EMS Training Institute celebrates 11 new paramedics in inaugural class

Aug. 15, 2025 -- East-Central Indiana will soon have 11 new paramedics serving their communities thanks to the inaugural class of the Reid Health EMS Training Institute's Paramedic Program.

A journey that started nearly a year ago finished Thursday night in a celebration of the students' achievements: All 11 who began the program not only completed it, but each passed their final exam on the first attempt.

"This program has been in development in some capacity for the past 10 years. To finally see a graduating class is extremely rewarding. We could not have asked for a more engaged and dedicated inaugural cohort," said Ben Simmons, Paramedic and Program Coordinator for the EMS Training Institute.

"Our goal was to produce competent, confident, and compassionate paramedics. This class has made that goal a reality. In the years to come, we'll look back knowing these 11 students are the foundation on which this program was built."

Those who graduated as part of the program's initial cohort included:

• Richmond Fire Department -- Zaccheaus Allen, Hunter Cougill, Denzel Durham, Caleb Harmon, Samuel Weller, and Benjamin Willey
• Reid Health EMS -- Lydia Kniesly, Taylor Marcum, Blake Taylor, and Brandy Williams
• New Castle/Henry County EMS -- Peyton Renforth

Reid Health EMS Training Institute's Paramedic Program is an 11-month course that begins each year in September and runs until August.

It includes classwork as well as clinical shifts in which students participate in hospital and field-based experiences. They also get direct interaction with physicians and the program's medical director as well as anesthesiology clinical time. The program also offers mental health support for the students.

The idea for a local program of this kind was first brought up several years ago as a way to help local students who previously had to drive to other communities across the state for paramedic training. Those plans initially were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic before coming to fruition last fall.

"As we celebrate this week's graduating class of paramedics, we're reminded this achievement represents far more than academic success -- it's the culmination of months of dedication, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to serving others," said Ryan Williams, Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services for Reid Health.

"These graduates have balanced rigorous classroom instruction, demanding clinical rotations, and countless hours of field experience, all while demonstrating the compassion and resilience that define the profession. We're incredibly proud to send them into the field, knowing they're ready to provide exceptional care when our communities need it most."

Applications are being accepted now for the next cohort, which will begin on Sept. 4. Classes take place on the healthcare floor of Johnson Hall on Ivy Tech Community College's Richmond campus.

Those who complete the course and obtain their paramedic license can receive verified credit from Ivy Tech toward the completion of the school's Associate of Applied Sciences in Paramedic Science degree. Students are not required to pursue the degree to complete Reid's Paramedic Program.

Prospective participants must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the course
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be certified as an Indiana EMT or A-EMT
• Be certified as an American Heart Association BLS provider
• Have done one of the following:
• Completed the Anatomy & Physiology I and II (APHY 101 and 102) courses, or an equivalent, before the program's start date (this is the preferred option)
• Completed the Essential Anatomy & Physiology (HLHS 102) course before the program's start date
• Completed APHY 101 before the program's start date and be taking APHY 102 during the Paramedic Program's first term
• Be taking HLHS 102 during the Paramedic Program's first term

Total cost is $8,000, which pays for a drug screening, full criminal background check, TB testing, branded shirts/outerwear, textbooks, online course access, online testing, and online clinical tracking. A $500 deposit is required at the time of admission with the rest of the program fee being paid in $2,500 installments before the start of each term.

For more information about Reid's Paramedic Program, reach out to Simmons at Benjamin.Simmons@ReidHealth.org or go to reidhealth.org/ems-training-institute.