When it comes to understanding what to do in an emergency, nothing beats hands-on learning.
That's the thinking behind Lawson State's latest equipment donation: a working ambulance provided to the college by a North Carolina fire department.
"Acquiring a real ambulance is essential for EMS students because it provides authentic, hands-on training in a realistic pre-hospital environment," said Dr. Sherika Derico, who leads the department of health professions at the college.
"This is a teaching tool that will allow our students to develop critical skills, situational awareness and professional readiness that cannot be fully replicated in a classroom or simulation lab alone," she said.
The need for qualified, well-trained emergency medical technicians is growing. Through 2034, the field for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow by about 5%, faster than the average for most occupations, according to 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Learn more about EMS training at Lawson State Community College.
