EMT & Paramedic Education Program

Overview

Welcome to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General's Paramedic Education Program, a longstanding commitment to providing exceptional pre-hospital care to Summit County and its surrounding areas since 1976. Our program, housed within Cleveland Clinic Akron General's Department of Medical Education, has proudly produced over 1,400 skilled paramedics.

We offer two Paramedic courses and three EMT courses annually at our Cleveland Clinic Akron General Campus. Additionally, we extend our Paramedic course offerings to Wayne County through our partnership with The University of Akron Wayne College. To learn more about these courses, please explore the relevant tabs on our website.

Accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), our program stands as a pioneer in Ohio, being the first hospital-based program in the state and the 72nd nationwide to achieve CAAHEP National Certification in 1991.

We are delighted to announce that an Articulation Agreement has been established between Cleveland Clinic Akron General and The University of Akron's College of Health and Human Sciences. This agreement allows eligible paramedic graduates to transfer thirty academic credit hours towards an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services Technology Degree. This opportunity is open to all program graduates from 1985 onwards. Both our EMT and Paramedic courses are featured within the University of Akron's course offerings.

For more information, please contact the EMS Education Office at EMSEducation@ccf.org or call us at 330.344.6655. We are here to assist you.

Accreditation

The Paramedic Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
727.210.2350

To contact CoAEMSP:
214.703.8445

The Paramedic Education Program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Ohio Department of Public Safety
1970 W Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43223
844.644.6268

Statistics

National Registry CBT Exam

National Registry Psychomotor Exam

Attrition/Retention

Positive Placement

EMT Course Information

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program Overview

Join the Cleveland Clinic Akron General EMT Education Program and embark on a transformative journey to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)!

Our traditional EMT course is offered twice a year, with classes starting in January for the spring course and late August for the fall course. Spanning four months, classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You'll gain approximately 200 hours of comprehensive didactic, clinical, and field internship experience.

The current EMT course tuition is $1,200. Students may be responsible for purchasing a textbook and/or clinical and testing software. The National Registry Examination fee of $104 is paid by the student directly to the National Registry upon examination registration at the end of the course. Prior to acceptance, a pre-entrance exam is required, and additional documents including but limited to high school transcripts, Ohio Driver's License, and CPR certification must be submitted.

As an EMT student, you'll acquire essential skills such as airway management, bleeding control, cardiac arrest management, and more. We prioritize your health and safety, ensuring compliance with immunizations and screenings for a safe learning environment.

To apply, complete the application and submit supporting documents to the EMT Education Program. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. We appreciate your interest in our program and look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a skilled EMT. Call us at 330.344.6655 for more information.

Requirements:

The applicant must meet the following requirements and submit copies of the documents listed below to the EMS education office no later than two days prior to the pre-entrance exam.

• Completed application.
• Copy of Ohio Driver’s License.

Additional Requirements:

• Pass the pre-entrance exam.
• Pay a $20 testing fee.
• Due the night of the pretest.
• Personal Health History and Physician Physical Exam.
• Forms will be provided upon acceptance into the course.
• Documentation of Immunization History.
• Hepatitis titer or waiver.
• 10 panel Urine Toxicology screen results.
• Seasonal flu shots are required from October -  April every year.
  • Religious exemption forms are available upon request.

Applications that are incomplete will not be accepted. Please send all documents to EMSEducation@ccf.org or to the address below:

Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Attn: Paramedic Education Program
1 Akron General Ave
Akron, OH 44307

Pre-Entrance Exam

The pre-entrance exam consists of the Wonderlic Scholastic Learning Exam. This is a widely recognized assessment tool designed to evaluate an individual's cognitive abilities and academic potential. It consists of multiple-choice questions that assess various areas, including verbal reasoning, math skills, and logical thinking. You must have your driver’s license or state-issued ID with you on the day of the exam. There is a $20 testing fee that is due the night of the pre-test payable by cash, money order, or certified check only. Pre-entrance exam scores will determine student selection.

