For Charles “Roman” Tuminello, the path into emergency medical services didn’t begin in a classroom. It started in the back of an ambulance, responding to calls in real time alongside seasoned EMS professionals.
Roman became the first EMT apprentice in Pennsylvania’s first federally registered program through the Freedom House 2.0 model. He represents a new entry point into EMS that blends hands-on experience with educational training.
“I wanted to do something that felt meaningful for the community I am in,” Roman says.
The apprenticeship is the result of a coordinated effort among UPMC Health Plan’s Pathways to Work initiative, the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, and philanthropic partners like the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
Together, they created the apprenticeship model to support both Roman and the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority. The initiative covers training costs, provides real-world experience, and eases the recruitment burden on EMS agencies.
"We want to take over the work on the back end of things that are needed to run the apprenticeship,” says Trevor Mathey, Freedom House 2.0 project manager, UPMC Health Plan.
Trevor says the apprenticeship model aims to create a more sustainable pipeline into EMS that supports trainees from day one and sets them up for long-term success, rather than short-term certification.
While Roman is the first apprentice in the program, he won’t be the last. Leaders are already planning to expand the apprenticeship model, creating more opportunities like Roman’s and strengthening the future of EMS across the region.
“I am just really thankful that this entire program exists,” Roman says.
At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means providing new pathways for rewarding and meaningful careers in emergency medical services.
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