P&HCC EMS-Paramedic Program

08/19/2026

The 2026-2027 P&HCC Accelerated Hybrid Paramedic Cohort students start their journey to Paramedic certification next week & the 2025-2027 P&HCC Traditional Paramedic Cohort students will return for the Second Year of the Paramedic Program.

These students represent the following EMS agencies:

Bassett Rescue Squad
Blairs Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Callands Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation
CCDF Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad
Cool Branch Rescue Squad
Danville Life Saving & First Aid Crew
Fieldale-Collinsville Rescue Squad
Franklin County Department of Public Safety
Halifax County Rescue Squad
Henry County Department of Public Safety
Hospital to Home
Jeb Stuart Rescue Squad
Kiwi EMS
Martinsville Fire & EMS
Patrick County EMS
Ques Transport
Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department
Vesta Rescue Squad
Vinton First Aid Crew
Virginia International Raceway

We are so glad to welcome you to P&HCC!

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07/04/2026

Congratulations to Emily Barrett, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2017!

Each year an instructor that teaches at the Danville Area Training Center is honored with the Herbert P. House Award for Excellence in EMS Education. This person can teach Virginia Office of EMS classes, AHA classes, EVOC, Vehicle Rescue, TIMS, MCI, and/or any other class at or through the DATC.
The 2025 – 26 Herbert House Award for Excellence in EMS Education was awarded Emily F. Barrett.
Emily is the lead instructor for the daytime Recruit Academy. Over the last 12 months she has been the person up front for two 10-week academies. Emily devotes an amazing amount of instruction time to the programs. This includes planning, scheduling, adding additional instructors, testing, setting up hands-on practical sessions, and being available for all her students.
She coordinates with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and Virginia Works on the apprenticeship side of the program. Her work with both agencies aids in support for the EMT students and secure funding to cover one-half the wages of the students in classes.
Emily’s work does not stop when the final class is completed. Her devotion to students continues throughout the NREMT testing process. She continues to test, mentor, and encourage the students until the testing process is complete.
Emily Barrett’s dedication to the Recruit Academy and her support of other classes and daily activities made her the perfect choice for the Herbert House Award for Excellence in EMS Education.

07/02/2026

The 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence were recently announced, and all 10 finalists are colleges have at least one CAAHEP-accredited program. The Aspen Prize honors colleges that achieve strong outcomes, focusing on whether students complete credentials that lead to bachelor's attainment and jobs that pay family-sustaining wages. The finalists have adopted reforms and practices to improve both completion and post-completion outcomes. Congratulations to:

Chippewa Valley Technical College (WI)
Forsyth Technical Community College (NC)
Lorain County Community College (OH)
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MS)
Patrick & Henry Community College (VA)
South Puget Sound Community College (WA)
Stanly Community College (NC)
Tallahassee State College (FL)
Tri-County Technical College (SC)
Wallace State Community College-Hanceville (AL)

https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/press-releases/aspen-institute-announces-finalists-2027-1-million-aspen-prize-community-college

06/29/2026

Meet the Class of 2026 Patrick & Henry Community College Paramedic Program Graduates: Casey Soto

We are so excited to introduce one of the newest members of the P&HCC Paramedic Program family! Casey is from Gretna and is now serving as a Paramedic with Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc.

When asked why she chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program, Casey said: "I chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program because I want to be as good as the paramedics I have learned from & work with who went through the program before me."

Congratulations, Casey — your hard work and & dedication have paid off, & we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

06/28/2026

P&HCC Paramedic Program graduates out there doing great things - congratulations to Josh Meggs, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2019!

Josh Meggs has completed the requirements to become an EMS Education Coordinator.

Meggs, a Critical Care Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Patrick County EMS, completed the certification process through instructor shadowing, student teaching and attendance at an EMS Education Coordinator academy.

Patrick County EMS said the achievement provides them with an in-house EMS educator and strengthens the agency’s training and educational capabilities.

