Resilient Racers - Faculty Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Traci Byrd and Kimberly Pidcock
Dr. Traci Byrd, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Kimberly Pidcock, OSH 101 lead instructor at the Murray State University Fort Campbell regional campus, developed and implemented a “Return to the Classroom” plan for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) candidates from the spring 2020 semester to complete critical components of their training for certification eligibility. Dr. Byrd’s and Mrs. Pidcock’s work was part of the emergency medical training certification process in an effort to respond to the nationwide need for emergency medical services personnel.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students were unable to complete instruction when the University transitioned to a necessary online/alternative delivery method of instruction. The Emergency Medical Training course at Murray State University requires a significant amount of hands-on, practical skill instruction and performance. Therefore, the “Return to the Classroom” plan had to encompass the nature of the course, meet the needs of the students, and provide the best protection measures to ensure the safety and health of the instructors and students.
The plan included a redesign of the instructional laboratory to meet social distancing requirements, comprehensive sanitation procedures for all equipment and frequently touched surfaces, as well as procedures requiring all instructors and students to complete and submit a “Self-Health” survey prior to participating in each training session. The plan allowed the EMT candidates the opportunity to return to campus, complete all required course elements and obtain eligibility for professional certification. Dr. Byrd submitted a “Return to the Classroom” plan to the leadership at Murray State University in early summer. Upon plan approval, Dr. Byrd, Mrs. Pidcock and their students were able to return back to the classroom in July to finish all course requirements.
Returning to campus for instruction was the first of many challenges. Not only did this require approval from Murray State University but also the state oversight agency, the Kentucky Board of EMS. Once course requirements were completed Dr. Byrd and Mrs. Pidcock sought permission from the Kentucky Board of EMS to host an EMT Practical Examination. The “Return to the Classroom” plan was submitted and approved, allowing the EMT candidates to participate in the examination and move through to the next phase in the certification process.
EMT candidates successfully passed all certification examinations and are now nationally registered EMTs.
