Life EMS is expanding its 911 paramedic services along the lakeshore including Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Crockery Townships.
“I would say, the growth and the need is here along the lakeshore in Ottawa County for sure.
In partnership with the Grand Haven Fire Department, Life EMS launched a 14-week Emergency Medical Technician pilot program to fill positions.
Director of Education Tim Newton says nine students completed the program.
“We started small, but that explosion kind of happened overnight. Like we published the next class without any media behind it, and it filled up by word of mouth.”
Newton says the September EMT class is already full, and an additional winter class is
now planned.
“I've seen a big dynamic in either career changes or those just getting into the workforce, that they're looking for something that is more meaningful than what they're doing. What better way to serve your community than to become an EMT to serve those in need at their time of need?”
Industry experts say interest is soaring due to an "Earn While You Learn" model in Michigan offering recruits tuition and an hourly wage while training.
Newton says graduates have no problem finding jobs statewide.
“We have 10 other communities that we serve or they're going to those other departments. So, the employment opportunities are readily available right now.”
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
