By Leila Merrill
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is earmarking $10 million in U.S. coronavirus relief money to increase the state’s EMS workforce, the Associated Press reported.
“West Virginia’s Community and Technical College System has worked alongside legislators and EMS community partners to review current education and training opportunities for Emergency Medical Technician and paramedic careers, examine the gaps and needs, and form a strategy for expanding this critical workforce,” Gov. Jim Justice’s office said in a news release Tuesday.
The state plans to purchase mobile ambulance simulators so educational programs can launch a public relations campaign for EMS careers.
To provide no-cost training, the community college system has provided 23 awards to 21 training facilities, worth a total of $870,000, the statement said. Applications are still being accepted, and organizations can apply by emailing emsinitiative@wvhepc.edu
In addition, 5,500 bags containing EMS equipment and supplies will be distributed to EMS workers across the state.
“Through these new and expanded efforts to train more EMS professionals, not only will we reduce the burden on our existing workers, but we will also grow this profession in our state, safeguarding West Virginians for generations to come,” Justice said.