New option for paramedic education will start May 1, 2024 in Gypsum, CO
Monday, February 26, 2024
EDWARDS, Colo. – Brandon Daruna, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle County Paramedic Services (ECPS), recently announced Eagle County Paramedic Services has entered into an agreement with the Denver Health Paramedic Division. As a result of this partnership, ECPS will serve as a satellite site for the Denver Health Paramedic School program, allowing aspiring paramedics in the western part of the state to receive the same level of training and education offered in Denver at a more convenient location.
“We’re excited to offer an option for EMS professionals who want to continue their EMS education closer to home,” Daruna said. “There hasn’t been an option for those living on the I-70 corridor or the western slope to pursue paramedic school without relocating to Denver for six, nine or 12 months. With this program, we’re offering a course that is just as rigorous and dynamic but in a more convenient location.”
The paramedic program will take place from May 1 - Nov. 7 for in-class (didactic) learning as well as some clinical shifts. The class follows the 48-hour shift cycle, which is the same cycle that many EMS services follow. After completing the didactic training student will complete an in hospital clinical education and 500 hours of field internship on an ambulance with the Denver Paramedics.
“Denver Health Paramedic School sees about 100 students each year and we’re excited to grow this program to meet the needs of our colleagues to the west,” said Denver Health Assistant Chief of EMS Education, Justin Harper.
Paramedic Kelly Lombardi, who has worked as both a paramedic, community paramedic and paramedic educator for ECPS, will lead the class. Lombardi, who holds a Masters in Education, has worked with ECPS for more than 20 years.
"I'm honored to be the lead instructor for this partnership with Denver Health,” Lombardi said. “While we're fortunate to have a wealth of experienced paramedics and community professionals who are ready to bring their expertise to the classroom, finishing out the program with 500 hours of field internship with Denver Health Paramedics will be especially valuable."
For more information, or to enroll, please visit eaglecountyparamedics.com/denver-health-paramedic-school-at-eagle-county
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About Denver Health Paramedic Division
Under the Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver Health Paramedic Division (DHPD) provides 911 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and ambulance transportation to the City and County of Denver, Denver International Airport, as well as the cities of Glendale, Sheridan, Englewood, and areas of unincorporated Arapahoe County.
DHPD provides EMT and paramedic training for the next generation of health care providers, as well as continuing education and community responder training through the Rita Bass Trauma and EMS Education Institute.
About Denver Health
Denver Health is a comprehensive health and hospital system that provides high-quality care and proudly serves as the city’s safety net hospital. For more than 160 years, Denver Health has been guided by its mission to serve the people of Denver, to educate the next generation of health care professionals and to engage in research and community partnerships to better deliver the health care needs of our patients while strengthening our community.
About Eagle County Paramedic Services
Eagle County Paramedic Services (ECPS) operates ambulances using five stations from Gypsum to Vail, with as many as 13 ambulances providing 24-7, 365-day coverage. Last year, the Paramedic Services answered more than 6000 calls from Vail Pass to Glenwood Canyon. ECPS treats and transports people having medical emergencies, conducts community health services to underserved people in Eagle County and also conducts education and training programs. For more information about the district, visit eaglecountyparamedics.com or call 970-926-5270.