AFR Trains Record Numbers of EMTs and Paramedics
40 paramedic graduates since 2023; another 25 expected in 2026.
40 AFR firefighters have graduated from paramedic programs since 2023, and a total of 25 are expected to graduate this year.
“AFR continues to demonstrate what is possible when high-quality public service and emergency response is prioritized,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It has taken both vision and execution, but the results have once again proven why AFR is one of the best departments in the nation.”
“We are training a record number of EMT’s and paramedics, which is helping us with our mission to keep communities safe,” said AFR Chief Emily Jaramillo. "None of this is possible without a committed training staff and the collaboration of multiple EMS educational partners.”
Last week, 19 students, including 10 from AFR, graduated from the Santa Fe Community College Paramedic Program.
Another 28 students, including 5 firefighters from AFR, graduated from the UNM EMS Academy (EMSA) Paramedic Program.
An additional 10 firefighters are expected to complete the UNM EMSA Paramedic Program in December. The projected 25 paramedics trained in a single year is a record number of paramedic graduates for AFR. 10 seats are also currently being filled for the Fall 2026 UNM EMSA paramedic class.
CNM is also in the planning phase of its first, fast-track certificate paramedic program in early 2027 to help with the workforce demand for fire-based EMS agencies. AFR looks forward to this program and continued collaboration with CNM.
AFR Paramedic Graduates
2023- 10
2024- 17
2025- 13
2026- 15 YTD (25 projected)
In addition to prioritizing paramedic training, AFR implemented Advanced EMT training for cadets and sworn personnel putting even more advanced providers on AFR's rigs answering calls for service.
Advanced EMT Licensure
2026- 26
High-quality prehospital emergency response depends on skilled providers at all levels of licensure, especially at the basic level. 2026 has also seen a record number of EMT-Basics trained.
EMT-B Licensure
2023- 34
2024- 36
2025- 37
2026- 40