A phoenix has risen on Bainbridge Island. Nina Jackson, Ellen Lockert and Marit Saltrones of JSL Communications, LLC, have resurrected a vitally needed continuing education program for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). Formerly publishers of Emergency Update Program, JSL Communications launched 24-7 EMS 15 months ago to provide high quality continuing education training for emergency responders. 24-7 EMS provides high quality, continuing education training for emergency responders based on the DOT refresher curriculum. Each program features learning objectives, lesson plan, video, skills practice, pre and post test with annotated answer key and student handouts including glossary and bibliography. Robust online training and secure testing create a complete blended learning package.

JSL Communications, LLC was formed in 2002 in response to requests from former Emergency Update Program clients. “We sold our former company to a large publishing house in the mid 90’s,” explained Saltrones. “They promised us they would keep the program relevant and up-to-date, and for a while they did. But after a couple of years we started receiving phone calls from former clients asking us to get back into the business.”

After evaluating the business climate and assessing the need, Saltrones, Lockert, and Jackson determined the timing was right to get “back in the game.” Since starting in 2002, JSL Communications has grown to 14 employees with clients in 49 of the 50 states and Canada, training 55,000 emergency personnel every month. “We pioneered distance continuing education for EMTs,” revealed Saltrones, “People know us and that has made getting back into the business easier.”

Together, Saltrones, Lockert and Jackson have over 30 years of emergency and safety training and 25 years of broadcast television experience. They have the proven ability to integrate sound educational design, accurate technical information and top quality production techniques. They have received multiple awards including two gold Emerald City Awards, a bronze Houston International Film Festival Award and a National Educational Film Festival Award.

JSL Communications offers custom workplace training solutions that are designed for adult learners and reflect an understanding of the principles of adult education. They believe learning must be enjoyable and relevant to be effective. “We work with top professionals in the field,” says Saltrones. “We have experts across the country that review our programs prior to their release.” JSL’s continuing education programs are accredited for the requirements EMTs need to keep their licenses current.

JSL’s program is also cost effective. “For the price of a single subscription a whole department can use the training material,” says Saltrones. “The amount of training money for EMS departments is shrinking. We work very hard to provide the best value possible to our clients.”

Although their experts are located across the country, JSL is very much a local company. Saltrones is from an Island family. Co-Presidents Saltrones and Lockert are dedicated to staying in the area and using local business to provide their products. “All of our videotaping, editing and fulfillment is done locally,” noted Saltrones. “The only thing we go outside the community for is the reproduction of our video tapes and CDs.” JSL’s sales staff works two shifts to accommodate clients on the east coast. “We even use local fire department personnel as actors in our training videos,” added Saltrones.

When talking about the future Saltrones says things are bright for JSL. “We are expecting to add three to five more sales positions this year, although recruiting can be a problem in West Sound.” JSL is also anticipating challenges finding a location to house all the company’s employees in one space. “In the past, we had four business locations at once on the island.” says Saltrones. “We would really like to avoid doing that again, but we recognize that there simply isn’t adequate commercial space on the island.” When asked if they would consider moving the business off the Island, Saltrones responded that all partners are dedicated to remaining. “We want to work where we live – on the Island.”

JSL Communications LLC
dba 24-7 EMS
PO Box 11292
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 855-4911
www.jslcom.com or
www.24-7ems.com