Addressing the EMS Shortage

Delve into EMS shortage challenges, innovative solutions, and what’s next for fire services on the latest episode of WFCA’s Fire Headlines Podcast.

Addressing the EMS Shortage Through Education and Community Engagement

In this episode of Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion and Chief Ken Kehmna discuss the pressing issue of EMS personnel shortages across the U.S. Following a recent article shared in the Daily Dispatch, this week’s episode highlights Cincinnati State’s expanded EMT and paramedic program as one solution, to address this shortage. While the Cincinnati initiative is promising, the conversation dives deeper into the nationwide shortage, exploring its causes and potential remedies. Chief Kehmna shares how hands-on experience, similar to Cincinnati’s approach, can be pivotal in building new EMS professionals’ confidence and readiness in this high-stress, critical field.

Hands-On Training: A Confidence Builder for New EMS Recruits

Reflecting on his early experiences, Chief Kehmna emphasizes the value of hands-on training in EMS education, recounting how these real-world exercises helped him gain confidence and a genuine interest in the EMS side of fire service. Initially focused on firefighting, he discovered an unexpected passion for EMS through practical training. He suggests that such firsthand experiences transform abstract concepts into a palpable sense of accomplishment, energizing new recruits and preparing them for the rigors of emergency medical response. According to Chief Kehmna, providing this experience can demystify EMS work for younger recruits, helping them realize their potential and encouraging them to continue in the field.

The Education Gap and Community Engagement in Career Exposure

One of the root causes of the EMS shortage, Chief Kehmna suggests, may stem from a lack of career exposure during school years, especially within a culture that emphasizes college preparatory paths over trades and service-oriented professions. Chief Kehmna describes how his school system channeled students almost exclusively towards four-year degrees, often overlooking careers in EMS, firefighting, and similar trades. He references programs like the Boy Scouts of America’s Explorer program, which can expose youth to diverse career paths early on. Increasing community outreach by fire departments at high schools and beyond, Chief Kehmna argues, could be instrumental in raising awareness of EMS and fire service careers as viable and rewarding options.

The Role of Partnerships and Early Career Exposure

Chief Kehmna advocates for partnerships between fire departments and educational institutions to effectively address EMS shortages, including community colleges and vocational programs. He shares examples of local vocational programs in his county that provide exposure to career paths like law enforcement, welding, and emergency medical services, all aimed at building interest in high school students. By providing mentorship, internships, and even equipment for training, he believes fire departments can play a key role in sparking interest and preparing the next generation of EMS professionals. Chief Kehmna asserts that such partnerships allow fire departments to make meaningful connections with young adults actively deciding on career paths, ultimately bolstering EMS recruitment.

The Evolving Role of EMS and Opportunities for Growth

Chief Kehmna reflects on how EMS roles have evolved over time, offering greater responsibilities and opportunities than ever before. He stresses that, beyond ambulance work or fire department roles, EMS professionals now have options in public health, emergency management, and more, with the chance to build leadership skills on emergency scenes. For aspiring leaders, EMS provides invaluable experience in scene control, decision-making, and teamwork—all transferable skills with applications across public safety and beyond. In a field constantly adapting to meet community needs, Chief Kehmna encourages fire departments to showcase these dynamic opportunities to attract a broader range of applicants.

You can email Fire Headlines at [email protected].

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