St. Paul Public Schools graduates first EMT trainees

From MPR:

Twelve seniors graduated from St. Paul Public School’s EMT training program on Friday. It’s the first-ever class for the district and a possible way forward in a crisis for emergency medicine.

Dr. Kari Haley, the assistant medical director of Regions EMS, says certifying high school seniors makes sense.

“At a time when EMS is truly facing a national shortage, a critical shortage of EMTs and paramedics, it’s so inspiring to see such an enthusiastic and ready to learn and a very professional group of kids coming out of high school who are really excited about medicine,” Haley said.

Susan Laskowski, the school counselor who supports the districtwide program said these students represent six different high schools and speak six different languages.