A large crowd of family and friends attended graduation ceremonies Friday night, July 25, for Hardtner Medical Center’s (HMC) Spring 2025 EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Course.
For the past four months, the 17 students have attended weekly night courses and Saturday classes to complete the requirements to earn their EMT certification, allowing them to take their next step in working in the emergency medical field.
The course was conducted as part of a Rural EMS Grant received last year by the Urania hospital, secured through the work of HMC Instructor and Emergency Medical Director of Operations Rhea Tannehill.
Back in March, HMC saw twenty people complete a two-month course to become Emergency Medical Response (EMR) certified and now, 17 more, some of whom were part of that EMR class, are now EMT certified.
Some of those who completed the course will begin work on ambulances, while others will use their certification to assist in their other volunteer capacities or full time jobs, such as members of fire departments or sheriff’s departments.
Tannehill was the lead instructor for the EMT course, assisted by HMC’s EMS Training Officer along with other of Hardtner’s EMTs and Paramedics.
Tannehill also delivered the graduation address, pointing out the ups and downs of the EMT life but noted making an impact during traumatic times in people’s lives is worth it.
She described a typical shift in the life of an EMT, from going from call to call to missing meals, sleep and restroom breaks, to being cursed and spit on, to watching the most devastating tragedies.
“And you start to wonder if you really do make a difference,” she said. “But seeing those who you did help and have them express their gratitude to you, you start to realize what you do really does matter. It won’t always matter to everyone, but it will matter to someone.”
Also taking part in the program was Shane Davis, who offered the opening and closing prayers.
Along with their certifications, several graduates were recognized for their outstanding service during the class, including: Above & Beyond Award – Holly Savell Mentor Award – Mikayla Vickers Question Master – Sallie Hogue Perseverance Awards – Jeffery Benson, Katelyn Hartley and Shante Walker Academic Excellence Award (Highest GPA) – Tabitha Furbee The following are members of the Spring 2025 HMC EMT Graduation Class: Jeffery Benson, Aaron Chelette, Jacob Coleman, Josh Corley, Cadyn Elliott, Janna Farmer, Tabitha Furbee, Katelyn Hartley, Kristy Hayman, Sallie Hogue, Jessica Kratzer, Miranda Manning, Holly Savell, Lathan Setliff, Mikayla Vickers, Shanta Walker and Jordan Wright.
Preparations are currently being made for another EMR class to be held this fall. For more information, contact Tannehill at (318) 495-3131 EXT. 250.
