Public Education : Acadian Companies

Public Education

Continued health and safety education in our communities is important to us at Acadian Companies. Our goal is to provide information to the public that will help encourage healthy living, safety awareness, and save lives.

Bear-A-Medics
Bear-A-Medics are stuffed toys used to comfort children who need pre-hospital medical assistance. Each bear is sewn, stuffed, and labeled by BellSouth Pioneer Volunteers. The bears have "911" printed on their chests, reminding children what number to call in case of an emergency. For more information, contact a Pioneers Representative.

André, the Acadian Ambulance Robot
André, the Acadian Ambulance robot, teaches youngsters about first aid, emergency medicine, and public safety in his appearances at schools, fairs, and malls. André talks to children and helps them feel comfortable about being around an ambulance with lights and sirens. To request an André visit at your function, send an email with date, time, location, and description of the event.

Be a Heart Starter
Acadian Companies is a proud sponsor of Be a Heart Starter, an annual program that provides residents in the Acadiana area with the opportunity to learn bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. This event has provided nearly 10,000 residents with CPR training over the past decade. Register for the next Heart Starter training program.

Continuing Education through the National EMS Academy

First Responder
The First Responder class offers high school students (typically 11th-graders) basic life-saving techniques as they earn a First Responder certification. The class is ideal for those who are considering a career in emergency medicine, allied health, or nursing as well as students on pre-medicine and pre-dental tracks. For more information, including how to enroll, contact your school counselor.

Medic Exploring

The Acadian Ambulance Explorer Post is designed to expose students between the ages of 14 and 20 to the emergency medical career field. Students respond to real emergencies along with Acadian Ambulance medics and connect with employers and company leaders in the community. This experience develops leadership and life skills for the students through new and interesting challenges. To join an Acadian Ambulance Medic Explorer Post in your area, email explorers@acadian.com.

Teacher Information
If you are a teacher or counselor who would like information on how to get EMT programs started in your school, call the National EMS Academy at 866.459.3500.