RICHMOND, Ind. — With class about to begin for the first time, the Reid Health EMS Training Institute’s new Paramedic Program earned high praise in its first step toward national accreditation.

The 11-month course is the result of several years’ worth of work to bring a paramedic training program to the region, allowing local students to learn close to home rather than having to drive more than an hour away for instruction.

“This program is a long time coming,” said Benjamin Simmons, Reid Health EMS Educator and lead instructor for the program. “We’ve been in discussions since 2014, but COVID set us back a few years.”

To host its initial set of classes, the Paramedic Program first was required to go through a review process by the national Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP).

A surveyor from the organization was highly complimentary of the Paramedic Program, citing as strengths its leadership; clinical expertise; faculty; program structure and independence; Medical Director Emily Kraft, MD; and advisory committee made up of local EMS employers, colleges and universities, Wayne County Emergency Management and Communications, and Reid administration and physicians.

“This is an outstanding achievement that reflects the incredible work of everyone involved,” said Misti Foust-Cofield, Reid Health Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer. “We’re very excited about the future of our program and look forward to more achievements together.”

The process included a review of the student handbook, key personnel files, clinical and field agency contracts, preceptors, board members, and planned curriculum.

“The award of the CoAEMSP Letter of Review is the result of 11 months of countless hours spent planning, developing, and refining all aspects of the program,” said Ryan Williams, Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services for Reid Health.

Beginning later this month, students will participate in classwork as well as clinical shifts in hospital and field-based experiences. Classes will take place on the healthcare floor of Johnson Hall on Ivy Tech Community College’s Richmond campus.

Those who complete the course and obtain their paramedic license will have the opportunity to receive verified credit from Ivy Tech toward the completion of the school’s Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Science degree. Students aren’t required to pursue the degree to complete Reid’s Paramedic Program.

A final accreditation site visit will take place after completion of the program’s first year. Should full accreditation be received, the program would be reevaluated every three to five years.

For more information about the Reid Health EMS Training Institute and its Paramedic Program, contact Simmons at [email protected] or go to reidhealth.org/ems-training-institute.