On October 22, 2025, the Personnel Standards and Education Commission approved a modest $50 tuition increase for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Paramedic programs, and added Emergency Medical Responder and Canine courses to the academic inventory.
The majority of this EMS tuition increase will be offset by the Alabama Fire College’s decision to absorb the costs associated with both Platinum Planner, scheduling and tracking software for clinical and skills management, and student professional liability insurance. Platinum Planner will be implemented and managed by a Clinical Coordinator, who will oversee all student clinical experiences and skill documentation across all EMS program levels.
These adjustments ensure continued program quality, enhanced student support, and improved clinical oversight consistent with national EMS education standards If you have questions about this adjustment, please contact registration@alabamafirecollege org
Respectfully,
Matt Russell, Executive Director
AMASTRAININGOPPORTUNITIES
Online courses: start date: December 5 (complete by December 12)
AMAS Wide Area Search Awareness: This online training program is designed to instruct emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams on the techniques and procedures for conducting largescale search operations in wide or expansive areas.
Animal Behavior & Rescue: This online course will prepare AMAS team members with the basic knowledge of animal behavior and rescue techniques that may be encountered in the search and rescue environment. Students will learn basic traits and signs of animals in distress and how to evacuate them safely.
Animal First Aid: This online course will prepare Team members with basic knowledge of animal first aid. The student will be able to apply these skills to animals found injured after a disaster or in the event a search canine becomes injured.
Bloodborne Pathogen Training for AMAS: This online course teaches team members how bloodborne pathogens are spread, how to avoid exposure, and what to do if exposed to infectious material.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) for AMAS provides an overview of recognizing the effects of stress and negative emotional reactions that interfere with a person’s ability to function due to an event or repeated exposure to events such as a disaster.
GPS Awareness for AMAS: AMAS team members who enter or use GPS coordinates should have a basic understanding of the GPS units, systems, and issues that affect accuracy. This course is designed to provide the training to address these issues. Students will learn the basic GPS theory as applied to field use. Students will understand what type of coordinates are used by both State and Federal Urban Search & Rescue Teams. Also, with the evolution of technology, students will be introduced to Survey123 and how to enter data during a disaster, and its potential uses and issues. Intro to AMAS: This course will provide a better understanding of AMAS and its role within the Emergency Operation Plan. Team members will learn the different types of Teams and response capabilities within the Intrastate or Interstate deployment. There will also be guidance for preparing yourself and your family for extended incidents that also affect your local community
Introduction to US&R – AMAS: This course will provide an understanding of US&R and its role at the National, State, and Local response systems. Students will also learn the US&R NIMS team types, task force capabilities, sections, positions, and their general and position-specific training requirements.
Structural Collapse Rescue-Vertical Shoring Basics: The Structural Collapse Rescue: Vertical Shoring Basics course, presented by the Alabama Fire College/AMAS, provides an introduction and refresher on vertical shoring techniques essential for structural collapse rescue operations. Aimed at both operations and technician-level personnel, the course covers foundational principles such as the purpose and function of vertical shores, shoring plan considerations, wood shore strength, inspection protocols, and the differences between dead loads and live loads.
Survey123 for AMAS: This course will provide an understanding of geospatial tools used to help search and rescue teams obtain situational awareness in the field, incident command post, and emergency operations center.
Swiftwater-Flood Awareness for AMAS: This online course will provide an overview of water safety and rescue, such as levels of water rescue, identifying hazards, ICS importance, components of an IAP, scene security, active and passive search measures, operational support positions, and the role of safety officers in a water environment.
Lectures @ 9am Lunch @ 11am Skills Lab @ 12pm
Attend the lecture in-person or via MS Teams for the same credit!
