Springfield EMT class graduates with CPR certification

New EMT trainees earn CPR certification as part of 'Earn While You Learn' program

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new class of aspiring emergency medical technicians in Springfield, Massachusetts earned their CPR certification on Thursday as part of their initial training with American Medical Response's 'Earn While You Learn' program. The milestone is part of a multi-month process for the trainees to obtain the necessary certifications to prepare for state and national EMT exams.

Why it matters

The 'Earn While You Learn' program provides potential EMTs with hands-on experience and classroom curriculum needed to enter the workforce, while also paying them a paycheck during their training. Equipping more people with CPR skills is also crucial, as bystanders can play a critical role in saving lives before first responders arrive.

The details

The current group of trainees is in the early stages of their multi-month program, with today marking the fourth day of their training. During this session, they earned their CPR certification, which is one of many certifications they will obtain over the course of the next three months. The program is designed to provide all the necessary certifications to prepare students for both state and national EMT examinations.

  • The current group of trainees began their program on February 8, 2026.
  • They earned their CPR certification on February 12, 2026, which was day 4 of their training.

The players

American Medical Response (AMR)

The emergency medical transportation company providing the 'Earn While You Learn' EMT training program in Springfield.

Jason Melendez

An EMT instructor for the 'Earn While You Learn' program at AMR.

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What they’re saying

“Today is only day 4, where they are getting their CPR certification which is one of many certifications they are going to obtain over the course of the next three months, so they are very excited. They finally get to do some hands-on stuff, all while also learning curriculum that they are going to need moving forward.”

— Jason Melendez, EMT Instructor (wwlp.com)

“CPR is a vital skill that I believe everyone should know. Because it's impossible to predict how long it will take first responders to arrive at an emergency, knowledgeable bystanders can play a critical role in saving lives. When a certified bystander begins care, it often assists EMTs in performing their duties more effectively once they arrive on the scene.”

— Jason Melendez, EMT Instructor (wwlp.com)

What’s next

The students will continue their training over the next three months as they work toward obtaining several additional certifications. Further details regarding the upcoming state and national EMT exams will be determined as the class progresses through the curriculum.

The takeaway

The 'Earn While You Learn' program is providing aspiring EMTs in Springfield with the hands-on experience, classroom training, and necessary certifications to enter the workforce, all while paying them during their studies. This initiative helps address the need for more qualified emergency medical personnel, while also equipping the broader community with vital lifesaving skills like CPR.