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Blaring Misconception: Education Standards DON'T Fuel Staffing Shortages

EMS education standards have long been a contentious topic in our world and the more recent push around proposed degree requirements is something that has yet to reach a consensus across the industry. Another hot button issue revolves around the causation of staffing shortages and how to fix them. At Pass with PASS, LLC, quality education delivery is at the center of our mission. We love bridging the education gap and helping produce and "send-off" top notch providers to their respective communities, but we strongly believe that these two topics are not as linked as some suggest.

EMS EDUCATION IS NOT THE CAUSE FOR THE WORKFORCE SHORTAGE


The following blog post is credited to Dr. Bill Young from Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Young is a long-time colleague and friend of ours here at Pass with PASS, LLC. He recently posted a thought-provoking entry on LinkedIn and with his permission, he has graciously given us verbal consent to share it here with a wider audience. Dr. Young's excellent post is below in its entirety:


Recently, the shortage of paramedics has become an issue across the industry. Many factors contribute to this, but one common misconception is that EMS education standards are to blame. 


Paramedics are highly skilled professionals educated to handle complex situations. A nationwide shortage of paramedics has led to concerns about response times & patient care quality. While various factors contribute to this shortage, the quality and rigor of EMS education standards are often singled out unfairly.


EMS education standards have evolved to meet the demands of modern healthcare. Initially, EMS training was fragmented & varied widely across regions. The establishment of national EMS education standards by organizations like NHTSA & CoAEMSP has consistent curricula & ensured constancy in training programs across the nation. This has allowed for portability of licensure allowing paramedics to work in multiple states. Without this, the paramedic shortage would be worse. 


Despite the strides made in standardizing EMS education standards, misconceptions persist regarding their impact on the workforce shortage. One such belief is that completion requirements create barriers to entry, limiting the number of individuals who can become paramedics. These are designed to ensure that paramedics receive comprehensive training in medical procedures, patient assessment & crisis management, essential for delivering care. These include high risk procedures such as endotracheal intubation, surgical airway management & finger thoracotomy.


The workforce shortage is influenced by many factors, including low retention rates, high job stress & inadequate funding for EMS agencies. While education standards dictate the minimum requirements for paramedics, they do not address systemic issues such as competitive wages, career advancement opportunities, & mental health support & toxic workplaces—all of which are crucial for retaining qualified paramedics in the field.


Stringent EMS education principles play a vital role in enhancing patient care outcomes. Paramedics trained according to standardized educational guidelines possess the necessary skills and knowledge to assess and treat patients effectively in emergency situations. This standardized training ensures that paramedics can respond confidently to diverse medical emergencies, from cardiac arrest to trauma incidents, thereby improving patient survival rates and overall healthcare quality.


EMS educators serve to uphold the professionalism & competence of paramedics, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle the challenges of the profession. Addressing the shortage requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving working conditions, increasing investment, and enhancing career opportunities for paramedics. Collaboration between EMS educators, directors and legislators is vital for the ensuring of the delivery of this vital service.


July 29, 2024

Author: Bill Young EdD, NRP

Associate Professor - Eastern Kentucky University

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