University of Montevallo Nursing Students Collaborate with Alabaster First Responders in Training

March 16, 2026

The hand off between first responders transporting an injured or ill patient to the care of nurses and doctors at a medical facility can be intense at times based on the urgent need for live-saving care.

University of Montevallo nursing students were able to get hands-on experience through collaborative training with Alabaster Fire and Rescue Department firefighters recently, providing real-world insight for both the first responders and the students preparing for their future profession.

“The opportunity to collaborate with the University of Montevallo is of tremendous value to our department,” said Nathan Smitherman, chief of the Alabaster Fire and Rescue Department. “The interaction between our EMS personnel and nursing students during simulated transitions of care provided valuable insight into each profession’s roles and responsibilities. Practicing these handoffs in a controlled, educational setting strengthened communication, reinforced continuity of patient care and fostered mutual respect between disciplines.”

Dr. Charman Harper, assistant professor of Nursing and director of UM’s Simulation Lab, and Beth Lawyer, an instructor of Nursing at UM, guided UM nursing students during the experience.

“Partnerships like this are incredibly valuable for our nursing students,” Harper said. “Collaborating with the Alabaster Fire and Rescue Department helps them better understand the importance of clear communication and teamwork across healthcare professionals. Experiences like this reinforce the effectiveness of handoff communication in supporting quality care and ensuring patient safety.”

Smitherman said conducting the training at the new Simulation Lab at Myrick Hall with Harper and Lawyer instructing the students gave both groups the chance to replicate a hand off in a professional setting.

“The use of UM’s high-fidelity simulation equipment, combined with their thoughtful facilitation, created an outstanding learning environment for our officers,” Smitherman said. “This type of interdisciplinary collaboration is exactly what prepares healthcare professionals to serve our community effectively.”

These training sessions are just one example of professional development opportunities afforded to UM students this spring. Students were able to learn more about caring for mental health patients during a recent visit to Bryce Mental Health Museum on the Peter Bryce Campus in Tuscaloosa, which was led by Dr. Alicia Logan, an assistant professor of Nursing at UM. Members of the newly chartered Student Nurses Association also partnered with Sight Savers of America recently to provide health screenings for children at UM’s Child Study Center.

Learn more about UM Nursing at montevallo.edu/program/nursing.