Professors training future journalists recently had a chance to learn from Sunstar Paramedics’ communications director Brian Eells and director of operations Richard Schomp. Eells and Schomp were two of the panelists who shared their extensive knowledge of incident command and emergency procedures to explore ways that journalists could work with public safety officials to effectively report on emergency situations.

The panel discussion was part of the mid-winter meeting of The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (AEJMC) on January 6, 2014 at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, Florida. AEMJC members are teachers and professors who work with journalism students at universities around the county.

As communications director, Eells is the primary contact for the media on scene. He shared tips on how journalists can work with officials to get accurate and timely information.

Operations director Schomp utilizes incident command for every call Sunstar receives, whether it is a routine medical transport or a major emergency. He explained the protocols in emergency response, which is important for any journalist arriving on scene to understand.

Seminole Fire Rescue public education officer Brad Dykens and B2 Communications principal Kyle Parks joined Eells and Schomp on the panel moderated by Midwestern State University director of student media Bradley Wilson.