Rural Nebraska faces paramedic, EMT shortage as volunteering declines

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Medical officials in Nebraska warned that the state is short on paramedics and EMTs, especially in rural areas.

“Everyone right now expects that ‘I call 911, then an ambulance will show up,'” said Jed Hansen, executive director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association. “And if we continue down the pathway that we are in our state, there may be situations where that just doesn’t happen.”

Hansen said there has been a downward trend in people volunteering for EMS positions over the last 20 years, but it has worsened in recent years.  

“Over the last three years, and with a lot of the added financial pressures that we’re seeing because of inflation, those individuals who otherwise may otherwise want to volunteer, they’re taking on second careers,” he said.

Crete Fire Chief Tod Allen said volunteers have to go through difficult and time-consuming training requirements. 

“It is difficult to get people through that, and it’s costly,” he said.

The training costs $1,200 to $1,400 per person.

Allen said having the services available and in time, especially in rural areas, is crucial. 

“You have less people to respond, and it might take us longer to get out the door with an ambulance, which, on certain medical calls, time is of the essence,” Allen said. 

He said Crete is always looking for volunteers.

The Department of Health and Human Services is also addressing the EMS shortage. It is hosting public meetings to get input from communities.

The southeast region is having two meetings on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. They will take place at the Fire & Rescue building in Beatrice and at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings.