10/25/2026
Bath County EMS Awarded $212,089 to Expand Advanced Medical Training and Establish Regional EMS Education Destination
Major investment in advanced patient simulation technology will strengthen emergency medical education and expand training opportunities throughout rural Kentucky.
OWINGSVILLE, KY — October 25, 2026 — Bath County EMS is proud to announce that the Bath County Ambulance District has been awarded $212,089 in grant funding through the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Education & Training Modernization program, part of the Kentucky Rural Health Transformation initiative.
This substantial investment represents a major milestone for the Bath County EMS Division of Education and its continued commitment to improving emergency medical education throughout rural Kentucky.
Through this initiative, Bath County EMS has invested approximately $193,000 in advanced patient simulation technology, specialized medical training equipment, instructional resources, and supporting services. The investment will significantly expand the department's educational capabilities while supporting its long-term vision of establishing Bath County as a regional destination for emergency medical education and advanced simulation training.
The funding will allow the department to enhance existing educational programs, develop specialized training opportunities, and strengthen partnerships with emergency response organizations throughout the surrounding region.
Bringing Advanced Medical Simulation Technology to Rural Kentucky
At the center of this investment are two advanced patient simulation systems manufactured by Laerdal Medical: the SimMan ALS Light and SimMan Trauma Light.
These systems represent the largest portion of the equipment investment and will provide Bath County EMS with the ability to deliver highly realistic, scenario-based emergency medical training.
The SimMan ALS Light system will support advanced medical emergency education, allowing instructors to develop simulated patient encounters involving critical medical conditions, patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and emergency treatment.
The SimMan Trauma Light system will provide advanced training opportunities focused on traumatic injuries, critical patient management, and the coordination of emergency medical interventions.
Together, these systems will allow students and experienced emergency medical professionals to participate in complex medical and trauma scenarios in a controlled learning environment.
Unlike traditional classroom instruction or basic skills training, advanced patient simulation allows students to apply their knowledge during realistic patient encounters that require assessment, treatment decisions, communication, teamwork, and ongoing patient management.
These training opportunities are designed to help bridge the gap between classroom education and the challenges emergency medical professionals encounter in the field.
By providing a safe environment where students can practice critical skills, evaluate their performance, and learn from realistic scenarios, Bath County EMS hopes to better prepare emergency responders for the unpredictable nature of prehospital emergency medicine.
Nearly $200,000 Invested in Advanced Educational Resources
In addition to the two advanced patient simulation systems, Bath County EMS has made a substantial investment in specialized equipment designed to strengthen education across multiple areas of emergency medicine.
The department's purchases include:
Advanced Cardiac Monitoring and ECG Simulation: A Laerdal patient monitoring simulation system and two ZOLL STEMI ECG simulators to support cardiac assessment, rhythm interpretation, and recognition of cardiac emergencies.
Advanced Airway Management Equipment: Two McGRATH video laryngoscopy devices and a Laerdal Advanced Airway Solution Kit to support hands-on airway management education.
Pediatric and Infant Resuscitation Equipment: Eight QCPR training manikins designed to improve the quality of pediatric and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation education.
Hemorrhage Control Training: Specialized training equipment to support the recognition and management of life-threatening bleeding.
Airway Suction Training: Equipment to strengthen practical airway management and suction techniques.
Simulation Software and Instructor Technology: Specialized software, instructor tablets, and supporting equipment designed to operate and enhance the advanced simulation systems.
The investment also includes specialized instructor training and professional installation services to support the effective implementation of the new technology.
These resources will allow the Division of Education to develop more comprehensive training scenarios, expand practical skills education, and provide students with opportunities to experience realistic medical emergencies before encountering them in the field.
Establishing Bath County as a Regional EMS Training Destination
A primary goal of this investment is to establish Bath County EMS as a regional destination for emergency medical education and advanced simulation training.
While the equipment will directly support the department's educational programs, the long-term vision extends well beyond Bath County.
The department intends to develop a regional educational resource where emergency medical professionals, fire departments, rescue squads, and other emergency response organizations can access advanced training opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable within their local communities.
For many smaller rural agencies, purchasing and maintaining advanced medical simulation technology can be financially challenging. By investing in these resources through a centralized education program, Bath County EMS hopes to create opportunities for multiple organizations to benefit from the equipment.
The department's vision includes expanding access to initial EMS certification programs, continuing education, specialized medical training, and realistic simulation-based learning.
These opportunities are intended to support Emergency Medical Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, firefighters, rescue squad members, and other emergency response personnel.
