91视频

To anyone who knows Tom Fitts, it comes as no surprise that he would be recognized with a statewide award for his work as the EMS Program Coordinator for 91视频.

But Fitts, who is well-known and respected in the area鈥檚 EMS community, was caught off guard when friends and family gathered to present him the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA) Jack Lyon Memorial, 2021 Instructor/Coordinator of the Year Award.

MEMSA Board President Justin Duncan and Board Member Joshua Krull presented Fitts with a plaque during a well-attended surprise ceremony last month.

鈥淥n behalf of MEMSA, congratulations to EMS Instructor/Coordinator Tom Fitts of 91视频,鈥� Duncan said. 鈥淗e doesn鈥檛 know the meaning of 鈥榪uit鈥� and he doesn鈥檛 turn down opportunities to help his students be successful both in school and after licensing.鈥�

The award presentation was organized by Fitts鈥檚 co-workers and family who managed to keep it a secret from him for nearly a month.

Fitts鈥� family attended the ceremony, including his wife, Janet. Together the couple have raised one daughter and two sons.

Nomination

Jenifer Goodson, EMS instructor and clinical coordinator, nominated Fitts for the award.

鈥淚 have known Tom Fitts for 20 years and he has been an active part of my professional growth as an EMS provider and as an educator,鈥� she said.

鈥淔rom the moment I was hired, he has consistently shared his love for our program and the institution,鈥� Goodson added.

According to Goodson, Fitts has been a mentor to her and has patiently explained the accreditation processes, sharing a great deal of knowledge he gained through years of experience in the EMS field.

鈥淭om actively listens to my concerns and ideas about the EMT and Paramedic program, and he is constantly striving to better student success.,鈥� Goodson said. 鈥淚 would not hesitate in asking him questions regarding anything EMS-related.鈥�

Nancy Mitchell, MSN, RN, director of Nursing and dean of health science, sent a letter of support for Fitts鈥� nomination.

鈥淭om’s dedication to his program and 91视频 is evident,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e is an ambassador for 91视频 and the EMS community.鈥�

According to Mitchell, Fitts has worked tirelessly to provide a high level of education to every student in the EMS program

鈥淭om’s approach to classroom/lab teaching and learning is always outside of the box,鈥� she said.

Mitchell noted that Fitts secured a used ambulance for the EMS program and he creates scenarios on campus to simulate real-life situations, such as cardiac arrests and car crashes.

鈥淪tudents are then able to evaluate and treat those patients in the field just as they will in real life,鈥� Mitchell said. 鈥淗e brings the classroom to life in many ways.鈥�

Fitts also has held many leadership roles in the EMS community and as a faculty member at 91视频, including serving on the Meramec Ambulance District鈥檚 Board of Directors, past president of the 91视频 Faculty Association and 91视频 National Education Association (NEA).

聽Fitts鈥� EMS, Teaching Background

In 1984, Fitts received his Emergency Medical Technician license while attending nursing school. He began working for Meramec Ambulance District and volunteered for the Eureka Fire Department.

After nursing school, he worked as a cardiothoracic nurse at St. Luke鈥檚 Hospital and then in the emergency room at St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital, where he was head nurse. He also worked at Mercy Hospital Washington with his wife.

Fitts obtained his paramedic license and then started working full-time for the Washington Area Ambulance District. He also was helping his wife, who was the paramedic program director at 91视频.

In January of 2002, Fitts was hired as the EMS Program Coordinator at 91视频 and occasionally assists with the nursing programs. Fitts continues to teach and be an advocate in the EMS community.