Graduates in Underserved Neighborhoods Guaranteed Employment Through Partnership with Superior Ambulance
CHICAGO – As communities nationwide face a critical shortage of emergency medical personnel, Superior Ambulance is taking action to expand the EMS workforce in Chicago. In partnership with a local school, the organization recently concluded a 60-hour Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification course, offering life-saving training and a direct pathway to employment for students from underserved neighborhoods.
Led by Superior Ambulance instructor Marco Patino, the intensive EMR program was conducted at Instituto del Progreso Latino. Students were honored in a graduation ceremony on June 26.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and progress shown by these students,” said Marco Patino. “This EMR program is vital for empowering our youth with the skills and confidence to make a real difference in their communities. It’s not just about learning emergency medical techniques; it’s about building a sustainable pathway for them to grow into skilled EMTs and paramedics, addressing a critical need for trained professionals in our healthcare system.”
The EMR course introduced participants to a wide spectrum of core emergency response competencies, including techniques to quickly and accurately assess emergencies, the fundamentals of ensuring a clear airway using proper positioning and tools, hands-on application of resuscitation and defibrillation, and care for common incidents such as allergic reactions, diabetic crises, and seizures.
The curriculum emphasized practical, scenario-based instruction to ensure graduates are prepared to perform confidently under pressure in real emergencies.
“Programs like this are transformational for our students. We’re tremendously honored to partner up with Superior on this crucial initiative,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, President & CEO at Instituto del Progreso Latino.
Through Superior Ambulance’s Earn to Learn program, all graduates of the EMR course are guaranteed employment upon successful certification. The initiative also provides full tuition reimbursement to students who commit to working with Superior Ambulance for at least one year—a critical incentive that lowers barriers to entry and supports long-term career development.
As demand for EMS personnel surges across the country, Superior Ambulance is investing in the next generation of first responders. Through its commitment to training, mentorship, and guaranteed job placement, the organization is delivering real solutions to the workforce crisis, strengthening the communities it serves, and advancing diversity in emergency medical services.