LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky's shortage of Emergency Management Services staffing is now deemed one of the worst in the country.
Kentucky's board of Emergency Medical Services shared the alarming statistic with lawmakers Tuesday in Frankfort. Some of the reasons cited for the shortage include pay, lack of trainers in western and eastern Kentucky, and ambulance rides are not being reimbursed at a rate that covers services — which leads to low retention of EMS in the field.
"We have less paramedics than we have EMTs by far," said John Holder with the Kentucky Board of EMS. "And, a lot of times, the sicker the patient, the higher level of care they need. We have fewer of those folks. They have to wait. It's terrible."
Some suggestions to resolve the issue include higher ambulance service reimbursements and funding options like scholarships to incentivize students to pursue careers as an EMT.
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