Kapiʻolani Community College recently celebrated the graduation of 21 newly trained paramedics, a significant milestone in reinforcing the college¡¯s long-standing role in developing ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ (EMS) workforce. These graduates are now prepared to serve communities across the state, with placements spanning the City and County of Honolulu, the Â鶹´«Ã½ County Fire Department, AMR Kauaʻi, and private agencies on Oʻahu.
The intensive program combines classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, hospital clinical rotations and field internships, preparing students to make rapid, lifesaving decisions in high-pressure environments. For graduate Chelsea Hayashi, the program was transformative.
“Every patient is someone¡¯s loved one, and that the care we provide can have a lasting impact not only on the patient but also on the people who care about them. It is the reason I chose EMS, and it continues to inspire me as I work toward becoming a paramedic,” said Hayashi. “Throughout my career I have encountered patients whose conditions required care beyond the scope of basic life support. Those experiences reinforced my desire to expand my abilities, so I can provide a higher level of care when patients need it most.”
Preparing next generation of responders
This graduating class builds on recent momentum for Honolulu EMS, which also welcomed 28 new emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to its ranks just one day prior to graduation.
“We may be down to no vacancies by the end of this year,” said Honolulu EMS Director Jim Ireland. “Having zero vacancies in EMS or near-zero vacancies has really historically been unheard of in the last 30 years in our department.”
For decades, the college has prepared Â鶹´«Ã½‘s emergency medical professionals through workforce-focused education, and these newest graduates join a growing network of alumni dedicated to protecting the health and safety of communities throughout the islands.
Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi said, “Paramedics are an essential part of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ healthcare system, delivering lifesaving care in the moments when it matters most. Kapiʻolani Community College is honored to partner with emergency medical agencies across the state to prepare highly skilled professionals who strengthen emergency response and improve health outcomes for communities on every island.”
—By Lisa Yamamoto