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Acadian Ambulance briefs Iberia Parish Council: local call volume, training pipeline and workforce gains
Summary
Acadian/NEMSA operations manager Scott Sonia told the council Dec. 18 that Acadian applied training and recruitment strategies have expanded the company and that Acadian responded to 12,222 calls in Iberia Parish through November 2024, transporting about 8,249 patients and providing 3,888 non-emergency transports.
Acadian Ambulance representatives, including operations manager Scott Sonia of the National EMS Academy (NEMSA), presented to the Iberia Parish Council Dec. 18 on company operations, partnerships and workforce development efforts. Sonia described NEMSA as a training arm that works with local colleges and high-school EMT programs to create a pipeline for EMTs and paramedics.
Sonia said NEMSA produces a large share of Louisiana’s EMS workforce and highlighted recruitment and training outcomes: the company reported it responded to 12,222 calls in Iberia Parish in 2024 (through November), transported 8,249 patients and completed about 3,888 non-emergency transports. "So roughly in Iberia Parish, we transport about 35 patients a day," Sonia said.
He outlined partnerships with local colleges and high-school EMT programs that allow students to earn certifications while in school, and noted Acadian’s employee ownership structure and expanded workforce. Council members and residents offered multiple testimonials praising Acadian’s service and responsiveness during emergencies; those speakers said the company’s local presence made a meaningful difference in critical incidents.
Acadian’s presentation was informational. Council did not vote on EMS contracts or adopt operational changes during the meeting. Several council members thanked Acadian for local service and for training and hiring local residents.
