21 new EMS professionals graduate from AMR academy

‘Earn While You Learn’ program has trained over 100 new EMTs since launching in 2018 to serve Buffalo area

American Medical Response graduated its fourth “Earn While You Learn” academy on Tuesday, bringing 21 EMS new professionals to the Buffalo area.

Mayor Byron Brown joined AMR and the new EMS professionals at a graduation ceremony at AMR headquarters at 481 William L. Gaither Parkway.

Since launching the “Earn While You Learn Program” last May, AMR has graduated more than 100 EMS professionals – more than half of whom are Buffalo residents. With support from Brown, the initiative allows for trainees to be full-time employees while taking the necessary certification courses to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The program has made a career in emergency medical services more accessible, ensuring candidates are financially stable while training.

“The program has proven to be a huge success,” said Timothy Frost, AMR regional director. “Too many talented people want to become EMTs and aren’t able to take time without pay to be trained. Now, because of this program, we have over 100 new EMTs to join the nearly 500 EMS professionals at AMR Buffalo.”

For 32 months straight, AMR has had full response time compliance in Buffalo. Response times in Buffalo have been the best the city has ever documented.

Brown, who was on hand to launch the “Earn While You Learn” program in 2018, said, “I’m pleased to celebrate the graduation of AMR’s fourth class of emergency medical technicians, who have benefitted from the new ‘Earn While You Learn’ program. This program has made it possible for over 100 new EMTs to be paid while they train.

“I also congratulate AMR for meeting and exceeding its required response times for the past 32 straight months as they work to assist City of Buffalo residents. I look forward to working collaboratively and productively with AMR through the end of its current city contract, which runs through June 2021, and hopefully beyond.”

“Mayor Brown has been a vital partner in this effort,” said Thomas Maxian, AMR regional president. “His dedication to diversity and inclusion matches AMR’s, and we’ve been able to run innovative programs such as ‘Earn While You Learn’ to help improve EMS service in Buffalo because of it.”