Fort Smith EMS donates ambulance to ATU-Ozark

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus students studying paramedic/emergency medical services will now be able to practice emergency scenarios with a real ambulance thanks to Fort Smith EMS.

The 2009 E-450 ambulance donation is valued at around  $15,000 compared to the $180,000 cost of a new ambulance.

“We decided to donate the ambulance to ATU-Ozark because we think that it will be a good partnership with ATU and we are very interested in the paramedic program there,” said Tim Hearn, executive director of Fort Smith EMS. “We draw from that program for new paramedics. After speaking with Josh Freeman, the director of Paramedic/Emergency Services, and Bruce Sikes, the Chancellor, we saw a need and thought it would be a good fit.”

Arkansas Tech-Ozark already houses an ambulance simulator built into the paramedic simulation lab in the new Health Sciences and Wellness Building but this will be the first ambulance students will be able to drive. The ambulance will assist in practicing loading and unloading patients and will help students gain experience riding and working in an ambulance.

“We value the service of Fort Smith EMS to our students and community,” said Bruce Sikes, chancellor of Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus, “And we appreciate Tim Hearn’s leadership as it relates to educating future EMTs and paramedics.”