Visit our YouTube channel for online training opportunities!
wwwyoutube com/@AlabamaEMSChallenge
www alabamafirecollege org/emschallenge
www alabamafirecollege org/events
wwwfacebook com/AlabamaEMSChallenge
JOINTLY SPONSORED: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint partnership of The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (UABSOM), Alabama EMS Challenge, Alabama Fire College, and Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System The UABSOM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians UABSOM designates this regularly scheduled series for a maximum of 2
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity UABSOM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution
FDSO: Incident Safety Officer
Fire Investigation: Fire as a Weapon
FDSO: Health & Safety Officer
Strategy & Tactics for Initial Company Operations
Decision-Making for Initial Company Operations
HazMat/WMD: Technician
Preparation for Initial Company Operations
FAO: Mobile Water Supply
FES Instructor I
FES Instructor II
FAO: Pumper
Fire Investigator
Supervising Emergency Medical Services
TRP: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician
Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters (2024)
(Release date: June 1, 2026)
Airport Fire Fighter & Fire Apparatus Operator: ARFF Driver: IFSTA’s Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting, 7 Ed. th
Fire Apparatus Operator: Aerial, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Mobile Water Supply, Pumper: IFSTA’s Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 4 Ed. th
Fire Fighter I & Fire Fighter II: IFSTA’s Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 1, 8th Ed. and Essentials of Fire Fighting: Firefighter 2, 8 Ed. This change will also affect these courses: Volunteer Fire Fighter, Fire Fighter I/II Recruit School, Fire Fighter I/II Bridge, & Fire Fighter I Recertification. th
Marine Fire Fighter: IFSTA’s Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters, 3 Ed. rd
Fire Support Person (new level; prospected release TBA)
NFPA 1020, Standard for Fire & Emergency Services Instructor, Fire Officer & Emergency Medical Services Officer Professional Qualifications (2025)
(Potential release date: Fall 2026. Textbooks: pending.)
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor series I-III
Fire Officer series I-IV
Live Fire Instructor / Instructor-in-Charge
NFPA 1081, Standard for Facility Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications (2024)
(Potential release date: Summer 2026)
Incipient Facility Fire Brigade Member
Advanced Exterior Facility Fire Brigade Member
Interior Structural Facility Fire Brigade Member
Facility Fire Brigade Support Persons
Facility Fire Brigade Leader
NPFA 1550, Standard for Emergency Responder Health & Safety (2024)
(Release date: June 1, 2026)
Fire Department Safety Officer: Health & Safety Officer: Jones & Bartlett’s Occupational Safety and Health in the Emergency Services, Revised 5th Ed.
Fire Department Safety Officer: Incident Safety Officer: Jones & Bartlett’s Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, 4th Ed.
As we move into the holiday season, it’s one of the busiest times of year for fire and life safety outreach. From cooking and heating to decorating and charging, there are many opportunities to remind families how to prevent home fires.
Website Updates and Seasonal Topics
November is Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Month. Join NFPA and NCOAA to help spread awareness about the dangers of CO. Download the CO Safety Community Toolkit for outreach ideas, safety tip sheets, easy-to read CO tips, infographics and more.
Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, making it an important time to remind your community about cooking safety. Remind people to stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep flammable items away from heat sources, and make safety a part of their holiday routine. Visit nfpa.org/thanksgiving for more. Perfect for fall! Sight Words and Colorful Leaves activity. Use the color code to color the leaves and reveal a fire safety message. Check out sparky.org for more fall fun.
Stay connected with NFPA
Sparky: https://sparky.org
Sparky Schoolhouse: https://sparkyschoolhouse.org
Steps to Safety: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/older-adults/steps-tosafety
NFPA Home Fire Safety: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety
We exist to positively promote and influence public safety in Alabama through education and action.
POSTPARTUM AWARENESS BRACELETS
FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
More than 60% ofmaternal deaths in Alabama are preventable, and half of those deaths happen within 6 weeks postpartum.
