(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Sept. 11, 2017) - - - Columbia State Community College assistant professor Eric McCullough has been selected by EMS World as the winner of the iSimulation 2017 Excellence in Simulation Award.

McCullough, Columbia State assistant professor of emergency medical technology and EMT/AEMT coordinator, will receive a three-day pass and a $1,000 travel stipend to the upcoming EMS World Expo in Las Vegas, where he will be recognized at opening ceremonies and in conference publications.

Michael Chad Hollingsworth, Columbia State instructor of emergency medical services, nominated McCullough for the award because of his introduction of using the iSimulate cardiac monitors in student evaluations.

"Eric is very deserving of this award," Hollingsworth said. "It speaks to his passion, devotion and service to his students, their development throughout the program and the EMS field in general. He is a great representative of Columbia State and our commitment to excellence."

McCullough received a grant to purchase the iSimulate cardiac monitors for Columbia State's EMS department. The technology allows instructors to change values on a monitor in real time, which gives students the opportunity to practice in more realistic scenarios. Students are faced with simulated pressure to make decisions within the parameters that they are presented with.

"Eric is excited by technology and constantly implements practices that actively engage students and allow competency to be developed in the safety of the class/lab environment," said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of health sciences and professor of radiologic technology. "Under Eric's leadership, students who complete the rigorous state and national certificates have outstanding first-attempt licensure exam pass and in-field employment rates."

McCullough is responsible for oversight and instruction for both EMT and Advanced EMT courses, which involve 50-70 students per semester.

"I am honored to receive this award," McCullough said. "To be recognized as a national leader in the education of EMS professionals is something that I have not expected, but welcome humbly. Having the opportunity to learn from other providers around the world is an honor."

McCullough, earned associate degrees in emergency medical services and general technology from Columbia State, a bachelor's in English from Middle Tennessee State University and a master's in instructional technology from Lipscomb University. McCullough, a Shelbyville native, currently resides in Murfreesboro.

Photo Caption: Eric McCullough, Columbia State assistant professor of emergency medical technology.