Hixson High School starts new EMS program

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hixson High School took some major new steps this week for the future of their school. They announced their first ever career pathway partnership with Hamilton County EMS.

Mayor Wamp and city officials signed the first pipeline partnership allowing students direct opportunities to get guaranteed jobs and hands-on experience working with emergency medicine.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp expressed his excitement about the new program and how it will do good in the community.

“I think it’s got so many potential benefits one is we need more young people to see in themselves a future as a public servant, and I said this earlier, that there is a pure example of public service that the women and men of EMS do,” said Mayor Wamp.

Once a student has completed the program, they will have a guaranteed job with HCEMS and will have all the necessary employment requirements for the job.

“You go in and pursue a path as an EMT or paramedic. These are certifications that don’t require a traditional path to college. Like Director Miller said, with EMS is a little different than going to work as a first responder agency. You have to check certain certification boxes before you’re eligible for employment, so I think this is a great example of us opening students’ eyes to a different part of health science,” said Mayor Wamp.

High school student Alysa Dean is very pleased already and is ready for more opportunities.

“I’m super excited about it. I feel like we already have a lot of opportunities, and it just opens up the door for more people to experience it and if they don’t want to do nursing this is a great opportunity for them,” Dean said.