New training program for local first responders to reduce costs, increase efficiency

JACKSON, Tenn. — One program is now being offered to local first responders, making them the fifth in the state to receive this.

“From EMT basic on to the next level of advanced EMT, and then hopefully soon, paramedic, we can do that in-house as well. So it’s a big benefit for our department and for the City,” said Matt Jones, Division Chief of EMS, Jackson Fire Department.

The Jackson Fire Department was recently approved by the Tennessee State EMS Board. They will now be able to conduct in-house emergency medical technician basic training programs.

“We no longer have to send people to colleges per se, we can do everything in-house,” Jones said. “It cuts down on travel, cuts down on time, and it allows us to kind of fine tune to our schedules. Our personal needs, where we can do everything in house however we see fit,” said Jones.

Previously, firefighters were traveling to Jackson State or Dyserburg State to receive EMT training. This required the cost of tuition for them to be in these programs.

“Being taught by our own instructors with our department Captain Nick Wiggins and firefighter Dalton Crozier,” Jones said. “Both of them are paramedics, both of them are ICs, instructor coordinators with the state. They’ll be the ones kind of leading this up and teaching the guys.”

Their first class will be offered to their new recruits, which will be a five week course.

“Right now they’re in the fire academy. They’re going through a 12-week fire academy program. Once they complete all of the fire training, then they’ll go into EMT school. They’ll be most likely in this room five days a week for eight hours each day,” Jones said.

With this new training, firefighters can now train new EMTs more on their own schedule, tailor training to local needs, and reduce the cost for taxpayers.

“Trying to provide the best care that we can for the citizens of Jackson throughout any emergency, whether it’s fire wrecks, hazmat, or medical,” said Jones. “I mean anything that we may encounter, we are prepared for.”

The Jackson Fire Department will also offer this training to Madison County and Humboldt’s fire departments.

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