Springville Journal
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, N.Y. — The only paramedic training program in Western New York to use distance-learning technology is about to graduate its first class of 29 paramedics from Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Paramedics provide the highest-level of EMS care for patients suffering severe trauma or illness. They’re an essential part of the EMS safety net. But the Southern Tier was running out of paramedics because trainings were only available in distant locations.
The Regional Paramedic Program is a partnership between area hospitals and EMS agencies in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. Creating the program required building state-of-the-art distance-learning labs at Olean General Hospital and at ALSTAR EMS Training Center in Jamestown, the support of EMS medical directors and EMS faculty and the guidance of the state Bureau of EMS and Department of Health.
Read full story: Paramedic training bridges distance with technology