Over 200 guests joined Safety Management Systems, National EMS Academy and Acadian Ambulance personnel Friday, October 24th, for the grand opening of one of the ambulance service's most ambitious projects. The ribbon cutting marked a milestone in construction of a world-class training academy for SMS and NEMSA that features state-of-the art facilities and services at one location - a 53-acre site on University Avenue, a mile northeast of the I-49 and I-10 interchange.

Richard Zuschlag, chairman and CEO of Acadian Ambulance Service, said, "This training facility is testimony of SMS's commitment to providing excellent safety services. The National EMS Academy is the lifeblood of Acadian Ambulance, and is our solution to providing the best possible paramedic training while meeting the demands of our growing company."

Safety Management Systems Vice President Ed Mury served as master of ceremonies.  Also on the program were Tim Barfield, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Labor; State Senator Mike Michot; Joey Durel, Lafayette city-parish president; Dr. Jan Brobst, chancellor of South Louisiana Community College; Fr. Louis Richard, Acadian chaplain and Gifford Saravia, director of NEMSA.

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests and employees watched demonstrations of the advanced technology that is a dominant feature of the total company. Demonstrations included; crane & rigging (on-site 30-ton pedestal crane), sea survival (Modular Egress Training Simulator (METS) Model 30), and fire safety (on-site fire field with capabilities). In addition to the demos, participants were treated to lunch and a tour of the facility.

The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion for new corporate offices replacing the National EMS Academy on Southpark Road between Pinhook and U.S. Hwy. 90, Safety Management Systems administrative offices on Ambassador Caffery and the SMS training academy in Maurice, LA. 

The new training academy which houses SMS and NEMSA consists of an 86,000 square foot facility.  The facilities include; the SMS Administrative offices, Education Building to include NEMSA and SMS Training Academy (22 multi-media classrooms, computer labs and 200 seat auditorium), Restaurant, Recreation Room, Lodging, Sea Survival center (enclosed pool with METS 30) and a 3 acre pond (used for crane, rigging and lifeboat training) and a fire field.

In 2006, Acadian Integrated Solutions, subsidiary of Acadian Ambulance merged with Safety Management Systems, Inc. The merger created one of the largest providers of health, safety, and environmental management services in the southern region. SMS also has operations throughout the US, Canada, and overseas, with a workforce of nearly 500 paramedics, safety techs, consultants, and safety instructors.

SMS was founded by Greg Trahan, a Certified Safety Professional. According to Trahan, SMS had a strong background in assisting companies in meeting the requirements of governmental agencies in the areas of health, safety and environmental management, while AIS provided comprehensive safety and regulatory compliance training.  "The two companies together, because of their expertise and experience, complement and strengthen each other.  This investment demonstrates our commitment to exceed the expectations of our valued customers that demand meaningful learning experiences for their employees," said Trahan.

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