EMT Skillset

EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) possess a diverse range of skills that enable them to provide vital pre-hospital medical care. Here is a list of skills commonly performed by EMTs:

• Patient Assessment: EMTs assess the condition and vital signs of patients to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Airway Management: EMTs establish and maintain open airways using techniques like manual maneuvers and airway adjuncts.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): EMTs perform CPR, including chest compressions and rescue breathing, to revive patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
• Bleeding Control: EMTs apply direct pressure, dressings, and tourniquets to control bleeding and prevent further blood loss.
• Splinting and Immobilization: EMTs stabilize and immobilize fractures, dislocations, and spinal injuries using splints, boards, and other immobilization techniques.
• Medication Administration: EMTs may administer certain medications, such as epinephrine for severe allergic reactions or naloxone for opioid overdoses, based on established protocols.
• Oxygen Administration: EMTs deliver supplemental oxygen to patients experiencing respiratory distress or low oxygen levels.
• Automated External Defibrillation (AED): EMTs use AEDs to analyze heart rhythms and deliver electrical shocks when necessary to restore normal cardiac function.
• Patient Transfer and Lifting Techniques: EMTs safely move and transfer patients using proper lifting and transfer techniques to prevent further injury.
• Documentation and Communication: EMTs maintain accurate patient records, complete incident reports, and effectively communicate patient information to healthcare professionals.
• Assisting in Childbirth: EMTs provide assistance and support during childbirth emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and baby.
• Mental Health Crisis Intervention: EMTs assess and manage individuals experiencing mental health crises, providing emotional support and facilitating appropriate care.

These skills, among others, equip EMTs to deliver critical emergency care in a wide range of situations, making them an integral part of the healthcare system.

Thank you for your interest in our program. If you have further questions, please contact the EMS Education office at 330.344.6655.

Accelerated EMT Course Information

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program Overview

Join the Cleveland Clinic Akron General EMT Education Program and embark on a transformative journey to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)!

Our Accelerated EMT course is once a year, with classes starting in June. Spanning only five weeks, classes are held Monday thru Friday. Class meets from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Clinical and field internship will occur in the evenings and on weekends. You'll gain approximately 200 hours of comprehensive didactic, clinical, and field internship experience.

The current EMT course tuition is $1,200. Students may be responsible for purchasing a textbook and/or clinical and testing software. The National Registry Examination fee of $104 is paid by the student directly to the National Registry upon examination registration at the end of the course. Prior to acceptance, a pre-entrance exam is required, and additional documents including but limited to high school transcripts, Ohio Driver's License, and CPR certification must be submitted.

As an EMT student, you'll acquire essential skills such as airway management, bleeding control, cardiac arrest management, and more. We prioritize your health and safety, ensuring compliance with immunizations and screenings for a safe learning environment.

To apply, complete the application and submit supporting documents to the EMT Education Program. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. We appreciate your interest in our program and look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a skilled EMT. Call us at 330.344.6655 for more information.

Requirements

The applicant must meet the following requirements and submit copies of the documents listed below to the EMS education office no later than two days prior to the pre-entrance exam.

• Completed application.
• Official high school and college transcripts (emailed to EMSEducation@ccf.org).
• Copy of Ohio Driver’s License.

Additional Requirements

• Pass the pre-entrance exam.
• Pay a $20 testing fee.
• Due the night of the pretest.
• Personal Health History and Physician Physical Exam.
• Forms will be provided upon acceptance into the course.
• Documentation of Immunization History.
• Hepatitis titer or waiver.
• 10 panel Urine Toxicology screen results.
• Seasonal flu.

Applications that are incomplete will not be accepted. Please send all documents to EMSEducation@ccf.org or to the address below:

Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Attn: Paramedic Education Program
1 Akron General Ave
Akron, OH 44307

Pre-Entrance Exam

The pre-entrance exam consists of the Wonderlic Scholastic Learning Exam. This is a widely recognized assessment tool designed to evaluate an individual's cognitive abilities and academic potential. It consists of multiple-choice questions that assess various areas, including verbal reasoning, math skills, and logical thinking. You must have your driver’s license or state-issued ID with you on the day of the exam. There is a $20 testing fee that is due the night of the pre-test payable by cash, money order, or certified check only. Pre-entrance exam scores will determine student selection.

