Nash Community College has expanded its hands-on training capabilities with the addition of a new EMS Mobile Simulation Unit, providing students with an innovative, real-world learning environment for emergency medical services education.
The unit, which was received by the college on July 31, 2025, was funded through the High-Cost Healthcare Grant from the North Carolina Community College System Office (NCCCS).
Designed to replicate real-life emergency response scenarios, the EMS Mobile Simulation Unit is a fully equipped, self-contained training environment that allows students to develop critical skills in a controlled, immersive setting.
The unit is divided into three sections, including a simulated ambulance patient compartment, an instructor monitoring area with computer access and one-way mirrors, and a classroom space for instruction and debriefing. It is also equipped with high-fidelity patient manikins, exterior and interior viewing monitors, and a portable generator system with onboard heating and air, allowing it to operate independently in a variety of settings.
“This unit provides our students with an incredible opportunity to experience real-world emergency scenarios in a safe, controlled environment,” said Olivia Moss, department chair of emergency management services at NCC. “It enhances our ability to deliver high-quality training while also expanding our reach into the community through outreach and education.”
The EMS Mobile Simulation Unit will be used to support instruction within the college’s Emergency Medical Services programs, as well as for community engagement efforts. Students will train as part of an EMS crew, participating in simulation scenarios that align with course objectives and reflect real-life emergency situations.
“This is a gamechanger for how we train future EMS professionals,” said Larry Carpenter, EMS coordinator at NCC. “The ability to simulate real emergency conditions, from patient care to teamwork and communication, helps prepare our students to enter the field with confidence.”
In addition to its instructional use, the unit’s mobility allows the college to bring training and educational demonstrations directly into the community. The unit features an exterior display monitor that enables observers to view simulation activities in real time, enhancing its value for outreach events, demonstrations and partnerships with local agencies.
NCC continues to invest in innovative training solutions that align with workforce needs and prepare students for high-demand careers in healthcare and public safety.
For more information about Emergency Medical Services programs at Nash Community College, visit www.nashcc.edu.
