FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Jacqueline Robles Grajeda calmly takes emergency calls from American Ambulance.
She got her start in the classroom and landed the position through the Valley Regional Work Placement Program.
“There’s so many things going on: weekly testing, learning policies, the county, the 100 blocks,” Robles-Grajeda said.
This course will be led by instructor Ryan Frates.
He is also the quality improvement and training coordinator for American Ambulance.
He said Jacqueline stood out in class.
“She showed that she wanted it. She showed that she was intelligent enough for it. And she’s shown every day since then that she really cares and is passionate about it,” Frates said.
The six-week course will introduce post-high school students to the rules and policies of various counties and agencies, Frates said.
It also highlights differences between departments.
“We listen to a lot of 911 calls and we practice 911 calls. They listen to actual 911 calls with the 911 dispatchers on the floor,” Frates said.
Students are tested every week and must pass a final exam at the end to become certified as an emergency medical dispatcher and emergency fire dispatcher.
Regular certification costs about $1,000. This program costs about $600.
“The goal of this course is not just to prepare them for a job with American Ambulance. Some students in this course have the goal of going into police dispatching, and we’re happy to help them on that path,” Frates said.
The best candidates who complete the course have the opportunity to be hired by American Ambulance.
That’s exactly what happened to Jacqueline, who has been working here for about eight months.
The transition has been smooth, she says.
“It was a great help because I already knew what was going to happen,” Robles-Grajeda said.
And she says she enjoys a challenging job that brings something different to the table every day.
“It makes me happy knowing that every day we’re helping someone,” Robles-Grajeda said.
If you are interested in a temp job, you can get more information about the program by clicking here or calling 559-876-2122.
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