By Leila Merrill
LEON COUNTY, Fla. — County commissioners recently approved a new plan to support the recruitment and retention of EMS providers, according to Tallahassee Reports.
The total estimated annual cost is $668,000.
The plan includes an EMT-to-paramedic trainee program that creates five full-time positions for EMTs who will complete a paramedic training and certification program.
Trainees would be paid for class time and be eligible to work in ambulances. The county would cover tuition and related costs. Each participant would have to complete a three-year commitment to work full-time for the county as a paramedic.
The plan also includes an “extra shift incentive stipend” and a “special day stipend.” The extra shift money is a way to earn extra income. The special day stipend will go to employees who cover significant events not counted as county holidays such as home football games.