EMT Skillset

EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) possess a diverse range of skills that enable them to provide vital pre-hospital medical care. Here is a list of skills commonly performed by EMTs:

• Patient Assessment: EMTs assess the condition and vital signs of patients to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Airway Management: EMTs establish and maintain open airways using techniques like manual maneuvers and airway adjuncts.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): EMTs perform CPR, including chest compressions and rescue breathing, to revive patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
• Bleeding Control: EMTs apply direct pressure, dressings, and tourniquets to control bleeding and prevent further blood loss.
• Splinting and Immobilization: EMTs stabilize and immobilize fractures, dislocations, and spinal injuries using splints, boards, and other immobilization techniques.
• Medication Administration: EMTs may administer certain medications, such as epinephrine for severe allergic reactions or naloxone for opioid overdoses, based on established protocols.
• Oxygen Administration: EMTs deliver supplemental oxygen to patients experiencing respiratory distress or low oxygen levels.
• Automated External Defibrillation (AED): EMTs use AEDs to analyze heart rhythms and deliver electrical shocks when necessary to restore normal cardiac function.
• Patient Transfer and Lifting Techniques: EMTs safely move and transfer patients using proper lifting and transfer techniques to prevent further injury.
• Documentation and Communication: EMTs maintain accurate patient records, complete incident reports, and effectively communicate patient information to healthcare professionals.
• Assisting in Childbirth: EMTs provide assistance and support during childbirth emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and baby.
• Mental Health Crisis Intervention: EMTs assess and manage individuals experiencing mental health crises, providing emotional support and facilitating appropriate care.

These skills, among others, equip EMTs to deliver critical emergency care in a wide range of situations, making them an integral part of the healthcare system.

Thank you for your interest in our program. If you have further questions, please contact the EMS Education office at 330.344.6655.

Paramedic Program Information

Akron General Paramedic

Welcome to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Paramedic Education Program. We offer a daytime program beginning in late August providing a comprehensive ten-month curriculum. Our daytime course runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Throughout the program, you will accumulate nearly 1,000 hours of didactic, clinical, and field internship experience. We may occasionally schedule full or partial days of class during the program outside of normal class time. This is typically for specific courses such as ACLS, PALS, and ITLS. Required dates will be communicated during the first week of the course when/if required. It's important to allocate at least 25-35 hours per week for class time, studying, clinical rotations, and field internships.

Tuition for the program is $6,600. Students are responsible for purchasing a textbook and access to Platinum Planner. Tuition can be paid in three equal installments of $2,200, with the first installment due on the first night of class in August, followed by January and March. Students or their sponsors are responsible for obtaining liability insurance upon acceptance into the program.

Minimum Application Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria and submit the required documents and application to the Paramedic Office by the deadline noted in the application.

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Possession of a valid Ohio Driver's License.
• Current AHA, ASHI, or ARC BLS Healthcare Provider Card.
• NIMS 100 and 700 Certifications.
• Certification as an EMT in Ohio or possession of National Registry EMT with active pursuit of Ohio reciprocity before the start of class.
• Completed application and checklist with a $20 application fee (to be paid in cash at the time of the pretest).

Please ensure that all required documents are attached to the online application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. If you have any inquiries, reach out to us at EMSEducation@ccf.org or send the documents to the following address:

Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Attn: Paramedic Education Program
1 Akron General Ave
Akron, OH 44307

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of the pre-entrance examination.
• Interview with the Student Selection Committee, scheduled for early July.
• All students must obtain professional medical liability insurance with coverage of one million per occurrence. Details for obtaining this insurance at a low cost will be provided upon admission.
• Completion of Personal Health History, Immunization Record, and Physician Physical Exam (forms will be provided in the Acceptance Packet).
• Hepatitis titer or waiver, along with current influenza vaccinations.
• A negative result on a 10 Panel Urine Toxicology Screen (to be conducted after acceptance).
• Satisfactory background check.

