Alisha Dorsing presents a PowerPoint to Hesston Fire/EMS staff about the basics of labor and delivery in EMS and how to handle a variety of obstetric emergencies during a training session held at Hesston College.

It’s not every day you find firefighters and EMTs practicing emergency deliveries in full gear, but thanks to a creative collaboration between Hesston College’s nursing program and Hesston Fire/EMS, that’s exactly what happened on the college’s campus.

The spark for this training came from Alisha Dorsing, a senior nursing student at Hesston College and field training officer with Hesston Fire/EMS. Tasked with planning April’s EMS training, Alisha saw a golden opportunity.

“As a current nursing student, I have spent a lot of time in the simulation and skills labs, so I’m familiar with all the resources we have there,” she shared. “While working on plans, I asked Gregg [Schroeder] whether he’d be interested in collaborating. He immediately agreed.”

Gregg Schroeder, director of nursing education at Hesston College, had been eager to coordinate with EMS in the past but hadn’t quite been able to make it happen until now.

“This year presented a unique opportunity when Alisha was tasked with providing education on emergency and complicated deliveries,” he explained. “I was thrilled, and together we began planning the event earlier this semester.”

The training brought 15 EMS team members into Hesston’s state-of-the-art simulation lab, where they practiced everything from routine deliveries to more complex situations like breech births and shoulder dystocia. Dorsing led a detailed review of EMS protocols and guided her team through hands-on practice using the lab’s advanced birthing manikin and task trainers. The capstone of the evening was a full-scale emergency scenario where the team responded to a simulated labor call — complete with a “patient” who had ruptured membranes and fallen — transporting her and assisting with delivery right in the simulation suite.

It was a night of invaluable experience for Hesston Fire/EMS.

“Our staff expressed so much gratitude for the opportunity to learn in this environment and get hands-on training,” Dorsing said. “Using the pelvic manikins gave the staff lots of opportunities to practice different maneuvers to ensure safe delivery of an infant. Participating in a full scenario in the simulation lab with the high fidelity birthing manikin really helped our staff to work on critical thinking, scene management and supporting the patient during childbirth. And of course, Gregg jumped into character as the concerned husband, so they got to practice methods of keeping him calm, too.”

Hesston Fire/EMS Chief Zach Bergen said the collaboration was a major win for his team.

“From my perspective, collaboration with Hesston College and the nursing department has had untold benefits to our department and the community,” he said. “Outside instructors can bring fun new views to our job. It also helps us to keep up to date with the current patient care standards.”

Dorsing’s dual roles as a nursing student and field training officer made a notable impact.

“Her expanded knowledge has enhanced her medical skills, and she shares that with the department, both on calls and in training,” Bergen noted. “She’s also been a part of updating our EMS protocols, bringing in the latest practices. This training was a perfect example of how her educational journey benefits everyone.”

While nursing students didn’t participate this time around, Schroeder sees plenty of potential.

“Chief Bergen expressed interest in expanding these simulations, including future opportunities for nursing students to participate — such as receiving the patient in a simulated ER handoff scenario,” he said.

The best part? Everyone involved is excited to keep the momentum going. Plans are already in motion to use the simulation lab for more EMS training this summer and beyond.

Both Schroeder and Bergen agree these partnerships pay dividends for the community.

“By practicing newborn deliveries in the state-of-the-art simulation lab, the EMS crew gains hands-on experience in a controlled, high-fidelity environment, enhancing their confidence and readiness to respond to rare but critical situations involving childbirth,” Schroeder said. “This ensures better outcomes for both mothers and newborns in urgent, time-sensitive scenarios.”

Bergen echoed the sentiment.

“I’d like to express my thanks and appreciation to Hesston College for being a partner with us both in training and in bringing excellent people to our department,” he shared. “Collaborating with the college allows for the students to see what we do and possibly pique an interest in doing emergency work…I look forward to more collaboration in the future.”

With partnerships like this, Hesston is proving that when it comes to caring for the community, teamwork really does deliver.

For those inspired by this teamwork, Hesston Fire/EMS is always accepting applications for paid per-hour volunteer EMTs and firefighters. No experience is required, training is provided. Visit hesstonks.org/departments/fire_and_ems/fire_and_ems_employment.php to learn more.

Spotlight on Alisha Dorsing — a leader in the making

Alisha Dorsing has worn many hats during her time at Hesston College and Hesston Fire/EMS — and she’s made an impact with each one.

Earning her EMT license at the end of her sophomore year at Hesston, Dorsing quickly expanded her skills, earning her Firefighter I certification and later advancing to Field Training Officer through a rigorous promotional process. Under the supervision of Captain Gracie Hochstetler, also a Hesston College alum, she helps train new staff in ambulance operations, EMS procedures, equipment use and patient care. She’s also instrumental in preparing EMT students for their practical exams with scenario-based training, all while balancing part-time EMT and firefighter duties.

“Alisha’s educational journey has enhanced her medical knowledge and patient care, which she has shared with the department both on emergency calls and in the training environment,” said Bergen. “Her expanded knowledge has even helped us update our EMS protocols to reflect the latest medical standards.”

Schroeder echoed the praise, adding, “Her involvement as a student provided her with a strong understanding of the resources available in our simulation laboratory. As a student nurse, she was able to identify key areas for review with her EMS colleagues, including the steps involved in newborn delivery, care of the laboring mother and post-delivery care for both the mother and baby.”

Following graduation from Hesston’s nursing program this month, Dorsing looks forward to her next position as a full-time registered nurse on the Labor and Delivery unit at Wesley Medical Center. She plans to stick around, though. A Hesston resident, she will continue working with Hesston Fire/EMS part-time.

From the classroom to the front lines, Dorsing’s leadership is helping elevate care — and inspiring future collaborations along the way.