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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Susan A. Chapman, PhD, RN, Vanessa Lindler, MA, Jennifer Kaiser, BA, and Timothy Bates, MPP. Center for Health Professions, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 410, San Francisco, CA 94118, (415) 502-4419, schapman@thecenter.ucsf.edu

EMTs and Paramedics are at the forefront of any EMS (emergency medical services) system. They perform critical public health services. However, their role is poorly understood and often unappreciated by the public and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic assessment of the national EMS prehospital workforce and identify major challenges and factors impacting the demand for and supply of EMTs and paramedics. Qualitative and quantitative methods included literature review; structured interview; meetings with key stakeholders; and analysis of multiple sources of data including demographic, registration and certification data, and a longitudinal survey of practicing EMTs/paramedics. We compared EMTs/paramedic demographics and wages with other health professionals. Results indicate that, compared to other similar health professions, EMTs/paramedics are younger, a majority are male, and pay rates (avg $13/hr) are below other health professionals with comparable education. The current workforce is estimated at 188,000 with about 80,000 new workers needed in the next decade. Experts in the field stress high turnover rates, high risk of injury, perceived low public image and status as key factors in shortage areas. While survey respondents were generally satisfied with their jobs over time, about 40% are dissatisfied with opportunities for career advancement. We concluded that the EMS policymakers must make key strategic decisions about professionalism, education and pay, relationships with other emergency providers, and workforce retention in order to ensure that the country has a well prepared and available workforce able to response to the public's future EMS needs.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Participants will define the skills performed by EMTs and Paramedics and the role they play in state and local EMS systems.
• 2. Participants will describe the characteristics of the EMT/Paramedic workforce and how it compares to other similar health professions.
• 3. Participants will describe key challenges to recruitment and retention of workers.

Keywords: EMS/Trauma, Workforce

Related Web page: www.emsworkforce.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered