Dr. George Rouse

With more than 20 years of collective prehospital and hospital clinical experience, he is known for his exceptional leadership, advanced clinical capability, and innovative approach to EMS education. Supported by a PhD in Education: Curriculum & Instruction, George integrates evidence‑based instructional strategies with operational excellence to elevate emergency medical services and strengthen the readiness of EMS personnel serving Veterans and the community.

Career Journey

George began his EMS career decades ago with Capital City EMS, later advancing through Gold Cross EMS from EMT to Paramedic and continuing his progression with Rural Metro Ambulance as a Paramedic Lieutenant. While remaining active in EMS throughout his career, he also spent 7.5 years at East Central Regional Hospital as a Forensic Technician, expanding his expertise in behavioral‑health and forensic operations. He went on to serve with McDuffie County Fire & EMS as a Paramedic/Firefighter II, providing advanced cardiac and trauma care and supporting fire suppression, before joining the Augusta Fire Department, where he delivered ALS/BLS care, mentored developing paramedics, and collaborated closely with fire, law enforcement, and healthcare teams.

In 2012, he joined U.S. Army EMS, rising to Lead Paramedic & Training Officer and becoming a central figure in EMS training— designing curriculum‑aligned lesson plans, developing LMS courses, and teaching personnel across multiple licensure levels.

His academic achievements strengthened his expertise in adult learning, curriculum design, and organizational leadership, culminating in his transition to the Veterans Health Administration, where he now supervises ambulance operations, personnel management, and emergency medical response for Veterans.

Key Achievements

• Enhanced EMS training programs by creating realistic, relevant, and learner‑centered educational experiences.
• Led and supervised diverse EMS teams, consistently exceeding performance expectations.
• Developed curriculum and instructional materials grounded in adult learning theory and evidence‑based practice.
• Mentored peers and doctoral candidates, supporting academic progress and professional development.
• Improved emergency response efficiency through interprofessional collaboration with fire, law enforcement, and healthcare agencies.
• Earned top academic honors, including High Distinction in graduate programs and Magna Cum Laude in undergraduate studies.

Expertise

• Emergency Medical Leadership
• Advanced Life Support & Trauma Care
• Curriculum & Instructional Design
• Adult Learning & Educational Technology
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Operational Planning & Resource Forecasting
• Performance Management & Team Development
• Roles & Responsibilities (Current Position: Supervisory Paramedic, VHA)
• Oversees all aspects of the Ambulance Services Program (ASP), ensuring operational readiness and compliance.
• Creates, adjusts, and approves employee schedules; manages leave requests; ensures adequate staffing coverage.
• Interviews candidates, recommends hiring decisions, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Resolves employee complaints and provides guidance on administrative and work matters.
• Responds to emergency incidents, performs triage, and administers basic and advanced life support.
• Operates emergency vehicles and medical equipment while maintaining strict safety standards.
• Assists with patient movement, including lifting, carrying, and securing patients for transport.
• Forecasts budget needs for equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ensures personnel maintain required certifications and training standards.

Education

• PhD in education: Curriculum & Instruction - Liberty University (2025)
• Master’s in education: Higher Educational Leadership - Liberty University (2022)
• Bachelor’s in public administration - Liberty University (2021)
• Accounting Diploma (2003)