Texas Legislature steps in to help with EMS shortage

SAN ANTONIO – Emergency medical companies are going through staffing shortages throughout the nation and in South Texas.

Issues present earlier than the pandemic had been solely amplified by COVID-19.

After six years as a fight medic for the Military, Angie Kenai determined to take her medical information to the streets as an EMT for Acadian Ambulance.

“You’re there for that individual of their worst second, and you bought to do the very best you may for them,” Kenai mentioned.

Final yr, Acadian launched an accelerated program to get extra EMTs and paramedics into the workforce. That’s how Kenai acquired right here.

Kristine Koerner, a recruiter for Acadian, says there’s nonetheless a scarcity.

“Not simply at Acadian, however nationally, EMS has taken such successful. The very last thing we would like is for somebody to name 911 and nobody be capable to present up,” Koerner mentioned.

Proper now Koerner says they’ve 14 paramedic openings, which retains 14 of the Advance Life Help vehicles out of service.

The Texas Legislature put aside $21.7 million for EMS training and retention as part of Senate Invoice 8 to assist with the scarcity.

“That funding permits people to return within the door that won’t have that chance elsewhere,” Koerner mentioned.

The Texas Division of State Well being Companies created the EMS training scholarship fund with that funding.

It’ll cowl the price of getting their EMT, superior EMT, or paramedic certification.

“The one factor that the state requires again from them is 96 hours of their time a month for one yr,” Koerner mentioned.

There’s additionally precedence given to individuals working in rural counties and underserved areas of our state.

Koerner hopes this may permit them to make up among the misplaced workforces and maintain serving individuals going through emergencies.

“Actually placing it to make use of to develop people internally to be sure that whenever you name 911, somebody’s going to indicate up at your door,” Koerner mentioned.

The qualification course of is open to anybody 18 years and older with a highschool diploma or GED.

To join this system with Acadian Ambulance, e mail kristine.koerner@acadian.com by the start of February. Registration formally closes by February twentieth, orientation is February 22 and the category begins on February twenty seventh.

You may as well join with the Nationwide EMS Academy.