WASHINGTON 鈥� The District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department is teaming up with the University of the District of Columbia to launch the city鈥檚 first publicly accessible paramedic training program.
A new facility, set to open next year, will train and certify 50 to 75 paramedics annually, reported.
City leaders say the program aims to tackle the ongoing shortage of qualified EMS personnel in the District.
鈥淲e have about 400 paramedics in the department right now, and what we, what we鈥檇 like to do is have more so that we can expand and get more ALS care in the field,鈥� D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said. 鈥淪o, there isn鈥檛 a finite number I鈥檓 trying to get. I鈥檒l take them all.鈥�
The initiative will create a pathway for EMTs to advance and become certified paramedics.
D.C. firefighters can enroll in the certification program for free, while all city residents can apply for financial aid to help cover the three-semester program.
Donnelly noted that while his firefighters gained attention after the recent midair collision over the Potomac River, their impact extends far beyond, saving lives daily across the city.
鈥淎s you guys witnessed over the last week, it is a really good department,鈥� Donnelly said. 鈥淏ut we鈥檙e also the third largest health care provider in the District of Columbia, and that鈥檚 something that people lose track of and that鈥檚 what this is about. We don鈥檛 do just one or the other, we do both.鈥�
