Academy graduates include (l to r) Matesi Neumiller, Cora Wolsky, Katelyn Britzman, Kasidy Tibke, Kylie Albrecht, and David Murphy
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Taking a program that normally takes upwards of six months to complete and condensing it to less than a month is no small feat.
But the Jamestown Area Ambulance Service has done it.
Formed as a way to fill their staff and address a local shortage of EMTs, the EMS Academy took the traditional training and turned it into an 18 day bootcamp while providing full-time benefits.
Operations Manager Andrew Berkey says they took that concept to select candidates with qualities they believed would be able to become a care provider and train them while they’re being paid.
Berkey says in a little over four weeks, they took six students and trained them to become EMTs.
Now, the Jamestown Area Ambulance crew is fully staffed and some of these students are already working.
Berkey added there had been concerns from many when they first announced this approach, which he says he understands. From a national article criticizing the approach to many in the public who didn’t believe it was possible, he used those as tools to inspire the newly graduated EMTs.
Looking back, Berkey believes the program was a complete success. He added if there’s a need to do it again, they will. He pointed out they will continue to provide their Spring and Fall EMS courses for those who may be interested in becoming an EMT.
Academy participants are now staffed in Jamestown, Casselton, and Lisbon.
Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Andrew Berkey below:
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11/24/25 Let's Talk About It: Jamestown Community Thanksgiving Dinner
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11/19/25 - Let's Talk About It: Upcoming Victory Lutheran Church Concert
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11/13/25 - Let's Talk About It: Jamestown Parks & Rec
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11/11/25 - Let's Talk About It: 2025 UJ Christmas Concert
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10/28/25 - Let's Talk About It: Victory Lutheran Church Trunk Or Treat
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10/22/25 - Let's Talk About It: James Valley Pheasants Forever Banquet
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10/9/25 - Let's Talk About It: The Latest At Jamestown Parks And Recreation
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9/4/25 - Let's Talk About Sports - UJ Football HC Brian Mistro
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8/28/25 - Let's Talk About Sports - JHS Football HC Bill Nelson
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Nurse Honor Guard; Robin Iszler and Sydney Johnson
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8/6/25 - Let's Talk About It - JRMC Pillars Of Giving Gala
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8/1/25 - Let's Talk About It - Fishing For A Cause
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8/1/25 - Let's Talk About It - Raising Hell For ALS Awareness
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7/31/25 - Let's Talk About It - JRMC Podiatrist and Foot & Ankle Surgeon Dr. Spencer Arndt
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6/16/25 - Gospel Artist Ben Rutabara
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Let's Talk About it: JRMC's 15th Annual Golf Fore Good
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4/23/25 - Let's Talk About It - Bees & Brews - Stutsman County Conservation District
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4-8-25 - Let's Talk About It - Deidre Hillman
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01/21/25 - Let's Talk About It; With Dr. Roxanne Keene
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12-2-24 - Let's Talk About It - JRMC
KQDJ Podcast
The KQDJ Podcast is your direct link to the latest local information from Jamestown and the surrounding area including Blue Jay and Jimmie Sports and Local News and Events. Catch local sports with Jarin Matheny as he chats with local coaches and players. You can also hear previous game broadcasts and interviews. Listen to Let's Talk About It, a community focused show highlighting area events and non-profits in Jamestown and Stutsman County. Let's Talk About It can be heard every Monday through Friday at 6:30 AM on Jamestown 107.1 FM.