Academy graduates include (l to r) Matesi Neumiller, Cora Wolsky, Katelyn Britzman, Kasidy Tibke, Kylie Albrecht, and David Murphy
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Taking a program that normally takes upwards of six months to complete and condensing it to less than a month is no small feat.
But the Jamestown Area Ambulance Service has done it.
Formed as a way to fill their staff and address a local shortage of EMTs, the EMS Academy took the traditional training and turned it into an 18 day bootcamp while providing full-time benefits.
Operations Manager Andrew Berkey says they took that concept to select candidates with qualities they believed would be able to become a care provider and train them while they’re being paid.
Berkey says in a little over four weeks, they took six students and trained them to become EMTs.
Now, the Jamestown Area Ambulance crew is fully staffed and some of these students are already working.
Berkey added there had been concerns from many when they first announced this approach, which he says he understands. From a national article criticizing the approach to many in the public who didn’t believe it was possible, he used those as tools to inspire the newly graduated EMTs.
Looking back, Berkey believes the program was a complete success. He added if there’s a need to do it again, they will. He pointed out they will continue to provide their Spring and Fall EMS courses for those who may be interested in becoming an EMT.
Academy participants are now staffed in Jamestown, Casselton, and Lisbon.
Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Andrew Berkey below:
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9-5-24 - Let's Talk About It - JRMC September Update
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8-22-24 - Let's Talk About It - Cavendish Days
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8-22-24 - Let's Talk About It - Jamestown Chamber - AI Event
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8-22-24 - Let's Talk About It - Carmichael Classical Christian School
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8-22-24 - Let's Talk About It - JREC - Adam Zach
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8-22-24 - Let's Talk About It - JRV Breast Feeding Coalition
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8-19-24 Let's Talk About It - Annie Keffeler - A Moment of Freedom Barn Dance
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8-13-24 Let's Talk About It - Youth For Christ Peaches Fundraiser
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8-13-24 Let's Talk About It - Together We Stand Special Olympics Fundraiser
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8-12-24 Let's Talk About It - Jamestown Parks and Rec
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8-12-24 Let's Talk About It - Wilhelm 5k and Car Show Events
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8-5-24 - Let's Talk About It - JRMC
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8-1-24 - Let's Talk About It - ND Vocab Rehab Food Drive
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8-1-24 - Let's Talk About It - Jamestown Mystics - Fishing For a Cause
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7-18-24 - Lindsey Miller - The Girl in Lime Green Jeans
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7-9-24 - Let's Talk About It - Jamestown Garden Tour
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7-2-24 - Let's Talk About It - Jamestown Chamber
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6-28-24 - Let's Talk About It - JPS Summer Meals Program
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6-28-24 - Let's Talk About It - Joe Rector JRVLS
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6-14-24 - Let's Talk About It - Stutsman Co Fair Queen and 2nd Princess
KQDJ Podcast
The KQDJ Podcast is your direct link to the latest local information from Jamestown and the surrounding area including Blue Jay and Jimmie Sports and Local News and Events. Catch local sports with Jarin Matheny as he chats with local coaches and players. You can also hear previous game broadcasts and interviews. Listen to Let's Talk About It, a community focused show highlighting area events and non-profits in Jamestown and Stutsman County. Let's Talk About It can be heard every Monday through Friday at 6:30 AM on Jamestown 107.1 FM.