LCCC graduates 15 paramedics in first responder program

Fifteen students graduated from Lorain County Community College’s paramedic program March 3, according to a news release.

LCCC is the number one training location in Lorain County for first responder careers including paramedics, nursing, police and more, according to a news release from the College.

Over the past decade, more than 5,000 students have completed first responder training programs at LCCC, the release said.

The most recent paramedic class pass rate for LCCC graduates on the National Registry Exam’s written portion was 90%, well above the national average.

LCCC graduates have consistently had a 100% pass rate on the psychomotor part of the same certification exam.

“Students work very hard and put in nearly 1,000 hours between lecture, lab, in hospital and out of hospital clinicals with local fire departments and EMS agencies,” said Dawn Sgro, program coordinator and director of fire science and EMS programs. “Many of them work full time as an EMT or firefighter while going through the program.”

Students can be certified as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in as little as one semester at LCCC with a short-term technical certificate program in emergency medical services.

The recent graduates furthered their education by completing the one-year paramedic certificate.

An accelerated, full time program that can be completed in eight months is offered in both fall and spring semesters, representing yet another pathway option to a paramedic certificate.

A military medic to paramedic program is also available, as well as a variety of advanced healthcare education programs through LCCC’s University Partnership, the release said.

Paramedics and EMTs often are the first responders that assess a patient’s needs, give immediate care and transport patients to medical facilities.

The EMTs provide immediate life-saving emergency care and paramedics can perform more advanced care, such as administering drugs orally and intravenously, interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), performing endotracheal intubations and using monitors and other complex equipment. The recent paramedic graduating class includes Kareem Abouelhana, Samantha Blecman, Hannah Cook, Sarah Dziak, Kyle Golod, Benjamin Gotschall, Melany Hall, William Hetzel, Timothy Kandiko, Richard Kenney, Zach Lehner, Sara Moore, William Moore, Nicholas Nunez and Zachary Spallinger.