Look for the Postpartum Awareness and Pregnancy/Infant Loss Bracelets
2 BRACELETS - 1 GOAL: SAVE ALABAMA’S MOTHERS
Ask all women ages 15-45 if they have been pregnant in the last 6 weeks
Tell the Emergency Department staff if patient has recently been pregnant
POSTPARTUM AWARENESS/ I JUST DELIVERED
Given to every patient after delivery.
PREGNANCY/INFANT LOSS
Given to every patient who experiences a pregnancy or infant loss.
PEER SUPPORT AWARENESS
This behavioral health awareness online course will educate students regarding: critical incident stress management & peer support signs & symptoms of behavioral & emotional distress benefits of psychological support & education understanding mental health diagnosis & treatment suicide awareness
This course meets the prerequisite for the following courses: Fire Fighter I/II, Peer Support Member, TRP: Rope Awareness & Operations Rescue, & Volunteer Fire Fighter.
INVISIBLE DISABILITIES TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR ALABAMA FIRE FIGHTERS
A training requirement for Alabama fire departments went into effect on January 1, 2025. All certified career and volunteer staff are required to complete training for invisible disabilities within six months of being certified and every other year after that. In order to complete this training, departments must sign up with Kulture City, the training provider.
The training is completed online, and Kul e City is r sponsible for keeping the training current and pr th each department. To cont
STORING AMMUNITION & FIREARMS TO ENHANCE RESILIENCE - TOGETHER MISSION
S.A.F.E.R. Together is a grassroots suicide prevention initiative dedicated to offering an additional layer of support for Military, Veterans, and First Responders (MVFRs) This statewide effort aims to assemble, protect, and maintain a network for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) that provide a voluntary, confidential, temporary, and secure firearms and ammunition storage option for men and women within the MVFR community – especially during transitional, high-risk life events The center of gravity for this initiative is presenting an option to connect with a Peer Support Specialist from within the MVFR community through the program’s members, partners, and resources We know that those who have overcome similar experiences and challenges through post-traumatic growth can successfully connect and guide others to the next appropriate level of care with a balance of compassion and accountability
BACKGROUND
Bearded Warriors -- a 501(c)(3) in Huntsville, Alabama is comprised of former service members from all branches of the armed forces, retirees, first responders, and amazing civilian volunteers -- helps fellow Veterans find a reason to keep going by getting them back in the trenches of service. Their main mission is veteran and first responder suicide prevention. Bearded Warriors teamed up with S A F E R Together, a team comprised of MVFRs and a multitude of community partners dedicated to reducing MVFR suicides in the state of Alabama under the leadership of the Alabama Governor's Challenge and the Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee
This partnership led to the passage of Alabama Senate Bill (SB) 40 -- the Houston Hunter Act -- which provides liability protection for FFLs who participate in the program This act is not associated with any “red flag” laws or “gun grab” legislation In the 2025 Alabama legislative session, the NRA maintained a neutral vote as the bill did not infringe on 2nd Amendment Rights S A F E R Together is dedicated to protecting both the MVFR & FFLs that participate in the program
FACTS
The term “lethal means” refers to the methods individuals use for attempting or completing suicide While the statistics below are heartbreaking, they clearly show a preference for suicide by firearm amongst military and veterans
492
6,407
Source: https://www mentalhealth va gov/docs/data-sheets/2024/2024-Annual-Report-Part-2-of-2 508 pdf
5-10 MINUTES
Data collected by the CDC found that around 25% of individuals attempt suicide within 5 minutes of ideation and 48% attempt suicide within 10 minutes of ideation, highlighting the impulsive nature of suicide. The data further shows that if you can delay access to the preferred means by an hour, you can in fact break the cycle and save lives
