Chicago Students Fast-Track EMS Careers Through New Internship Program
CHICAGO, IL – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service have launched a groundbreaking Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) internship program, offering high school students a direct pathway too careers in emergency medical services. the program, completed in August, provided foundational medical training and hands-on experience to five CPS students.
Throughout July, students attended classes at Instituto del Progreso Latino, a strategically chosen location to minimize transportation challenges. CPS provided stipends for participants, while Superior Ambulance covered the cost of the EMR course.
The program culminated in graduation on August 1st, with a significant outcome: three students have already enrolled in Superior’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training course.EMRs are often the first on the scene in emergency situations. The internship equipped students with critical life-saving skills, including patient assessment, CPR, injury management, and pre-hospital stabilization techniques. Upon completion, students received Illinois EMR licensure – a crucial step towards becoming EMTs or paramedics.This initiative offers a viable career path outside of the traditional four-year college route,addressing the growing demand for qualified emergency responders.
“Unique partnerships between businesses and educators are essential to strengthening our workforce advancement system and creating a robust pipeline of future EMS professionals,” stated Kim Godden,Vice President of Legal,Government Relations,Corporate Compliance,and Education at Superior Ambulance. “we’re not just meeting the growing demand for emergency responders, we’re cultivating a stronger, community-rooted healthcare workforce right here within chicago.”
This year’s program built upon last year’s successful CPS internship with Superior, which focused on ambulance maintenance. The expansion to formal medical training signifies a deepened commitment to developing Chicago’s public health and safety workforce.”We are proud to partner with Superior Ambulance to offer this unique chance to our students,” said Maria Bucio, Executive Director of Early College and Career Education at Chicago Public Schools. “Programs like the EMR course reflect our commitment to career-connected learning,ensuring CPS students graduate with real-world skills and a clear path to rewarding professions that serve our communities.”