Bridgeport Hospital launches new paramedic program with Echo Hose, Yale New Haven EMS

BRIDGEPORT, CT (Nov. 2, 2021) – To help facilitate and standardize paramedic training on a regional basis, and address the ongoing paramedic shortage in the Connecticut, Bridgeport Hospital, in partnership with Shelton-based Echo Hose Ambulance and Yale Center of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is announcing a new paramedic training program beginning in January 2022.

Bridgeport Hospital had a long history of providing paramedic education before it ended its own training program in 2017 after 23 years of educating paramedics. The new program will combines programs from Bridgeport Hospital, Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center and Yale Center for EMS. Echo Hose Ambulance established a regional training center and started leading EMS training in 2008.

The program is approved by the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services and accredited by the Commission in Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession. The comprehensive program includes 1,800 hours of didactic, clinical and field training and is designed as an advanced level program that trains EMTs to advance to the paramedic level based on national educational standards.

“The ongoing paramedic shortage in the Connecticut continues to increase and this partnership will help provide new paramedics to our local EMS partners in the region,” said Rockman Ferrigno, MD, Bridgeport Hospital associate chief medical officer and chair of Emergency Medicine.

The 20-month course is an intensive training program providing education in advanced anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, cardiology and trauma care to prepare clinicians to provide emergency medical care to our communities. Students will have access to an in-classroom ambulance simulator for hands-on training and multiple mock realistic training rooms, including a roadway simulator with vehicles to train in real-life scenarios.

The comprehensive program includes 1,800 hours of didactic, clinical and field training and is designed as an advanced level program that trains EMTs to advance to the paramedic level based on the National Educational Standards.

Students study advanced level anatomy and physiology and pathological processes, and learn advanced patient assessment techniques and treatment modalities including advanced airway management, IV insertion, fluid resuscitation, cardiac monitoring, and drug and electrical therapies for medical and trauma-related emergences. At the conclusion of the program, students are eligible to take a test to become paramedics and will have earned certifications from the American Heart Association and the National Association of EMTs in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advance life support and other specialized aspects of emergency care.

To be eligible for the paramedic education program, candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold valid EMT certification and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. To obtain a complete list of eligibility requirements, please contact Paul Clini, Paramedic Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Applications can also be obtained in person at the program office located at 77D Willow St., New Haven, or by email from the Paramedic Program Coordinator. The completed application and all required documents must be submitted to in person or via email. Upon receipt of a completed application, candidates will be invited to take a brief entrance exam to assess reading comprehension, math, anatomy and physiology and EMT skills, and take part in an interview with the program coordinators.

Monthly payment plans are available for program tuition.

Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org