EMS service is at a crossroads, according to Tri-Hospital EMS CEO Ken Cummings. The pandemic shut down many EMT and paramedic training programs and many of them have never resumed business. There are no new graduates to fill the positions for ambulance service providers.
Cummings said that at this point service in St. Clair County has not been affected, but that there have been widespread reports of impacts to service in other areas of the state. Tri-Hospital EMS is down ten or twelve employees but has been making it work.
Ambulance, Fire Chief, and EMS trade associations have asked the legislature and the governor to provide at least $20 million for training programs. Cummings said that is only part of the solution.
Cummings said that increasing wages to make the career attractive to prospective EMTs and paramedics is critical. He is working with local officials to draft language for an emergency services public millage ballot proposal for the August election.
Cummings said that voter support of the millage will solidify ambulance service in the area by ensuring long-term funding.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
