Freddy Howell, director of Bryan County Emergency Services. completed the year-long 2014 Georgia EMS Directors and Management Leadership course on Nov. 6 in a ceremony in Statesboro.

Four week-long modules were conducted at different locations across the state: Georgia Southern University in Statesboro in April; Macon in May; Gainesville in August; and again at Georgia Southern University in November. 

In addition to presentations by state level public and community health officials; students attended workshops and lectures led by a variety of subject matter experts and participated in tours at Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, and the Northeast Georgia Health Systems campus in Gainesville. Online discussion groups and training between sessions supplemented classroom activities.  Students who complete the course are also eligible to participate in the Georgia EMS Leadership alumni group which aims to provide continuing leadership development for EMS directors and management across the State.

The EMS Leadership course is an innovative project funded by the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission in partnership with Georgia Southern University and the Georgia Association of EMS (GAEMS). The 2014 class graduation marked completion of the 3rd year of this program.  Approximately 75 EMS Directors and Managers have completed the Program. Application period for the 2015 course will be announced in January, 2015.