News

Military Experience Helps Wymer Become Top Student

(Released 6/22/10)

JAMESTOWN - Spending four years on an Air Force flight crew has helped James Wymer in his pursuit of a two-year degree in Emergency Medical Services, he said recently.

Being exposed to traumatic situations isn't anything new to Wymer. "It's important to be empathetic but you have to hold your emotions back if you are going to be able to help people," Wymer said.

Keeping "cool" under the pressure of helping an injured or sick person is necessary for EMS personnel, said Wymer, who works part-time for Guilford County EMS while finishing his degree at Guilford Technical Community College.

Wymer, 25, who will graduate from GTCC in July, was named one of the two outstanding associates in the applied science program at the college. He said he has been able to maintain a 4.0 grade point average.

"James has a thirst for knowledge and does not limit himself to the 'need to know,' "said EMS instructor Joseph Yow. "His dedication to being the best paramedic he can be is evident in every class. He is quick to tackle any task in the lab and works hard to master every advanced skill," Yow said.

A native of Syracuse, NY, Wymer spent a year at Cayuga Community College in Fulton, NY, before joining the Air Force. He moved to Greensboro because he had a sister living there.

"I want to get a four-year degree; maybe even a PhD," he said. He was attracted to the EMS program because "I like having a chance to serve the community," he said. Even in the face of a disaster, "it doesn't get to me," Wymer said. "I think my time in the Air Force prepared me for that."

He has been involved in several EMS projects in the community. "James is a good organizer and a self-starter; he is responsible for the success of several EMS Student Association projects, including public health awareness and Make-A-Wish Walk-A-Thon," Yow said. Wymer also helped raise money for other events and helped organize an effort to collect books for libraries affected by natural disasters, Yow added.

"James also is involved in the community through his church and other volunteer activities," Yow said.

And while Wymer stresses the importance of keeping emotions in check, he does admit that his heart was touched when he entered the EMS program. It was there that he met Kaitlin Coble, an EMS student from Greensboro.

They will graduate together in July. "Our love of knowledge and helping people brought us together," Coble said.Wymer and Coble also will be in church together on New Year's Eve. Showing emotion will be okay for these paramedics on that evening when they become Mr. and Mrs. James Wymer.

####