Hopkinsville Fire and EMS’ boasts of paramedic program success

Since its inception a year ago, the Hopkinsville Fire and EMS Paramedic Program has graduated nearly 100 EMTs from its ranks.

According to a news release, the Paramedic Program graduated 92 students, achieving an 83 percent retention rate and a 100 percent pass rate among graduates that took the National Registry of EMTs exam to date. Many paramedic programs across the nation typically report graduation rates of between 50 and 60 percent during a two-year timeline.

In a news release, Captain Payton Rogers says graduating nearly 100 paramedics at once is virtually unheard of, showing that Hopkinsville Fire and EMS is shaping the future of paramedic education.

This is good timing for it—Kentucky is facing one of the lowest paramedic production rates in the nation, losing roughly 100 paramedics annually, creating a persistent statewide shortage. Now, the Hopkinsville-Christian County EMS Paramedic Program has officially earned Initial Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Fire Chief and EMS Director Steve Futrell says, “This accreditation is a major achievement for our organization and our community. It reflects the dedication of our instructors, staff and students and it confirms that the education we provide meets the highest national standards. Most importantly, it strengthens our ability to prepare paramedics who will deliver exceptional care to the citizens we serve.”

HFD is inviting the public to tour the paramedic training facility on March 13 at 10 a.m. at the new Fire Station Five located at 101 Walton Way.