Meet Paul Spillane of First Response Emergency Medical Education in Stoughton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Spillane.

Paul, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We began our journey in 2000 by providing a wide variety of continuing education training on emerging health care subjects to local fire departments and EMS professionals. Our comprehensive and unique training programs allowed for significant expansion and, by 2007, we were providing training to over 17 municipal fire departments. In 2008, we proudly opened our training facility in Stoughton, MA where we commenced providing initial EMT and Paramedic training programs in accordance with State and National guidelines. Today, we are training over 700 pre-hospital professionals annually and have a career placement of over 95% for our students.

As of July 2013, the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) requires that all initial Paramedic training programs in the State achieve accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This process has cut the available number of eligible programs in the State in half. I am proud to say that we are now one of just 13 eligible Paramedic training programs in Massachusetts and expect full accreditation status by October.

To date, we have attained articulation agreements with six colleges & universities to allow our students to receive up to 39 college credits for their training. The addition of an articulation agreement with Central Piedmont Community College would provide a unique opportunity for our students.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think our struggles have been the same as any other small business for the most part; scheduling, equipment upgrades, payroll, etc. Our industry also requires that we update our training programs to align with current statewide treatment protocols and national guidelines.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about First Response Emergency Medical Education – what should we know?
What sets us apart from our competition are our Staff members. Without their professionalism, dedication and support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Reputation is everything in the EMS profession. We all truly care about the level of education we’re providing knowing that our students will eventually be caring for someone’s loved one during a critical moment.

Our students ultimately reflect on us.

Having the ability to offer our students the opportunity to receive up to 39 college credits from six Colleges & Universities is something that no other training institution can offer.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had numerous friends, family members and co-workers who have played a role in my success by supporting me.

When I think of those who played a role of a mentor, the list narrows to a handful of people.

The Program Director of the Paramedic training program I attended was a big influence on me and how I modeled First Response EME.

Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of working with some very talented EMS professionals during my career who were very talented & always strived to provide the best patient care.

Contact Info:

• Address: 300 Tosca Drive, Stoughton, MA 02072
• Website: www.firstresponseeme.com
• Phone: 781-344-0911
• Email: info.firstresponseeme@yahoo.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstResponseEME/

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