The goal is not simply to strengthen EMS education within Bath County, but to help develop a stronger, better-prepared emergency medical workforce throughout the surrounding region.
Expanding Regional Training Opportunities and Partnerships
An important component of the department's long-term educational strategy is the development of collaborative training opportunities with neighboring emergency response organizations.
Bath County EMS intends to work with regional partners to identify common training needs and develop educational opportunities that strengthen emergency preparedness across county and agency boundaries.
Planned areas of development include regional EMS training days, continuing education courses, specialized medical and trauma training, and multi-agency simulation exercises.
Regional training days would allow emergency medical professionals from neighboring organizations to participate in advanced hands-on training using the department's simulation equipment.
Continuing education opportunities would provide EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics with additional resources to maintain certifications, strengthen clinical competencies, and expand their professional knowledge.
Multi-agency simulation exercises would create opportunities for EMS agencies, fire departments, and rescue squads to train together during realistic emergency scenarios. These exercises could focus on patient assessment, critical interventions, teamwork, communication, and coordination during complex incidents.
The department also intends to explore opportunities to bring educational resources directly to neighboring communities through partnerships with local emergency response organizations.
By developing a collaborative regional approach, Bath County EMS hopes to reduce the financial and logistical barriers that often prevent smaller rural agencies from accessing advanced medical training.
These partnerships will also provide opportunities for emergency responders from different organizations to train together, strengthen professional relationships, and improve coordination during emergencies requiring mutual aid.
Rather than limiting advanced educational resources to a single department, Bath County EMS envisions a regional training environment where emergency responders can learn together, share knowledge, and strengthen emergency medical care throughout rural Kentucky.
Addressing the Challenges of Rural EMS Education
Access to quality emergency medical education remains a significant challenge for many rural communities.
Individuals pursuing EMS certification often face limited local training opportunities, substantial travel requirements, and reduced access to specialized educational equipment.
These barriers can make entering the emergency medical profession more difficult and create additional challenges for existing providers seeking continuing education and professional advancement.
Through the expansion of its Division of Education, Bath County EMS intends to help reduce these barriers by providing advanced educational resources closer to the communities they are designed to serve.
The department's educational initiatives are focused on supporting individuals entering the profession while providing experienced emergency medical professionals with opportunities to maintain and strengthen their clinical skills.
By expanding access to realistic, hands-on training, Bath County EMS hopes to encourage workforce development, improve educational accessibility, and support the long-term sustainability of emergency medical services throughout the region.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Through Education
The benefits of advanced emergency medical education extend beyond the classroom.
Emergency medical professionals must be prepared to recognize life-threatening conditions, make critical decisions, communicate effectively, and perform complex interventions under pressure.
Advanced simulation-based education provides opportunities to develop and refine these skills in a realistic environment without placing actual patients at risk.
Through repeated exposure to challenging medical and trauma scenarios, emergency responders can strengthen their clinical knowledge, improve teamwork, and develop greater confidence in their ability to manage emergencies.
Bath County EMS believes that investing in the education and development of emergency medical professionals is an essential component of strengthening emergency response systems.
By supporting both new students and experienced providers, the department hopes to contribute to improved emergency preparedness and the continued advancement of prehospital emergency medical care.
Building a Sustainable Future for Regional EMS Education
The Education & Training Modernization grant's performance period extends from August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
However, the department's vision extends well beyond the initial funding period.
Bath County EMS intends to use this investment as the foundation for continued growth of its Division of Education, with a focus on developing sustainable educational programs, strengthening regional partnerships, and expanding access to advanced emergency medical training.
The department recognizes that the long-term value of this investment will be measured not only by the equipment purchased, but also by the educational opportunities created and the emergency medical professionals trained.
Through continued program development and regional collaboration, Bath County EMS hopes to establish a lasting educational resource that will benefit emergency responders and the communities they serve for years to come.
This investment represents more than the purchase of advanced medical equipment. It represents a commitment to strengthening rural emergency medical education, supporting the next generation of emergency responders, and establishing Bath County as a regional destination for high-quality EMS training.
Bath County EMS remains committed to advancing emergency medical education, supporting regional emergency response organizations, and strengthening the quality of prehospital emergency medical care throughout rural Kentucky.
About the Funding
This project is supported by funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Bath County EMS | Division of Education
Owingsville, Kentucky
Building a Regional Destination for Emergency Medical Education.
Bath County Kentucky Fiscal Court WKYT LEX 18 Bath County News Outlook
