The Hocking College Fire and Emergency Services program celebrated success after achieving outstanding pass rates on their recent certification exam.

Paramedic students achieved an 82 percent pass rate on their National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam, while EMT-Basic students also earned an 82 percent pass rate on their exam. Nationally, 72 percent passed the Paramedic exam, while 70 percent passed the EMT-Basic exam. Both exams were given on August 4, 2013.

"It was a true cooperation between the faculty and the students that enabled us to achieve this success rate," Curtis Martin, Hocking College EMS Coordinator, said.

The single most important goal of the NREMT is to offer assurance that EMS personnel providing treatment to patients at their highest moment of need are competent. Entry requirements for certification include completing a state-approved EMS education course, and passing the NREMT written and practical examinations. The exam consists of 13 separate stations testing the skills and knowledge of the student, ranging from cardiology, airway management and basic EMT skills.