West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is proud to recognize Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) student Hannah Chapman for her outstanding performance during a recent emergency call that resulted in saving a patient’s life.
Chapman was part of a skilled EMS team that included Paramedic Supervisor Jessie Smith, Paramedic Field Training Officer Chris Hancock, Emergency Medical Technician Kylee Glass, and members of the Carroll County Fire Department. The team responded to a call involving a patient who was reportedly choking and subsequently went into cardiac arrest.
Thanks to the team’s rapid response and adherence to West Georgia Ambulance (WGA) protocols for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the patient regained a pulse—achieving Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)—before being transported to the hospital.
In a formal recognition letter, WGA Training Coordinator Allen Dorman praised the team’s professionalism, expertise, and teamwork.
“Your ability to work efficiently under pressure, execute advanced life support interventions, and provide high-quality patient care played a pivotal role in achieving this life-saving outcome,” Dorman wrote. “Your dedication to saving lives does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to have such exceptional individuals representing our EMS system.”
For Chapman, the experience was both nerve-wracking and unforgettable. As a student still working toward her EMT and AEMT certification, the call marked the first time she had to apply her classroom training in a real-life cardiac arrest emergency.
“When the call came out as a cardiac arrest, I could feel my heart drop,” said Chapman. “My hands were shaky, my legs were shaking—but I reminded myself to stay calm, trust my training, and give everything I had to the patient.”
Chapman performed chest compressions and inserted an I-Gel airway device, allowing for positive pressure ventilations with a bag valve mask (BVM). She credits her preparation and training at WGTC, especially under the guidance of her instructor, Adam Watson.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my instructor is, ‘Control what you can control.’ That phrase kept me grounded during the call. I knew if I gave my best effort, I could be proud of how I served the patient.”
Chapman also expressed gratitude for her team, especially her preceptor Chris Hancock, for giving her the opportunity to contribute meaningfully during such a critical moment.
“Working alongside experienced paramedics and firefighters in this situation was the most rewarding thing I could have ever imagined,” Chapman said. “They didn’t treat me like ‘just a student.’ They treated me like a valuable member of the team. That meant the world to me.”
WGTC President Dr. Julie Post praised Chapman for her courage and highlighted the importance of the College’s clinical partnerships in preparing students for real-world success.
“Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact our students can have—even while they’re still in training,” said Dr. Post. “Thanks to strong clinical partnerships with agencies like West Georgia Ambulance, our students are gaining meaningful hands-on experience and developing the skills and confidence needed to save lives. We are incredibly proud of Hannah and grateful for the dedicated professionals who help train and mentor our students in the field.”
To future EMS students, Chapman offers heartfelt advice:
“It’s not easy—there are sleepless nights, long hours of studying, and moments where you feel drained. But the reward is unlike anything else. Knowing that someone gets to see their family again because of what you did… it’s all worth it.”
For more information about WGTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, visit westgatech.edu.
