09/12/2017 - Help Wanted: Paramedic Hiring Shortage

This podcast was receorded on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

Recently, Executive Director Mark Fredrickson at Gold Cross Ambulance, Menasha, raised concerns about a Paramedic and EMT hiring shortage.

According to Mark, "The Paramedic and EMT shortage is bigger than what most may think.  We had waiting lists and could pick and choose the best candidates.  Now, we find ourselves with no waiting list or even applicants coming in looking for work".

Mark attributes the problem to two main items.  One, the technical colleges are not producing enough resources to fill the demand and, two, we cannot effectively recruit out of state with the current reciprocity process assuring new hires a license in a timely manner.  Additionally, hospitals, clinics and some factories are recruiting Paramedics and EMTs, which further depletes the pool that all ambulance providers try and recruit from.

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