GULF SHORES, Ala. — In recent history, Washington, D.C. had a concern that the shortage of paramedics in their emergency management system was going to hamper response times and patient care.

It is the same story in Las Vegas, New York and numerous metropolitan areas all across the United States.

Statistics show that hospitals and fire departments from coast to coast are in dire need of paramedics. They nave EMS personnel, but they do not have many people who are paramedic certified

In resort areas all along the coast, the concern is the same, especially with the influx of large crowds during vacation periods and special events.

Faulkner State Community College is actively taking steps to make sure that in those crucial moments following an accident or when immediate medical care is needed, a knowledgeable paramedic will be there.

Starting last January, the new paramedic program opened its doors to students on Faulkner’s Gulf Shores campus.

Wednesday evening, the first graduating class from the newly formed program celebrated with a special pinning ceremony.

After completing the basic EMT courses, the paramedic program allows students to get hands-on experience working with medical emergencies.

Courses taken include advanced trauma management, cardiovascular electrophysiology and medical patient management.

Vince Parker, who has 20 years EMS experience, as well as several years as an educator, oversees the program which has been supported by local fire departments and hospitals.

Parker is assisted in teaching the program by EMS instructor John Santa Cruz and paramedic Suzanne Moeller.

Many of the students are adults who have been working with fire departments across the area and who are in the program by means of their employers.

There were seven graduates in the first class: Robert Rowland, Nicholas Sheer, Daren Montgomery, Kristen Folsom, Benjamin Hughes, Frederick Peace and Alan Anagnostopoulos.

The program of study lasts four semesters and is much more advanced than the basic EMT classes. Upon graduation, the students will sit for the National Registry Exam.