COLUMBIA — Emergency medical services students from Columbia State Community College brought home top honors from the fourth annual Battle of the Smokies competition held in Sevierville earlier this spring. Over 25 teams from community colleges, county EMS agencies, and mine rescue crews across Tennessee competed in the March 4 event, according to Columbia State's website.
Columbia State's team claimed first and fourth place in the Student Advanced Life Support division and swept first and second place in the Student Basic Life Support division. Gregory S. Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor, said the results reflect the students' dedication to clinical excellence and their ability to think critically under pressure. Teams were scored on patient assessment speed, quality of medical interventions, and readiness for transport — all in a simulated crash scenario involving smoke and hazards.
These are the future paramedics and EMTs who will one day serve Maury County and the surrounding region. Their performance at this competition should give every resident confidence. Well done, Chargers.