If you are a MVFR Member, a MVFR Organization, or FFL and are interested in more information about S.A.F.E.R. Together and the onboarding process please email info@safertogetherAL.org
THE PROCESS
STORING AMMUNITION & FIREARMS TO ENHANCE RESILIENCE - TOGETHER
Operation S A F E R Together is a voluntary, temporary, secure, and confidential process that operates under the framework provided by Alabama SB 40 (the Houston Hunter Act), the 24 July 2023 ATF/DOJ Open Letter to all FFLs, and a confidential hold harmless agreement between the firearm owner and the FFL
STEP ONE
Any Military, Veteran, or First Responder (MVFR) firearm owner can visit a participating FFL during normal business hours and inform an employee that they would like to participate in the S A F E R Together program The MVFR will then complete a confidential hold harmless agreement with the FFL Once the confidential agreement is complete, the employee will escort the MFVR to an individual safe (provided by the program) on their premises Finally, the firearm owner will personally secure their firearm(s) and/or ammunition in the safe
In this scenario -- under the ATF & DOJ guidance -- a FFL will not “receive” or “acquire” the firearm into its inventory, nor will the FFL assume control of the individual’s firearm To the contrary, only the MVFR firearm owner has the ability to open the safe and retrieve the firearm Because the FFL has not “received” a firearm into its inventory, the FFL will not record the firearm as an acquisition in its acquisition and disposition (“A&D”) records and will not, upon retrieval of the firearm by the individual, execute a Firearms Transaction Record, Form 4473 or conduct a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check The individual MVFR firearm owner is the only one who can voluntarily turn in and retrieve the firearm from the safe.
STEP TWO
The MVFR will receive a S A F E R Together one-pager that provides a snapshot of the Peer Support Specialists available through this coalition and some local resources available for support Every MVFR will be given the option to request free and confidential Peer Support services through this program If the MVFR is willing to be connected to a Peer Support specialist, the FFL will notify the S A F E R Peer Support Team From here, the support and healing begins
STEP THREE
Once the MVFR feels the high-risk transitional event has passed and they have support they need, they can return to the FFL and retrieve their firearms and/or ammunition during regular business hours without question From here, the journey doesn’t stop – we encourage follow up support and actions to increase resilience, wellness, and post traumatic growth The MVFR will have an option during the retrieval process to fill out an anonymous survey about the ease and effectiveness of the program to be maintained for improving our support of Veterans and Service Members in crisis
PROGRAM TENETS
Provide a voluntary, confidential, temporary, and secure storage space
Provide Peer Support Services to Military, Veterans, and First Responders (MVFR)
Protect 2nd Amendment Rights, our FFLs, and our MVFR Community
Remove barriers, improve access to care, reduce wait time for live saving modalities
Maintain grassroots stance and movement through Bearded Warriors & Community Partners
WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT?
If you have read the parable about the Solider with PTSD who fell in a hole, it explains exactly what peer support is and how it can help MVFRs facing down their own battles against anxiety, stress, and depression Who could better help a member of the Armed Forces, a Veteran, or a First Responder dig their way out of a bad spot than someone who has been in that exact hole and knows how to climb out? Visit our website at safertogetherAL org for more!
Volunteer Certification
The In-State Volunteer Emergency Services Training program was developed for the Volunteer fire service, to recognize training and education. Courses can be completed in any order, but one must complete all of the steps in order to receive a coin for that particular level, and all prerequisites must be met. For more information, contact your Regional Coordinator.
