courtesy of LSTI
As Detroit continues to grapple with a critical shortage of emergency medical responders, a new class of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is stepping up to serve the community. Ten freshly certified EMTs have graduated from the Life Support Training Institute (LSTI), a nationally accredited EMS training program operated by Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan, Inc.
With Michigan facing over 500 open EMS positions, the demand for trained professionals is higher than ever. Superior/LSTI is actively working to bridge this gap through its robust training programs, ensuring that Detroit and surrounding areas can access reliable emergency medical care.
As of a 2024 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 4,100 EMTs in Michigan, with 1,500 vacancies in the Detroit metro area at that time.
Denyse Vitale, Director of Education at Superior/LSTI, emphasized that the EMS shortage is a nationwide challenge and that Michigan is no exception.
“Our mission is to provide top-tier training, support our students, and place qualified EMTs into the workforce to keep our communities safe,” Vitale said.
LSTI, which has locations in Detroit, Warren, Allen Park, Southfield, and Taylor, offers hands-on training and clinical experience designed to prepare students for the fast-paced world of emergency response. To make EMS careers more accessible, Superior/LSTI guarantees job placement at Superior Ambulance’s Detroit station for all program graduates.
One key initiative driving enrollment at LSTI is the Earn to Learn program, which allows students to receive full tuition reimbursement in exchange for a one-year commitment to working with Superior Ambulance.
Kimberly Godden, Vice President of Superior Ambulance, highlighted the Earn to Learn program as a game-changer.
“We’re not only ensuring that new EMTs are trained, but also making sure they have a job right away,” Godden said.
“Additionally, we offer full tuition reimbursement to students who commit to working with us for a year, making this career path more accessible than ever.”
With a new class of 15 EMT students currently in training, LSTI is making significant strides in bridging the workforce gap in Detroit and enhancing public health and safety. By offering a comprehensive range of EMS training programs, LSTI ensures that Detroit’s emergency medical services are equipped with the skilled professionals needed to respond effectively to emergencies. These programs include Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), EMT, and Paramedic training, providing the foundational skills and knowledge required for a career in emergency medical services.
Recent graduate Desirae is looking forward to being hands-on and helping in the Detroit community. She highlighted that Detroit residents are misunderstood and that bridging the gap between the community and EMS is essential for a safe community.
“I want to be hands-on and talk to real people, the victims or the survivors,” Desirae said.
“I just like to be upfront and personal with people. I like to help in every way I can. I feel like being there for them on what potentially be the worst days of their lives, just to calm them down and relax them and ease their minds that they have a helping hand.”
In addition to initial training, LSTI also offers EMS continuing education for license renewals, ensuring that current EMS personnel stay up-to-date with the latest practices and regulations. For those seeking to deepen their expertise, specialty courses for advanced EMS skills are available, allowing medical responders to refine their techniques and provide higher levels of care. LSTI offers CPR certification courses to the general public, helping to ensure that more individuals in the community are equipped to respond to medical emergencies.
Superior/LSTI’s commitment to high-quality, hands-on education is a driving force behind the development of skilled, compassionate EMS professionals who are prepared to meet the challenges of emergency care. Through a combination of classroom instruction and real-world clinical experience, LSTI is shaping the future of emergency medical care not just in Detroit but the metro area.
The organization’s training programs are designed to provide students with practical, real-world skills that can be immediately applied in emergency situations. This focus on practical experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to handle the demands of their roles and provide the best possible care to those in need. As the demand for EMS professionals continues to grow, LSTI remains at the forefront of training and education, strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving emergency medical services across the region.
Desirae highlighted how creating a balance between EMS and the Detroit community will improve the ongoing relationship, allowing everyone to feel more at ease and reducing mutual anxiety and fear.
“From our perspective, we sometimes feel scared, too, as people aren’t always accepting of us. However, it’s still a challenge for them (residents) to understand this dynamic. We’re not there to ruin their day; we’re not there to get them in trouble, ” she said.
“We’re just there to help.”
For more information about LSTI programs, visit https://lifesupporttraining.org.
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