Pre-Entrance Examination

The Pre-Entrance Examination is scheduled in early July. This comprehensive four-hour exam includes an EMT test, the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam, and a reading comprehension test. Please note that components of the exam are subject to change. Any modifications will be communicated to all candidates at least two weeks prior to the examination.

Paramedic Skillset

As a Paramedic, your training will encompass a broader range of skills in addition to those you possess as an EMT. These include:

Advanced Airway Management

• Performing oral endotracheal intubation.
• Conducting nasal endotracheal intubation.
• Executing percutaneous cricothyroidotomy.
• Applying Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
• Administering needle decompression.
• Operating a transport ventilator.

Pharmacological Interventions

• Establishing intravenous access (IV).
• Utilizing intraosseous access (IO).
• Administering intramuscular injections (IM).
• Delivering subcutaneous injections (SC).
• Implementing sublingual administration (SL).
• Proficiently administering over 30 medications via IV, IO, or IM/SC.

Medical/Cardiac Care

• Placing and interpreting electrocardiograms (ECG).
• Performing synchronized cardioversion.
• Conducting manual defibrillation.
• Utilizing transcutaneous pacing.
• Conducting more comprehensive medical and trauma patient assessments.

Thank you for expressing interest in our program. For any further inquiries, please contact the EMS Education office at 330.344.6655. We look forward to welcoming you to our selection process for the Paramedic Education Program.

Accreditation

The Paramedic Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
727.210.2350

To contact CoAEMSP:
214.703.8445

The Paramedic Education Program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Ohio Department of Public Safety
1970 W Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43223
844.644.6268

Wayne County Paramedic Program

Welcome to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Paramedic Education Program offered at The University of Akron Wayne College in Orrville, Ohio. We offer a Spring Paramedic course each year, starting in January and ending in October, providing a comprehensive ten-month curriculum.

Our Wayne Paramedic course runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with lab sessions replacing lectures.

Throughout the program, you will accumulate nearly 1,000 hours of didactic, clinical, and field internship experience. We may occasionally schedule full or partial days of class during the program outside of normal class time. This is typically for specific courses such as ACLS, PALS, and ITLS. Required dates will be communicated during the first week of the course when/if required. It's important to allocate at least 25-35 hours per week for class time, studying, clinical rotations, and field internships.

Tuition for the program is $6,600. Students are responsible for purchasing a textbook and access to Platinum Planner. Tuition can be paid in three equal installments of $2,200, with the first installment due on the first night of class in January, followed by June and August. Students or their sponsors are responsible for obtaining liability insurance upon acceptance into the program.

Minimum Application Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria and submit the required documents and application to the Paramedic Office by the deadline noted in the application.

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Possession of a valid Ohio Driver's License.
• Current AHA BLS Healthcare Provider Card.
• NIMS 100 and 700 Certifications.
• Certification as an EMT in Ohio or possession of National Registry EMT with active pursuit of Ohio reciprocity before the start of class.
• Completed application and checklist with a $20 application fee (to be paid in cash at the time of the pretest).

Please ensure that all required documents are attached to the online application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. If you have any inquiries, reach out to us at EMSEducation@ccf.org or send the documents to the following address:

Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Attn: Paramedic Education Program
1 Akron General Ave
Akron, OH 44307

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of the pre-entrance examination.
• Interviews with Student Selection Committee will follow pre-test.
• All students must obtain professional medical liability insurance with coverage of one million per occurrence. Details for obtaining this insurance at a low cost will be provided upon admission.
• Completion of Personal Health History, Immunization Record, and Physician Physical Exam (forms will be provided in the Acceptance Packet).
• Hepatitis titer or waiver, along with current influenza vaccinations.
• A negative result on a 10 Panel Urine Toxicology Screen (to be conducted after acceptance).
• Satisfactory background check.

Pre-Entrance Examination

The comprehensive four-hour exam includes an EMT test, the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam, and a reading comprehension test. Please note that components of the exam are subject to change. Any modifications will be communicated to all candidates at least two weeks prior to the examination.

After submitting your application you will receive further details regarding the pre-entrance examination.

