Mohave Today

CHANDLER, Ariz. – Chandler Fire has become an accredited emergency medical services paramedic program from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

“The accreditation process encompassed over two years of work by the Chandler Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins. “It required constructing classes to meet national standards, running two programs during the process as proof of meeting those standards and multiple meetings with industry professionals from the accrediting body to ensure compliance at the highest level.”

“Achieving accreditation from CoAEMSP/CAAHEP demonstrates that we are able to meet the high standards of educational excellence that is needed in the training of future paramedics,” said Dr. Joshua Zeidler, Chandler Fire Department’s Medical Director, Chandler Regional Medical Center. “The Chandler Fire Paramedic Training program is the first fire-based program in the East Valley and second in the state to achieve this designation. We strive to educate future paramedics to support our community along with our neighboring community partners. There is a current workforce shortage of paramedics, and this accreditation and educational program will help us ensure that we are able to provide the trained paramedics needed to support our mission of service to the residents of Chandler and our neighbors.”

A high-quality education equips paramedics with the knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively.

Chandler Fire responded to 22,595 emergency medical service calls in 2023, which accounted for 80 percent of the department’s total call volume. With this call volume, it’s important that highly trained, competent paramedics provide the highest level of care and professionalism to Chandler residents, added Dwiggins.

Accreditation ensures paramedic education programs meet specific standards of quality and adhere to established guidelines designed to cover a comprehensive curriculum with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This ensures the program aligns with industry standards and meets the necessary criteria for certification and licensing.

Accreditation adds credibility to the educational institution and the paramedic professionals it produces. Ongoing evaluation and quality improvement processes ensure the program remains current, relevant and responsive to changes in emergency medical services. Paramedics graduating from accredited programs are recognized and respected within the healthcare and emergency services communities.

As an accredited paramedic program, Chandler Fire Department is equipped to meet the growing need for paramedics in Chandler and surrounding cities without relying on a college or association for educational training.

Chandler Fire Department Paramedic Program Hours/Certifications

• Over 1300 hours of training and education
  • 632 hours of classroom lecture/laboratory skills/skills/practical scenarios
  • 72 hours of distance/hybrid learning
  • 64 clinical hours in hospital setting
  • 500 hours of field experience
  • 200 minimum of “capstone project” hours in the field
• Educational Service Agreement in place with the Maricopa County Community College District that allows students to earn over 40 hours of college credit toward an associate degree
• Program graduates become credentialed in the following:
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BCLS)
  • American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • American Heart Association Pediatric Life Support (PALS)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP)
  • Pediatric Emergencies for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic (NREMT-P)
• Program has 100% pass rate for the NREMT-P Exam

Original source can be found here.