Fire Fighter II certification
*AND* Fire Instructor I certification
*AND* (1) certification (not previously used)
*AND* (1) Apparatus Operator ce
Basic Level
*AND* 40hrs of non-certification
courses, NIMS, Mobile Fire Suppr
Intermediate Level
(3) certifications (not previously used)
*OR*
(4) certifications (not previously used) *AND* 50hrs of non-certification courses
(1) 16hr non-certification course *AND* Paramedic License OR 4yr college degree *AND* (1) certification course (not previously used)
Advanced Level
*OR*
(1) 16hr non-certification course *AND* Intermediate/Advanced EMT/equivalent License OR 2yr college degree *AND* (2) certification courses (not previously used)
It’s our goal to extend training opportunities into every county in Alabama. To accomplish this objective, we have a network of regional coordinators to facilitate training at the local level. The regional staff is available to answer questions, set up training, and respond to the needs of fire service across the state
REGION 1: Danny Southard dsouthard@alabamafirecollege.org (256)434-0459
REGION 2: Mike Hill mhill@alabamafirecollege.org (256)590-6647
REGION 3: Skip Kittrell skittrell@alabamafirecollege org (205)960-2793
REGIONS 4 & 7: Rudy Rooks rrooks@alabamafirecollege.org (256)463-8469
REGION 5: Jeff Roberts jroberts@alabamafirecollege.org (205)292-5531
REGION 6: Baine Vaughn bvaughn@alabamafirecollege org (334)301-2491
REGION 8: Jeff Ludlam jludlam@alabamafirecollege org (251)680-7883
REGIONS 9 & 10: Dwayne Yelder dyelder@alabamafirecollege.org (334)549-3692
Jonathan Ledbetter, Program Manager smokealarms@alabamafirecollege.org www.alabamafirecollege.org/smokealarms
High School Career-Tech Programs
Jennifer Gonzales, Training Specialist jgonzales@alabamafirecollege.org www.alabamafirecollege org/careertech
Strengthening Emergency Medical Services in Jefferson County: EMS Workforce Development Program
Jefferson County is taking bold steps to address a critical need in its emergency medical services (EMS) sector. To help meet this challenge and strengthen the EMS workforce, the Jefferson County Commission, in collaboration with the United Way of Central Alabama, is offering a tuition-free training program for individuals pursuing certification as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), and Paramedics.
Addressing the EMS Shortage
The shortage of qualified EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics in Jefferson County has been a growing concern, made worse by the demands of the COVID-19 crisis With emergency medical professionals working tirelessly on the front lines, the need for new recruits has never been greater. This new initiative offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in entering the EMS field, ensuring that Jefferson County has a steady pipeline of qualified, trained personnel ready to serve the community.
The cost of tuition and necessary supplies will be covered for eligible individuals. This scholarship program is available for those who live in Jefferson County or work in Jefferson County in the EMS field, and are admitted into an EMS program at Alabama Fire College Programs include training for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics This initiative is designed to help reduce financial barriers for prospective EMS professionals and accelerate their path to certification and employment.
Who is Eligible?
To take advantage of this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be 18 years or older High School Graduate or GED holder
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident Resident of Jefferson County OR employed in the EMS field within Jefferson County Must be enrolled in one of the following Alabama Fire College EMS programs: Emergency Medical Technician (Traditional or Life-Paced), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (Traditional or Life-Paced), or Paramedic Program
Funding and Support
This workforce development initiative is supported, in part, by federal funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Jefferson County Commission received a federal award (SLFRP1176) to help fund this important program, which is a vital part of the county's ongoing recovery efforts from the pandemic.
INCLUDES ALL THREE LEVELS: EMT, ADVANCED EMT, & PARAMEDIC
Each year, emergency medical service agencies in Alabama hire more than 300 Emergency Medical Services Personnel (EMSP)s to offer life-saving support to their communities In addition to these paid openings, the more than 900 volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in Alabama also rely on certified and committed EMSPs to meet their community needs. The State of Alabama created the Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Reimbursement Program (Act 2018-524) in 2018 and modified the program in 2023 (Act 2023-353). The legislation allows for students who obtain their EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic certification from an Alabama Community College, the Alabama Fire College, or the University of South Alabama to be reimbursed their tuition costs for the training.
COMMIT FOR TWO YEARS, GET REIMBURSED TUITION
HOW IT WORKS
1 Student submits program agreement & documents
2.ACCS reviews packet, complete, issues reimbursement* to College or Sponsoring Agency
3.College disburses reimbursement to student
(*All funding is based on availability)
In order to qualify for the Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Program, the applicant must commit – and show verification of a commitment – to at least two years of service to a volunteer fire or rescue squad. This increases the worker’s experience and helps local communities.