06/24/2026

Congratulations to Matthew Fox, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2026 on his graduation last week from the Virginia Fire Officer Academy!

Matthew Fox

06/22/2026

Meet the Class of 2026 Patrick & Henry Community College Paramedic Program Graduates: Reagan Joyce

We are so excited to introduce one of the newest members of the P&HCC Paramedic Program family! Reagan is from Danville and is now serving as a Paramedic with Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc.

When asked why she chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program, Reagan said: "I chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program because I met several providers who graduated from P&HCC who were wonderful providers & leaders in the surrounding community. This program is truly well built around learning how to be a paramedic, as well as how to be a leader. To anyone who is considering this program, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time, & have gained so much knowledge. I wouldn’t have done this program anywhere else. Chase your dreams, we need more paramedics in this world."

Congratulations, Reagan — your hard work and & dedication have paid off, & we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

06/18/2026

Congratulations to Joey Smallwood, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2017!

As we kick off Day 2 of the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, we want to continue highlighting our outstanding Deputy Chiefs.

This morning, we are proud to introduce Firefighter/Paramedic Joey Smallwood of Martinsville Fire & EMS, who is serving as our Deputy Logistics Chief.

Joseph graduated from the Virginia Fire Officer Academy in 2023 and immediately joined the command staff as a member of the Logistics Section. Through his hard work, dedication, and commitment to the academy, he has steadily progressed through the ranks to his current role as Deputy Chief.

His continued efforts behind the scenes help ensure the academy runs smoothly and that both students and staff have the resources they need to succeed throughout the week.
Thank you for your dedication and continued service to the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, Joseph!

06/15/2026

Meet the Class of 2026 Patrick & Henry Community College Paramedic Program Graduates: Carrie Johnson

We are so excited to introduce one of the newest members of the P&HCC Paramedic Program family! Carrie Johnson is from Dry Fork and is now serving as a Paramedic/Firefighter with Blairs Fire & Rescue.

When asked why she chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program, Carrie had this to say: “I chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program because I saw a huge need in my community for ALS, & I really wanted to help my community. My best friend was killed in a car accident when we were 17, which had a profound impact on me. Life happened, but when my kids got older, I took the opportunity to volunteer and become a FF/EMT, & now I'm hooked & want to do all I can to serve others & be that helping hand on the worst day of someone's life. I think my friend would be proud of me today. P&HCC came highly recommended because of its dedicated leadership, organization & success rate. For me, it was an easy decision, but definitely the most challenging thing I've ever completed."

Congratulations, Carrie — your hard work and & dedication have paid off, & we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

06/11/2026

Congratulations to Brandan Arthur, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2022!

New Senior Field Coordinator Selected!

Western VA EMS Council (OEMS Region 2) is pleased to announce that Mr. Brandan Arthur has been selected to fill the position of Senior Field Coordinator effective June 22, 2026.

Brandan brings more than 15 years of experience in emergency medical services, with a background spanning hospital-based care, interfacility transport, and both career and volunteer 911 systems. Beginning his EMS career locally in Rocky Mount, he has developed a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing providers and agencies across the profession.
A paramedic, educator, and EMS leader, Brandan has dedicated much of his career to strengthening provider education and professional growth. He currently serves as a Paramedic and Education Coordinator in Virginia and is widely recognized for his commitment to mentoring clinicians and advancing EMS education.

Throughout his career, Brandan has remained focused on building a stronger future for EMS through leadership, workforce development, and meaningful educational initiatives. His work emphasizes supporting providers both in training and in practice while fostering the next generation of EMS professionals.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to serve in this role,” said Brandan. “The future of EMS will be built through a collaborative investment in education and provider development. By strengthening our clinicians today, we not only improve the quality of patient care, but also prepare the next generation of EMS leaders.”
"We are excited to have Brandan joining our staff and look forward to his contribution to our region and the future of EMS", states Executive Director Debbie Akers.

Please join us in welcoming Brandan to the WVEMS/OEMS Region 2 Tea