Paramedic Skillset

As a Paramedic, your training will encompass a broader range of skills in addition to those you possess as an EMT. These include:

Advanced Airway Management

• Performing oral endotracheal intubation.
• Conducting nasal endotracheal intubation.
• Executing percutaneous cricothyroidotomy.
• Applying Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
• Administering needle decompression.
• Operating a transport ventilator.

Pharmacological Interventions

• Establishing intravenous access (IV).
• Utilizing intraosseous access (IO).
• Administering intramuscular injections (IM).
• Delivering subcutaneous injections (SC).
• Implementing sublingual administration (SL).
• Proficiently administering over 30 medications via IV, IO, or IM/SC.

Medical/Cardiac Care

• Placing and interpreting electrocardiograms (ECG).
• Performing synchronized cardioversion.
• Conducting manual defibrillation.
• Utilizing transcutaneous pacing.
• Conducting more comprehensive medical and trauma patient assessments.

Thank you for expressing interest in our program. For any further inquiries, please contact the EMS Education office at 330.344.6655. We look forward to welcoming you to our selection process for the Paramedic Education Program.

Transcript Requests

Please complete this form and send to EMSEducation@ccf.org or mail to:

Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Attn: Paramedic Education
1 Akron General Ave
Akron, OH 44307

Continuing EMS Education

Emergency Medical Services Education

• Learn more about EMS Medical Direction & Continuing Education opportunities within the Cleveland Clinic System.

Our Team

Meet Our Administrative Team

Amy Raubenolt, MD, MEd, MPH
Medical Director

Dr. Raubenolt joined the program as Medical Director in 2015. She spent nine years as a volunteer EMT-I in rural Ohio, which prompted her to change careers from teaching to medicine. Dr. Raubenolt has a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and obtained a Master’s in Public Health and medical degree at The Ohio State University. After graduating from medical school at Ohio State, Dr. Raubenolt completed her Emergency Medicine residency and EMS Fellowship at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where she served as a medical control physician for the Kalamazoo County Medical Control Authority. Dr. Raubenolt is currently the EMS Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron Fire Department, Stow Fire Department and the Akron Fire/Police TEMS/SWAT team.

Director, EMS Education
emseducation@ccf.org
330.344.6655

Hugh Dodd, EMT-P, MSN
Program Manager
doddh2@ccf.org
330.344.6504

Program Coordinator
emseducation@ccf.org
330.344.6655

Whitney LaBillois, NREMT
Program Coordinator
labillw@ccf.org
330.344.6507

Whitney joined the EMS Education Team in October 2021.She is a current student at The University of Akron, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Her background includes surgery scheduling, banking, and customer service. Whitney is a graduate of Akron General’s EMT program, and currently works at Northeast Ambulance and Event Medical Solutions. Her future aspirations include pursuing a career working as a firefighter/paramedic. Her long-term goal is to obtain employment within FEMA. Whitney is a Junior Olympics volleyball coach for IMPACT Sports Academy in Tallmadge, OH. She primarily coaches and trains 11th and 12th grade high school students, aiding in their recruitment and selection process for their college careers.

Cheryl Hardin
Administrative Assistant
hardinc4@ccf.org
330.344.6655

Meet Our Instructors

Joshua Bow, NRP

Josh joined the EMS Education Team in 2024. He is a graduate of the Stark State Paramedic program and brings 20 years of experience with him in Fire and EMS. Josh currently works Full-time as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Jackson Township Fire Department in Stark County. Josh also is a member of the Stark County Hazardous Materials Response Team. He currently serves as a firefighter in the Ohio Air National Guard in Mansfield, Ohio where he has multiple overseas deployments in his 15 years of service.

Xavier Brown, NRP

Xavier joined the EMS Education Team in 2023. Xavier works as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Akron Fire Department. He became a paramedic in 2019 while living in the greater DC area. Xavier worked for Prince William Fire Department and City of Fredericksburg Fire Department before moving to the Akron area in 2020. Xavier previously worked for various Ocean Rescue Departments including Sunny Isles Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami Beach. He is currently certified as a BLS and ACLS Instructor.

