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180-Hour Course Prepares Students for State Certification, Rewarding Career with New Bedford Emergency Medical Services.
“NEW BEDFORD – The next generation of emergency medical technicians are preparing for a career serving the residents of New Bedford.
Four cadets are enrolled in the inaugural class of the New Bedford EMT Training Academy, which was created this year to prepare enrollees for a career in emergency medical services. It features a mix of classroom and hands-on training, including ride-alongs and field work with EMTs and paramedics.
“The reception has been great so far,” said New Bedford Emergency Medical Services Director Michael Thomas. “We have a solid handful of cadets on their way to being new EMTs, and word has started to spread around the City. We’ve already had people call and ask about the next class.
The cadets of the inaugural New Bedford EMT Training Academy, from left, Joseph Rebello, Addison Dumont, Nicholas D’Attelo and Cameron Conchinha, are on track to become full-time emergency medical technicians with New Bedford EMS. City of New Bedford photo.
We started this program to get the next generation of EMTs in the door, and so far so good.” Consisting of 180 hours of instruction, the EMT Academy covers a wide range of subjects to prepare individuals for the certification test and a career in EMS services. Areas of learning include first aid, EMS operations, anatomy, physiology, the disease process and more. Instructors, including EMS supervisors and physicians, bring decades of experience to the program.
On a recent Tuesday evening class at the South End Public Safety Center, students wrapped up a classroom lesson on first aid before heading to the ambulances to practice taking blood pressure, heart rate, and stabilizing and carrying a person in need. Instructor Michael Florio, a longtime paramedic and teacher, and EMS Deputy Director Dave Zander offered pointers and advice from their years of service.
“We have one student right now who is finishing up high school,” Zander said. “When he graduates and turns 18 later this year, he’ll be ready to take the test to become a full-time EMT with the City of New Bedford. He’s going to jump from high school graduation right into a rewarding, in-demand career with a pension, health insurance and other benefits.”
The program is flexible with evening and daytime sessions that cover the 180 hours of instruction. New Bedford residents get a discount off the $1,350 cost, which covers everything from text books to online companion resources to the full training academy. To register or for more information about the program, visit EMS’ new website, newbedfordems.org, or call 508-991-6390.
“New Bedford EMTs and medical first responders are making a difference in the lives of our residents day in and day out,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “They are there for us all, administering life-saving aid and comforting concerned family members in case of an emergency. This new academy puts people on the fast track to a rewarding, in-demand career.”-City of New Bedford.
