SHARON, Pa. - Sharon Regional Health System announced in a Tuesday release that it will be partnering with Penn State Fayette Center for Community and Public Safety's Paramedic Program to expand training opportunities for regional emergency medical professionals. 

The collaboration is set to specifically benefit, and further, clinical training. This means emergency medical professionals will be better prepared to handle complex emergencies. Training will include advanced airway management, cardiac interventions, trauma care and medication administration. 

Any EMS practitioners that are pursuing Paramedic certification will be able to complete the program's required clinical and field experience within Sharon Regional's accredited hospital system, the healthcare service stated. Students in the new "clinical placement program" will also gain "hands-on experience" inside Sharon Regional's emergency department and intensive care units — students will be able to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world patient car setting, Sharon Regional Health System stated.

The health system also added that the partnership will "strengthen the pipeline of highly trained EMS professionals in Mercer County and surrounding areas."

"Offering pathways for higher-level certification ensures that prehospital responders are equipped with the enhanced skills, advanced assessment capabilities, and evidence-based practices needed to deliver rapid, expert emergency care in critical situations," Todd Tamalunas, interim CEO for Sharon Regional Health System said.

The new clinical service program will officially launch Wednesday, February 18.