For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: August 18, 2026
Grant strengthening EMT pipeline
Dodgeville -
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s efforts to strengthen emergency medical services across the region are already showing results, with 38 students participating in the college’s most recent EMT class in Dodgeville.
The class was offered at two Dodgeville locations, the EMS station/garage and the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department, as Southwest Tech continues expanding access to EMS education through a $109,375 state Emergency Medical Services Education Grant.
The state-funded grant supports Wisconsin technical colleges in advancing emergency medical responder, EMT, advanced EMT and paramedic education while increasing training capacity and addressing workforce needs.
For rural communities, increasing the number of trained providers is particularly important. According to Southwest Tech’s grant application, 72-percent of the 50 EMS providers in the college’s district are fully volunteer, compared with 41-percent statewide.
“Everybody is looking for EMS help,” said Kris Schoville, academic lead and Medical Assistant director/instructor at Southwest Tech. “We have squads that are running bare minimum crews. The Dodgeville class demonstrates how the funding can help make training more accessible to people interested in serving their communities.”
State Sen. Howard Marklein, who supported the grant, said providing training opportunities throughout the region is critical. “Southwestern Wisconsin needs more EMS volunteers,” he said. “This grant allows SWTC to continue to offer classes even when a session is not at full capacity and ensures classes can be offered in multiple locations, making training more accessible to volunteers throughout the region.”
The grant also supports instructor training, EMS refresher courses, equipment upgrades and expanded outreach. Southwest Tech is using the funding to increase both the number and flexibility of EMS training opportunities throughout its district.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a stronger pipeline of trained professionals and volunteers who can keep local emergency services operating. “It’s a give back to your community. Really, that’s the bottom line,” said Schoville. “You’re volunteering to help people in your community, and someday it might be you that they need to come and get.”
In addition to the EMT training, Southwest Tech recently purchased an ambulance from the Dodgeville Ambulance Service, which will be used to enhance EMT training through the college. “It was perfect timing,” said Schoville. “They were looking to sell, and we were in need of vehicle. It was a win win. It is another example of our collaboration with local agencies to improve training opportunities.”
Anyone interested in beginning EMS training should contact their local EMS department.
