They  now return to serving their local communities as certified paramedics

In a news release dated December 16, 2024, Yavapai Community College (YCC) announced that ten paramedics have successfully completed the College’s rigorous training program and are now certified to serve their local communities. Many of the graduates are already affiliated with first-responder agencies such as the Prescott Fire Department, the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, the Copper Canyon Fire District, and the Groom Creek and Cottonwood Fire Departments.

Dr. Chris Lampe, an emergency room physician and Yavapai Community College’s EMS Medical Program Director, praised the graduates for their dedication and perseverance. “You completed a very difficult course while balancing full-time jobs and family responsibilities—that’s truly commendable,” said Dr. Lampe.

The graduates are part of Yavapai Community College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training program. EMS is a coordinated system that provides skilled pre-hospital care to individuals in emergency situations. While EMS is often recognized for its vehicles, helicopters, and frontline workforce, it represents far more than transportation to the hospital. It is an integrated system of emergency medical response that involves numerous highly trained professionals and agencies, prepared to handle any type of emergency, whether or not hospital transport is required.

Yavapai Community College offers four distinct pathways for students seeking to join the EMS field:

• Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine
• Paramedicine Certificate
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate
• Community Health/Critical Care Paramedic Certificate

Eight additional firefighters now enrolled in the College’s rigorous Paramedic program, which CAFMA lauded

The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) announced on December 21 that two of its firefighters had graduated from Yavapai Community College’s Paramedic program. They are Nelson DiVall and Andrew Kontz. Both firefighters successfully attained paramedic certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

In the announcement, CAFMA stated that while all CAFMA firefighters already possess certification as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), the pursuit of paramedic certification signifies a heightened level of expertise.

CAFMA explained that the rigorous curriculum at Yavapai Community College included over 150 hours of clinical experience and nearly 400 hours of field internships. This equips the firefighters with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles as paramedics.

CAFMA lauded the College’s training program in its announcement, with Doug Niemynski, CAFMA EMS Chief saying, “Well-trained, highly skilled, dedicated paramedics are vital to the success of a comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, and we’re grateful to Yavapai College for a fantastic program. CAFMA is proud of our commitment to delivering the best possible emergency medical care for our community.” 

CAFMA also noted that eight additional firefighters are currently enrolled in the Yavapai College Paramedic Program, which, upon graduation, will further strengthen the organization’s capabilities.