SouthCoast Training LLC was founded in October of 2000 by Kevin Polson, Fire Officer, EMT-B, I/C. At the time SouthCoast Training
opened it's doors Kevin was a 13 year veteran of the Massachusetts Department of Correction, Bridgewater. In addition to his duties
as an acting Sgt./Line Officer he was also an instructor at the Massachusetts Department of Corrections Recruit Training Academy. Kevin
also worked part time as a Lieutenant/Assistant training officer for his local community. Part of Kevin's responsibilities he was tasked
to provide Firefighter Recruit training to no less then fourteen communities on the south coast. Using his combined experiences as an
instructor helped to develop the necessary skills to take training to the next level.
Like similar companies SouthCoast Training began their journey by offering CPR & First Aid to the community and within their first year
secured several industrial contracts requiring service to 2000 students annually. In 2001, with the help of of an already established and
well run EMS training company we ran our first of many EMT-Basic programs.
In 2003 our reputation for quality training resulted in a 50% increase in our industrial contracts requiring us to add Fire Extinguisher
and SCBA programs brining our annual enrollment to just over 2,400.
2003 saw our first EMT-Intermediate program. While this is not a common program we felt it a perfect first step for those EMT-B students
who either lacked the experience, confidence or financial means to bring it the next level. SouthCoast Training designed the Intermediate
program to meet the needs of our students. By offering a higher level program we felt we better prepared those students for when they chose
to enroll at the Paramedic level. With the goal of creating a better Paramedic student we took some of the financial burden away. We not only
have one of the lowest priced paramedic programs available but we provided a 100% credit for returning SCT EMT-I students for any of our EMT-P
programs within two years of their EMT-I program. That is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to the student.
In 2004 we began the accreditation process and in early 2005, according to the renewal dates became one of the first to obtain this high level of
professionalism. This was also the year we held our first EMT Paramedic program with great success. This success translated into a reputation for
quality programs. Because of the success of our first Paramedic program we more then doubled our second program with a class of 32. In 2005 we were
contacted by representatives from Providence College who requested that we hold an EMT-Basic program. Since the first class in 2005 we have held one
each January with a higher level of success each year to the point where we are almost at a 100% pass rate for both the Massachusetts and National Certifications.
In 2006 we expanded to the towns of Needham, Norwood, Chelsea, and Braintree. As a result of this growth we now offer approximately ten EMT-Basic program annually.
It needs to be pointed out that growth does not always mean a weaker program or company. We have maintained our high level of success and professionalism through
instructor development as well as recruitment. It is through this effort that despite sizable growth that we have avoided some of the pitfalls common with companies
that grow too quickly.