016 semester opens on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Students interested in the EMT program must have completed a high school diploma or GED, or be a senior currently enrolled in high school. Students must also have CPR certification from an approved American Heart Association trainer. The CPR certification is available at Panola College.

For more information about the program, contact Kelley Hammond at Panola College, 903-694-4524, or email khammond@panola.edu. Information is also available on the Panola College website at http://www.panola.edu/programs/health-sciences/emt/index.html.

October 16, 2015 - Panola College rodeo made a short trip this weekend to Pittsburg, Texas for the 3rd Southern Region rodeo. The rodeo hosted by N.E.T.C.C. was a very fast pace arena with lots of new challenges because of the very small size of the arena. Rodeo arenas, unlike some other sports, may differ in length, width, and ground conditions. Pittsburg’s arena proved to be tough for some, while others seemed to feel right at home.

Canadian native bareback rider, Bailey Plaisier, increased his position in the standings with a 71 point ride. The score was strong enough to win 5th place at NETCC, and move Plaisier to number 9 in the Regional standings. Bailey is one of two bareback riders that have fought their way into the top ten, team mate Kole Chandler, is holding tight the number 6 spot in overall standings.

Laramie Johnson just keeps on coming. The two event cowgirl started the year with a victory and has not let up since. A time of 2.3 seconds in the breakaway event was fast enough for second place at the rodeo, but more importantly moves her to the number one spot in the Southern Region. Laramie is not the only Panola cowgirl in the top ten, Nicole Reeves, is very close behind in the number 6 position.

R.D. Carter, and partner Zach Moore, had a fast run in the team roping with a time of 6.9 seconds. The time was fast enough to win the 8th spot at the rodeo and give them points towards regional standings. The pair has put together some great runs this season, finding themselves just outside the top 10 in the standings at number 11.

Bull rider, Gannon Ivy, has been very consistent this year riding 2 out 3 bulls. The cowboy was 3rd in the region last year, and qualified for the CNFR. Gannon has his eyes on the number one spot this season and another chance at a national title. He is now sitting in the number 3 position in the overall standings.

October 12, 2015 - The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education division is offering an ICD-10 course on Saturday, November 7, 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The class will be held in the Health and Natural Sciences building on the Carthage campus. The cost of the class is $100.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information, contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-2067 or email ce@panola.edu.

October 9, 2015 - The Panola College Fillies took down Paris Junior College Wednesday night in straight sets (25-14, 25-17, and 25-16) to start the second round of conference play with a bang.

Panola swept the Lady Dragons with a balanced attack that featured key contributions from freshman outside hitter Ana Oliveira (9 kills), sophomore Brittany Lampkin and freshman Sharon Tukuaoga (7 kills apiece), along with sophomore Leiyona Young and freshman Victoria Santos adding 5 each. Sophomores Adriana Skipper and Sierra Moses proved once again to be the top setting duo in the conference, combining for 31 assists and 11 digs.

The Fillies also dominated defensively, out blocking Paris 10 – 1. Brittany Lampkin led the way with 6 block assists and freshman Rachel Henderson continued to control the net adding 5. Freshman Morgan Currie ran the floor defense racking up 13 digs along with Victoria Santos adding 10 of her own.

Panola will return to action this Fridaytraveling to Wharton County Junior College to take on the Lady Pioneers at 5pm.