Editor’s note: Welcome to the What Paramedics Want podcast series of Inside EMS, sponsored by Pulsara. The state of the industry What Paramedics Want Report explores issues tied to provider recruitment and retention; safety, health and wellness support; technology adoption; and career development, produced in partnership with Fitch & Associates and the National EMS Management Association. Learn more and download your copy.
EMS pay and retention – or the lack thereof – is at the heart of this week’s episode of Inside EMS. Hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle a news item out of Dougherty County, Georgia, where a recent exodus of EMS professionals spurred long-overdue pay raises and bonuses.
The discussion then shifts to Pickens County, Alabama, where a lack of funding led to a total EMS shutdown. Chris and Kelly explore how underfunded systems collapse under the weight of low reimbursement rates, poor public understanding of EMS costs, and systemic inaction until tragedy strikes.
Through real-world examples, the hosts unpack why it’s essential to “vote with your feet” as an EMS professional and how agencies can keep talent by either paying well or fostering loyalty – though they can’t afford to fail at both. If you’ve ever wondered why EMS seems stuck in a financial rut, this episode offers insights that hit close to home.
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