Enrollment for the four-week program is being expanded to 40 students to meet the growing demand.

Under the direction of veteran paramedic Ian Santee, the program consists of classroom instruction as well as field trips that include direct interaction with working paramedics, emergency medical technicians and other first responders.

"The Junior Paramedic Program provides students a unique opportunity to take a hands-on approach and be directly involved in the lifesaving process," said Dr. Elizabeth Char, city Emergency Services director. "There aren't many opportunities like this, which allow students to get an up-close view of the actual emergency response process and the day-to-day duties of our paramedics."

The free program runs June 18 to July 13. Classes will be held weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The program is open to students 14 to 17 who have completed their freshman year of high school but have not yet graduated.