Paramedics Partnered with the Community
Paramedics can handle any type of emergency, from car accidents to cardiac arrests. We partner with the Norman and Moore Fire Departments to respond to all emergency calls in Norman, Moore and immediate surrounding areas. EMSSTAT has four stations throughout Norman and Moore to distribute coverage, with the hub at our Eastside Station north of Norman Regional Hospital on Robinson Street and Porter Avenue.
The Highest Quality Standards
- Cases are routinely reviewed by supervisors, the manager, and our medical director, Patrick Cody, DO, MPH, FACOEP.
- Paramedic supervisors are able to respond to incidents to provide quality oversight.
- Our Emergency Department physicians, who act as our daily online medical control, are also able to provide timely feedback on our medics’ performances.
- Protocols for patient care are kept up to date, and practice improvements are rapidly implemented.
- Every month, EMSSTAT reviews specific quality measures, such as intubation success rates, scene times for time-sensitive cases and monitoring of congestive heart failure treatment and outcomes.
Medical Director
Patrick Cody, DO, MPH, FACOEP, attended medical school at the Oklahoma State School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency training at Integris Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Dr. Cody completed a two-year fellowship in emergency medical services (EMS) and disaster medicine at Intregis Southwest Medical Center.
He is also the medical director for the city of Norman Fire Department, Norman Police Department and Norman Communications Center. Dr. Cody is very active locally and at the state level and is a recognized national speaker and published author. He has his own response vehicle and responds to calls for service to provide quality assurance, training and expertise.
Norman Regional EMSSTAT Paramedic Extern Program
Norman Regional's EMSSTAT Paramedic Extern program is a unique and highly beneficial initiative designed to support and train aspiring paramedics while also enhancing the community's access to first responders. EMSSTAT, the paramedic department of Norman Regional Health System, operates with a steadfast commitment to top-tier patient care, positive patient outcomes and active community service.
Covering a significant area that includes Norman, Moore, and surrounding communities in Cleveland County, EMSSTAT faces a consistently high demand for its services, with an annual call volume exceeding 30,000 and steadily increasing.
At the heart of this innovative program is the Paramedic Extern program. This program offers EMTs who are concurrently pursuing paramedic education the opportunity to work full-time within the department. It goes beyond traditional classroom learning by providing participants with invaluable hands-on experience, tuition reimbursement, and the stability of full-time employment.
The primary goal of the Paramedic Extern program is to transform EMTs into skilled paramedics. Eligible candidates must hold a valid EMT license and be committed to enrolling in paramedic school. EMSSTAT's approach involves pairing paramedics with EMTs, where EMTs handle vehicle operations while paramedics respond to health emergencies. This structure allows students to immerse themselves in real-world emergency response situations, with a particular focus on 911 calls and the dynamics of a designated emergency crew.
Shae Orcutt-Richardson, a member of the EMSSTAT team, underscores the unique perspective this program provides to students. It allows them to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and responsibilities of paramedics, which often differ significantly from what is portrayed in mainstream media.
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One notable advantage of this program is the mentorship component, where experienced paramedics guide and educate program participants. This mentorship not only facilitates skill development but also offers valuable insight into the thought processes and decision-making abilities of seasoned professionals. The willingness to learn and ask questions is met with a strong commitment from paramedics to share their expertise.
Upon successful graduation from paramedic school and the passage of the National Registry exam, program participants transition into full-time paramedic positions within EMSSTAT, working 24-hour shifts. This comprehensive training approach equips individuals with essential skills for effective patient communication, especially with children, and for providing comfort and stability in high-stress emergency situations. These critical abilities are best acquired through practical, on-the-job experience, making EMSSTAT's Paramedic Extern program an invaluable stepping stone for those embarking on the path to becoming skilled and compassionate paramedics.
EMSSTAT Residency Program
Norman Regional offers a progressive learning environment for our paramedics, with an all-paramedic full-time staff and two paramedics in every ambulance so that newer employees receive extensive field training. EMSSTAT also benefits from the vast year-round educational opportunities on a wide variety of topics offered by Norman Regional Health System, as well as educational opportunities in collaboration with other metro area hospitals.