P&HCC EMS-Paramedic Program

06/18/2026

Congratulations to Joey Smallwood, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2017!

As we kick off Day 2 of the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, we want to continue highlighting our outstanding Deputy Chiefs.

This morning, we are proud to introduce Firefighter/Paramedic Joey Smallwood of Martinsville Fire & EMS, who is serving as our Deputy Logistics Chief.

Joseph graduated from the Virginia Fire Officer Academy in 2023 and immediately joined the command staff as a member of the Logistics Section. Through his hard work, dedication, and commitment to the academy, he has steadily progressed through the ranks to his current role as Deputy Chief.

His continued efforts behind the scenes help ensure the academy runs smoothly and that both students and staff have the resources they need to succeed throughout the week.
Thank you for your dedication and continued service to the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, Joseph!

06/15/2026

Meet the Class of 2026 Patrick & Henry Community College Paramedic Program Graduates: Carrie Johnson

We are so excited to introduce one of the newest members of the P&HCC Paramedic Program family! Carrie Johnson is from Dry Fork and is now serving as a Paramedic/Firefighter with Blairs Fire & Rescue.

When asked why she chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program, Carrie had this to say: “I chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program because I saw a huge need in my community for ALS, & I really wanted to help my community. My best friend was killed in a car accident when we were 17, which had a profound impact on me. Life happened, but when my kids got older, I took the opportunity to volunteer and become a FF/EMT, & now I'm hooked & want to do all I can to serve others & be that helping hand on the worst day of someone's life. I think my friend would be proud of me today. P&HCC came highly recommended because of its dedicated leadership, organization & success rate. For me, it was an easy decision, but definitely the most challenging thing I've ever completed."

Congratulations, Carrie — your hard work and & dedication have paid off, & we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

06/11/2026

Congratulations to Brandan Arthur, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2022!

New Senior Field Coordinator Selected!

Western VA EMS Council (OEMS Region 2) is pleased to announce that Mr. Brandan Arthur has been selected to fill the position of Senior Field Coordinator effective June 22, 2026.

Brandan brings more than 15 years of experience in emergency medical services, with a background spanning hospital-based care, interfacility transport, and both career and volunteer 911 systems. Beginning his EMS career locally in Rocky Mount, he has developed a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing providers and agencies across the profession.
A paramedic, educator, and EMS leader, Brandan has dedicated much of his career to strengthening provider education and professional growth. He currently serves as a Paramedic and Education Coordinator in Virginia and is widely recognized for his commitment to mentoring clinicians and advancing EMS education.

Throughout his career, Brandan has remained focused on building a stronger future for EMS through leadership, workforce development, and meaningful educational initiatives. His work emphasizes supporting providers both in training and in practice while fostering the next generation of EMS professionals.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to serve in this role,” said Brandan. “The future of EMS will be built through a collaborative investment in education and provider development. By strengthening our clinicians today, we not only improve the quality of patient care, but also prepare the next generation of EMS leaders.”
"We are excited to have Brandan joining our staff and look forward to his contribution to our region and the future of EMS", states Executive Director Debbie Akers.

Please join us in welcoming Brandan to the WVEMS/OEMS Region 2 Tea

06/08/2026

Meet the Class of 2026 Patrick & Henry Community College Paramedic Program Graduates: Jay Hicks

We are so excited to introduce one of the newest members of the P&HCC Paramedic Program family! Jay Hicks is from Glade Hill and is now serving as a Paramedic/Firefighter with Franklin County Fire & EMS

When asked why he chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program, Jay had this to say: “I chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program for multiple reasons - it was the nearest accredited program to where I live & work, plus I have seen the quality of Paramedics practicing in the region who are alumni of the P&HCC Paramedic Program. It was also recommended by multiple EMS Medical Directors, including my current Medical Director.”

Congratulations, Jay — your hard work and & dedication have paid off, & we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

06/03/2026

We are so proud of our graduates!

Congratulations to our 2026 P&HCC Paramedic Cohort having 100% pass rate on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic exam! We are proud to be part of your success story.

06/01/2026

Meet the Class of 2026 Patrick & Henry Community College Paramedic Program Graduates: Matthew Fox

We are so excited to introduce one of the newest members of the P&HCC Paramedic Program family! Matthew Fox is from Danville and is now serving as a Paramedic/Firefighter with Martinsville Fire & EMS.

When asked why he chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program, Matthew had this to say: “I chose the P&HCC Paramedic Program because I was interested in taking my career to the next level. I had heard numerous great things regarding the program that P&HCC provided & witnessed first-hand the excellent quality of providers that this Program helped create.”

Congratulations, Matthew Fox — your hard work and & dedication have paid off, & we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

05/21/2026

Today, we congratulate the graduates of CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic and Advanced EMT programs—your perseverance, knowledge, and training have brought you to this moment. As you step into new roles, we celebrate the impact you’re ready to make for patients and communities every day.

05/12/2026

Congratulations to the P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2026! They will all be graduating with their AAS-Paramedic degrees this Friday evening - way to go, Patriot Paramedics!

From left: Jay Hicks, Mackenzie Taylor, Reagan Joyce, Carrie Johnson, Casey Soto, & Matthew Fox

05/04/2026

Here at Patrick & Henry Community College, PHamily is a big deal - so the P&HCC EMS-Paramedic Program would like you to meet some of our real-life PHamily members who have gone through our Paramedic Program!

Sierra Hatfield, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2020 & mom Avi Hatfield, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2019

Morgan Hill & brother Landon Hill, both graduates of the P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2021

Sommer Fox, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2025 & husband Matthew Fox, P&HCC Paramedic Class of 2026

02/24/2026

We are very proud to report that one of our P&HCC Paramedic students, Chris Praino, (top row, second from left) was on field rotation that day with Martinsville Fire & EMS & assisted with this very special resuscitation! He also reports that he & his family plan on adopting this precious baby in a few days once he is medically cleared & naming him (wait for it)... Perry Medic :-D Great work from everyone at MFEMS who safely got this fire under control & prevented loss of life!

On February 12, 2026 approximately 10:45 the Martinsville Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Winston Street. We knew this house was condemned and being used by homeless people. Shortly after arriving on the scene we determined the fire was located in the basement. Crews were assembled and an interior search for victims and location of the fire for extinguishment were being performed. Soon after entry firefighters using a thermal imaging camera found a small puppy lying on the floor. The puppy was brought outside. The puppy was checked, found to still be alive but unconcious and gasping for breath. The puppy was immediatly rushed to a unit on scene and oxygen was given. Soon the cute little puppy regained consciousness. The Martinsville Police Department was called to transport the puppy for further evaluation from the vet. Dakota Cassell from the Henry County Animal shelter was contacted and she has cared for this little guy every since he left us. His new name is Reese. Reese has had some struggles but is now doing great. Reese stopped by today to pay a visit to his rescuers, C Shift of the Martinsville Fire Department. We were so happy to see Reese and his progress in his recovery. We just want to say thank you to everyone involved in the rescue and recovery of little Reese.