From scrolling on Facebook to serving her community, Patricia Williams acted on a social media post she saw and is now a certified emergency medical technician after completing NPRC’s course and passing the national registry exam.
Williams works full-time, raises a family, and is using her EMT certification to volunteer with her local ambulance company in Potter County. This is the second time she’s been certified as an EMT, and she is proud to once again be able to assist on local ambulance calls. After assisting the organization for nearly 15 years, she takes tremendous pride in being able to help people in her community. “I wanted to do the course again to learn everything and more a second time. I knew it would make me better prepared. I chose NPRC’s program because I’d been looking for a program for quite a while and wasn’t able to locate one I could commit to.”
As a working mom raising a toddler, Williams appreciated the flexibility of the course, including online and recorded lectures and the ability to complete hands-on training closer to home. She was able to train locally at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, as well as in a local nursing home and with some local ambulance agencies. “I liked the online/recorded lectures because they helped me understand the material better. I was able to ask questions and get them answered during the lectures when there was a topic I didn’t understand. I’m also extremely grateful that a lab site was open at UPMC Cole for us to complete our lab time at. Otherwise, I would’ve had to travel an hour and half on work nights one way and wouldn’t be getting home until closer to midnight. It was very convenient to have that site close to home.”
Over the last several months, as she added being a college student to her busy schedule, she’s been very grateful to have her husband, mom, and instructors Dave Pelachik and Brea Ullman by her side. Their stability has helped make it possible to balance all she does and get re-certified as an EMT. “My husband and mom have given me emotional encouragement throughout everything. Dave and Breanna helped answer the multitude of questions I’ve had and never made me feel uneasy about asking them. They truly care and want to help you understand the material and why things are done in a certain way.”
The course has also introduced her to new friends whom she hopes to keep a relationship with far beyond the classroom. It’s also added to her perspective that while becoming an EMT may not be possible for everyone, training in first aid, CPR, and AED should be examined more seriously. “I do truly believe everyone should be CPR/AED certified to help others in need and in times of crisis. I think we all need to work together for the communities and people we care about.”
From a scroll on Facebook to saving lives in Potter County, Patricia Williams’ journey has brough her back to a role she takes great pride in as a certified EMT. We are #NPRCProud of your work at the College and know you’ll continue to be an asset in emergency medical services in your community, Patricia!