Paramedic Program gains CAAHEP Accreditation
Community Health Network’s paramedic program, located at Community Hospital East, recently passed its first accreditation survey by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions.
The survey was completed on February 4 and 5. "The surveyors were very complimentary of our program," says Randy Wright, vice president of emergency services. "They said it was very well regarded in the community with all of the post graduates they have spoken with, as well as agencies who have hired our recent graduates. I want to thank John Zartman, Mike Matheny and Terri Hamilton for their great work and preparation for the survey and for the outstanding program that we offer for people in the community who wish to become a paramedic."
Those who have graduated from Community’s paramedic program have a 100 percent pass rate for the national registry exam. The current senior class will graduate on March 20. The graduation ceremony will be held at the Marriott East Conference Center. Another class of 20 started the program on February 20.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) refers to the delivery of prehospital care to injured and ill patients. This care is provided through our affiliated agencies that provide both advanced life support and basic life support.
Community Health Network and EMS
As a certified supervising hospital and training institution, Community Health Network supervises ten EMS/fire agencies in Marion, Hamilton and Johnson counties providing medical direction and educational opportunities with the expertise of our EMS Educational staff and two talented and dedicated physicians acting as medical directors.
Community Health Network offers educational opportunities to our affiliated providers as well as the general public. By offering both initial training and continuing education Community Health Network assists affiliated providers to fulfill all requirements set forth by the Indiana EMS Commission and National DOT standards.
 2008 audit and review schedules
Eric Vonderohe, M.D., named state EMS’s 2007 Medical Director of the Year
 Eric Vonderohe, M.D., was named the 2007 Medical Director of the Year. He was presented with his award on September 11 at the Franklin Township Fire Department. Mike Garvey, deputy fire marshal and director of emergency medical services management for the state Department of Homeland Security, presented the award.
Dr. Vonderohe serves as medical director for Community Health Network’s EMS Education, the Franklin Township Fire Department, the Lawrence Township Fire Department, Seals Ambulance Service and the Warren Township Fire Department, which recently merged with the Indianapolis Fire Department.
John Zartman, director of EMS for the network, nominated Dr. Vonderohe for the award. His nomination letter read, “I have been in EMS for over 34 years myself, and I can not think of a more deserving man than Eric Vonderohe, M.D. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help a student, EMS (BLS/ALS) professional, EMS Provider, or the network. Many times giving of his own free time and not being compensated.”
The nomination continues … “As an emergency physician, he always presents himself in a professional manner, is willing to stop and talk, give advice, or sometimes just listen. He is always open-minded but firm if need be. He is open to new ideas, compassionate in his care, and strong in knowledge. He always goes the extra mile to get things done.”
Zartman, director of EMS, excels in CPR challenge
Recently Community Health Network’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel had the opportunity to attend the EMS Expo, a national event, in Orlando, Florida. There, Community’s paramedic students, EMS education staff and EMS provider chiefs participated in skill performance workshops, educational sessions and an exhibit hall.
In the exhibit hall, several of the EMS staff and students competed in a computer-monitored CPR challenge, sponsored by Philips Medical Systems of North America. John Zartman, director of EMS, completed CPR for two minutes with 98.51 percent accuracy. His score was enough for first place in the first session and enough to win an iPod. |
