Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. and its affiliate, Life Support Training Institute (LSTI), celebrated the graduation of 15 newly certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) on Wednesday, August 12th at Superior Ambulance’s headquarters in Elmhurst, located at 395 W. Lake Street.
This ‘accelerated’ EMT class compressed the traditional training schedule into an intensive five-day-a-week format, allowing students home for the summer to complete their certification before returning to school. This alternative format showcases Superior Ambulance’s commitment to addressing the EMS workforce shortage by continuously evolving programming to meet trainee demand.
The graduates are pictured with Superior Ambulance leadership, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-28), and State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-23).
The graduates completed hands-on training through LSTI, Superior Ambulance’s workforce development initiative, which trains, equips, and hires local residents for careers in emergency medical services (EMS). The program aims to strengthen emergency care across the region at a time when many communities are facing a shortage of EMS professionals.
“As demand for emergency medical professionals continues to grow, we must find new ways to make high-quality EMT training more accessible,” said Kim Godden, Vice President of Superior Ambulance. “Our accelerated program allows students with limited summer availability to earn their certification in a condensed timeframe without compromising the hands-on experience they need. We’re proud to help launch the next generation of EMTs into careers where they can make a difference from day one.”
“Every new EMT entering the workforce strengthens our emergency response system and helps ensure Illinois communities have trained professionals ready when they are needed most,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-28). “I congratulate this graduating class on completing such a rigorous program and commend Superior Ambulance and LSTI for investing in the skilled workforce our communities depend on.”
“These graduates represent the kind of talent and dedication we want to keep and grow here in Illinois,” said State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-23). “By connecting training directly to good career opportunities, Superior Ambulance and LSTI are helping young people build a future in public service while strengthening the communities they call home. I congratulate all 15 graduates on this important achievement.”
Through its “Earn to Learn” program, Superior Ambulance guarantees employment to all graduates upon successful EMT certification. Once hired, full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement to advance their education, an incentive designed to reduce barriers to entry and support long-term career growth in EMS.
Superior Ambulance and LSTI’s education-to-career model has become a vital pipeline for developing skilled first responders, connecting students directly to employment opportunities and supporting broader conversations around workforce development and healthcare access.
A graduate shakes hands with State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, who is standing with State Senator Laura Murphy to her left.
