Jacob J. Oberman
Director of Training & Special Operations

Jacob J. Oberman currently serves as the Director of Training and Special Operations for the New Orleans Emergency Medical Service. During his tenure, New Orleans EMS has developed robust Special Operations team that includes several tactical units, an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) group, and three Paramedics have received Tactical EMS training with the New Orleans Police Department’s SWAT division.

Mr. Oberman and the training staff provide intra-department training and education, as well as provide additional medical-specific training to other City departments such as New Orleans Fire Department and the New Orleans Recreational Department. To improve EMS operations, the Field Training Officer (FTO) unit has been established under Mr. Oberman’s leadership. The training division has broadened its scope to involve the community with projects such as the Recovery School District’s endeavor to provide First Responder certification to High School students.

Having attended Louisiana State University where he earned his Bachelors of Science as well as Delgado’s Charity School of Nursing, Mr. Oberman is currently a Registered Nurse. In addition to his collegiate accomplishments, Mr. Oberman became involved with EMS in 1980, and has been promoted through administration since becoming an employee of New Orleans EMS in 1985. Mr. Oberman has responded to many natural disasters in the past 23 years as well as man-made destruction such as the Brightfield incident in 1996. He also serves as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff.

Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, Mr. Oberman attended a British Boarding school in Malaysia and High School in Singapore. He speaks two different languages. Mr. Oberman has a black belt in two different martial art disciplines.