Ocean County Launches EMS Academy To Combat Emergency Response Shortages

Ocean County opened a new Emergency Medical Services Academy in September. The goal? Address the statewide shortage of trained EMS professionals. Twenty students showed up for the first class at the Ocean County Fire and EMS Training Center.

The academy represents a forward-thinking investment in the county's public safety network, supporting volunteer and career emergency response agencies across the region.

"We know that the landscape of emergency medical services is changing, both statewide and nationally," said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Fire and EMS Training Center, according to Lakewood Alerts. "Here in Ocean County, we wanted to be intentional and proactive. The EMS Academy enables us to develop our own talent, support our volunteer and career teams, and ensure we're prepared for the future."

Arace added that students train to help their neighbors. "They're investing in their community, and we're investing in them. That's how you build a strong and resilient emergency response network, by working together and planning ahead."

The first Emergency Medical Technician Basic Course runs 224 hours. Students tackle classroom instruction and work through hands-on lab training. Clinical rotations round out their education.

Participants learn vital life-saving skills throughout their time in the program, with curriculum covering patient assessment, CPR, airway management, and wound care.

Brian Gabriel, Director of the Training Center, said staff worked almost a year getting everything ready. "The inaugural class continues to show dedication and progress as they build the foundation for their future in emergency medical services, and we are excited to see this program grow."

The academy came together through a shared services coordination grant, with EMS Consultant Services partnering with the county to create the training program.

Officials plan to run two classes per year. This meets local and regional workforce needs. The expansion aims to strengthen the pipeline of trained emergency responders.

The initiative comes as New Jersey and other states face growing challenges in keeping adequate EMS staffing levels, affecting paid and volunteer response teams nationwide.

The program lets the county develop its own talent pool rather than relying on outside recruitment. This approach ensures communities have personnel ready to respond when emergencies strike.