15-05-2025
Shapiro Administration looks to recruit more people to EMS workforce
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — A week before National EMS Week, the Shapiro Administration kicked off a new statewide initiative to recruit more people to the EMS workforce.
First responders and the Department of Health gathered at AMED in Altoona on Wednesday to talk about the initiative.
According to the administration, in 2024 alone, over 1,200 emergency agencies responded to more than 2 million calls for service. Kristen Rodack, Department of Health Executive Deputy Secretary, said that equates to nearly five calls per minute every day of the year.
'Providing 24 hour access to emergency care is no easy feat, because every call for help has unique circumstances, and many EMS agencies are stretched thin,' Rodack said.
Rodack also noted that urban and rural communities are facing a shortage of EMS professionals.
'The struggle is this in the sense that 30% of AMED's business is now going into other people's areas because small services are failing. 52 ambulance services closed in the last 29 months,' Gary Watters, Chief of AMED said.
Watters said it's also due to poor reimbursement rates from insurance providers and low pay rates.
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Next week, as part of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 18-24, Pennsylvania Regional EMS councils and agencies will be hosting career events across the state where residents can meet EMS professionals and learn about local career opportunities and training.
One of those events includes EMS Night at the Curve on Sunday, May 18. There will be a VR Headset at the game for people to experience what it's like to respond to a call. Anyone interested in the profession can also speak to local first responders to learn more about EMS careers and opportunities in the area.
James Musselman is a Volunteer Fire Chief with the Friendship Fire Department and is also training to be an EMT with the Conemaugh School of EMS. Since he started taking classes, Musselman said he has a newfound respect for the profession.
'Without that care, preventative care, pre-hospital care, those patients probably would not have made it. So, if you save one life, it's worth it,' Musselman said.
Governor Shapiro's proposed 2025-26 budget adds $6 million more a year for the next three years to the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, which would be disbursed through the 13 regional EMS councils to local stations.
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