Brownwood News – Texas State Technical College recently hired Stephen Sharp, a resilient and experienced paramedic, as the new emergency medical services instructor for the Brownwood campus.

Sharp has come a long way from last year. He was working for Life Guard Ambulance Service on February 20, 2018 when the unthinkable happened.

After dropping off a patient at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center emergency room, a vehicle ran a stop sign, hitting the ambulance. As a result, Stephen’s humerus bone (arm from shoulder to elbow) was fractured into three pieces.

“There was a chance I could have lost my arm,” Sharp said. “It was a big transition from being the provider to being the patient.”

After three surgeries, two plates and multiple screws, Sharp was on the road to recovery.

“I’ve seen the good and I’ve seen the bad, but responders who took care of me the day of the wreck were amazing,” he said.

Sharp says after the wreck he realized there was still a way for him to continue his passion of helping people.

“It really opened my eyes to see that I could help more people and make a positive impact if I was an instructor for the next generation of emergency medical technicians. By training them, I get to help people through their actions,” Sharp said.

Sharp is a TSTC alum who graduated in 2009 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Services.

“We brought on Stephen because he has a strong foundation in the community and he’s worked in EMS for 18 years, so he knows what he’s doing. He is a great addition to the campus and the program,” Raquel Mata, associate provost for TSTC in Brownwood said.

Mata and Sharp have high hopes for the future of the EMS program.

“There is a huge need in the Brownwood community, and throughout the state for paramedics, so we see that need and are here to meet that need. I’m excited to grow this program and just see how far we can go,” Sharp said.

Sharp encourages anyone with a passion for helping others and serving their community to explore the EMS program.

Registration for the fall 2019 semester has started.

For more information about TSTC, go online at tstc.edu.