Meet Our Faculty

Rod VanOrsdol
Assistant Professor II of Paramedicine
Email: rvanorsdol@cocc.edu 

After graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Rod spent five years working as a computer programmer. He found his true calling, however, when he signed up as a volunteer for a local fire department. He changed careers and never looked back. Rod’s experience in the field includes flight paramedic, SWAT medic, firefighter/paramedic, EMT/paramedic instructor, and rising through the ranks to the level of assistant chief with one of the largest fire departments in Florida. 

Rod recently served as a subject matter expert for several EMS textbooks, collaborating with writers and photographers to ensure accurate representation of skills and patient presentations. He enjoys working with students of all backgrounds and helping them develop the skills they need for a challenging and rewarding career in emergency medical services. 

Dave Schappe
Associate Professor of Paramedicine
Email: dschappe@cocc.edu 

One of the things Dave loves about his long-lasting career in emergency medical services is the development of relationships with students and colleagues. Dave has strong connections with the Oregon Health Authority, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, the Oregon EMS Consortium, and agencies throughout the state and nation. In 2011, Dave was named National EMS Educator of the Year by American Medical Response and was honored as the Oregon EMS Educator of the Year in 2015. 

During his 25-year tenure with American Medical Response, he served as a field training officer, medic for visiting White House dignitaries during campaigns, and trained medical students and paramedic preceptors. Following his recruitment into the role of paramedic programs director for the northwestern United States, he served as the executive director of the National College of Technical Instruction and administered EMS training programs across the country. This role provided Dave with numerous opportunities to train students internationally, including in China. In Trinidad and Tobago, Dave served as a consultant and developed a paramedic training program for their EMS system, training the nation’s first cadre of paramedics.