 
Elizabeth Davis, BS, NRP

Elizabeth is a graduate of the Tri-C paramedic program. She currently serves full time as a firefighter/paramedic for the Akron Fire Department. Previously, Elizabeth worked in various roles for the Cleveland Clinic, and worked for a rural fire department in Medina County. Additionally, Elizabeth is a graduate of The University of Akron, with a B.S. in Dietetics.

Mike Fagan,EMT-P

Mike is a 1999 graduate of the Akron General Paramedic Program. Mike has worked for the Akron Fire Department as a Lieutenant/Paramedic since 1997. He has been an instructor since 2009, certified in BLS, ACLS, PALS, ITLS and PHTLS. He has been an instructor with Akron General's Paramedic Program since 2012. He is also a member of the Summit County Haz-Mat Team. Prior to becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic, he served his country with the United States Navy for 10 years.

Don Fobean, NRP

Don is a 1980 graduate of Akron General’s EMT-A Program and continued his EMS education at Akron General graduating from Cleveland Clinic Akron General Paramedic Education Class 7. Don initially worked as a Paramedic for an Akron based private ambulance service that included full and part-time service for over 14 years. Don was appointed to the Barberton Fire Department in April of 1987 rising to the rank of Captain/Paramedic and retired in April of 2018 following 31 years of decorated and dedicated service. Don’s fire service career included, becoming a Fire Service Instructor and was an initial member of the Summit County Special Operations Rescue Team achieving technician level in four disciplines including rope, confined space, trench and structural collapse rescue and then becoming a TAT Officer and Technical Rescue Instructor. Don started teaching with the Akron General Paramedic Education Program in 1995.

Michael Fuller, BS, NRP

Michael joined our team as an EMS instructor in 2020 and is a graduate of Akron General Paramedic program class 38. Michael has been a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Akron since 2011 and currently serves as AFD's EMS Training Coordinator. He graduated from The University of Akron with a bachelor's degree in biology. Michael is a certified instructor in ITLS, PALS, ACLS, and BLS.

Joseph Green, EMT-P

Joe joined our team as an EMS Instructor in 2020. Joe is a 2010 graduate of Aultman Hospital’s Paramedic Program and has worked for multiple agencies in the greater Summit County area. Joe has been proudly serving the City of Akron as a Firefighter/Paramedic since 2013. In 2014, Joe joined the Akron SWAT/Tactical EMS Team. As of 2017, Joe also joined the Akron and Summit Count Hazardous Materials Team. Before entering emergency medical service profession, Joe was a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for 6 years in an Infantry Division as a Team Leader with multiple deployments overseas and stateside.

Brittany Gnizak, NRP, FC-P

Brittany is a Firefighter/Paramedic who graduated from Grant Paramedic Program Class 67 in 2008. Her background includes working rural county-based EMS, serving as an officer for her local fire department, working as a remote paramedic overseas in various deployments, and working as a critical care paramedic for Medflight, operating as part of a MICU crew. Brittany is has been a certified EMS and fire instructor since 2011, and worked as a clinical preceptor for EMT and Paramedic students.

 
Thomas Kraft, NRP

Thomas joined the EMS Education Team in 2023. He graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with his paramedic/ firefighter certification and an associate’s degree in applied science. Thomas started his career working as an EMT at a private ambulance company before working as a paramedic at Cleveland EMS. Presently, he works as a career firefighter/paramedic/inspector at Wadsworth Fire Department. Thomas also serves as a fire investigator for the Medina County All Hazards Team.

David Tenney, AAS EMT-P

David graduated from Akron General Paramedic Class 21 in 1996. David works as a Captain firefighter/paramedic at the Akron Fire Department. Dave is a certified BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ITLS Instructor. He has been an instructor with Akron General’s Paramedic Program since 2021.

Janai Tony, NRP

Janai joined the EMS Education team in 2023. She is a 2015 graduate of Summa Paramedic Program and works as a firefighter/paramedic for Akron Fire Department. Janai has a background in tactical EMS that she brings forward to the EMS Education team. She previously worked in private ambulance as an EMT, then paramedic. Janai is a graduate from Stark State with an associate of applied science in emergency fire services and emergency medical services.