Womack Army Medical Center and Fayetteville Technical Community College celebrated the graduation of its Combat Paramedic Course 2023-002, June 8. The ceremony took place at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Spring Lake Campus, where the students received their certification after completing the rigorous training program.
The CPC is a 20-week program of instruction designed to take the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), certified 68W - Combat Medical Specialists, and prepare the Service Member for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - Paramedic (NR-P) cognitive and psychomotor examination, which is the standard certification for paramedics in the United States.
The class of 10 Soldiers labored 596 hours of classroom and clinical instruction, including lectures, hands-on training, and real-world experience in emergency medical services. The students learned how to provide advanced life support services in emergency situations including: administering medications, performing advanced airway management, and managing cardiac and trauma emergencies.
The graduates completed their course by passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians' paramedic certification exam, which is a challenging test that assesses their knowledge and skills in emergency medical services.
Sgt. First Class Luther Alston, Taylor / Sandri Medical Simulation Center NCOIC, and class leader said, “We call ourselves ‘the Guinea Pigs,’ because everything was fresh and new for the course, the college and Army. Our class was the first one to try a combined class, teamed up with the previous local civilian class graduates, initially totaling 30 people, sharing military and civilian experience.
“It was like drinking from a fire hydrant. It was a lot but, because we are military medicine, a lot of things in the beginning were a review of things we were already taught. I will miss this course, working in clinicals and on the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) trucks. We became close with our instructors and the surrounding city of Fayetteville and Hoke County. “As the new NCOIC of the Taylor / Sandri Medical Training Simulation Center, I will be able to take what I’ve learned and use it as an instructor there.”
The graduation ceremony was attended by family members, friends, faculty, and staff of the Womack Army Medical Center and Fayetteville Technical Community College.
Dezmond Harper, the FTCC course lead instructor and guest speaker, gave the class their last lecture, during the ceremony.
“It has been an honor and pleasure to be your instructor,” he said. “Being a medic is not the easiest task. The streets of Fayetteville are a different breed. One thing we all keep in mind, we are called to serve. We are called to impart our wisdom, skills, opportunities, or just a kind word. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.”
To close out the ceremony, graduates were presented with their Combat Medic certificates and pins, symbolizing their achievement and commitment to serving their local community and country. The graduates also presented a plaque to show their appreciation to their lead instructor.