There is, currently, a nationwide shortage of emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

With nearly 800 Emergency Medical Services agencies across Michigan, it’s estimated there are nearly a thousand unfilled paramedic roles in the state.

The Michigan Association of Ambulance Services, a statewide association representing and advocating for ambulance services, has long promoted legislation to address the shortage.

It’s encouraging, then, to see that reforms and programs continue to be implemented.

In April, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a request for proposals for workforce grants to provide funding for enhancing and training EMS personnel. Potential uses for the funding includes grants to cover costs of tuition and associated fees for paramedic training at a Michigan-approved education program or, as another option, hourly reimbursement for time spent in EMS training. Funded under the 2022 budget bill, MDHHS expects to award approximately $9 million through September 2025.

In May, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that allows paramedics to receive accreditation through a state-administered exam, instead of having only a national exam requisite.

“By establishing a state-level accreditation exam, we are creating a low-cost alternative to the costly national exam, ensuring prohibitive exam costs don’t keep people away from becoming paramedics,” Whitmer said of Senate Bill 249, sponsored by state Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-Saint Clair Shores.

Just this week, State Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, said he was encouraged to see another plan to support emergency medical technicians and paramedics signed into law. Prestin’s legislation extends temporary licenses for EMTs or paramedics from 120 days to one year.

“You don’t have to work in an ambulance or an emergency room for very long before you see just how devastating staffing shortages can be,” Prestin said. “Allowing trained EMTs and paramedics to continue doing their jobs as they proceed through the licensing process is a common-sense policy change that will have a major impact.”

In addition to extending temporary licenses, the plan requires that anyone with a temporary license works under the direct supervision of an individual with a full license of at least the same level.

The signing of House Bills 4613 and 4614 is another step in helping to build first responder capacity, Prestin said.

It continues to move the state in the right direction.

— Iron Mountain Daily News