PRESS RELEASE: NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Education in action - UF’s Trauma One lifts student career options to another level

Mimi Carter, a medical assisting student, said the demonstration has given her a glimpse into more career options besides nursing.

University of Florida’s Trauma One helicopter at St. Johns River State College Orange Park Campus.

Healthcare students gathered on the St. Johns River State College Orange Park Campus Wednesday to experience the University of Florida’s Trauma One helicopter demonstrate an emergency landing. The exercise exposed the College’s EMT/Paramedic and other healthcare students to the many career pathways available to them once they enter the healthcare field.

“Our students’ education is bigger than the four walls of their classroom,” said SJR State instructor Jon Whitmar. “We have to be able to show them the limitless growth and opportunities that exist.”

Because not every EMT/paramedic will work on an ambulance for their entire career, Whitmar believes students are lifelong learners, and advancement can take on different pathways. While some paramedics continue their education to become registered nurses, another pathway is to become a flight paramedic. “The additional knowledge and skills they will obtain in flight school will allow them to conduct procedures that only physicians can do,” he said.

Firefighter Matt Meeker enrolled in SJR State’s paramedic program with the goal to expand his credentials within the medical field. “I’ve had people flown out before when working rescue, so it’s kinda cool to see the other side of it and meet one of the guys who does it,” Meeker said.

SJR State alumni Greg Williams, a flight services educator for Trauma One, gave an in-depth presentation to the College’s healthcare students before the helicopter made its landing on the College’s front lawn. Working in the field for 14 years, Williams said he enjoys not only the challenges of being a flight paramedic, but also the uniqueness of the profession. The job takes dedication and he recommends students who are interested to find a mentor. “You gotta be hungry for it,” Williams said.

Student Mimi Carter climbed into the unit gaining a new perspective on the healthcare field. As a medical assisting student, she said the demonstration has given her a glimpse into more career options besides nursing, and after today, one she may consider. “My son would think this is amazing - flying around saving people.”

Flight nurse Ken Solomon, who flew in for the demonstration, said his job is rewarding. “It’s my passion to take care of patients who are critically injured,” Solomon said. “You build a great comradery with your coworkers. You know, you are with them for 24 hours. It takes a lot of team work because it’s just you and your partner taking care of patients.”

SJR State offers numerous healthcare programs including EMT/Paramedic, nursing, medical assisting, radiologic technology, sonography, respiratory care and more. For more information on those programs, visit SJRstate.edu.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF EVENT

SJR State EMT/Paramedic and other healthcare students alongside the University of Florida’s Trauma One helicopter.