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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies in the Ohio Valley are currently navigating significant staffing shortages as call volumes soar, particularly during the summer months. According to an article by Bill Steinbach, published on June 4th, 2025, local leaders in counties such as Jefferson and Brooke are actively seeking solutions to these pressing issues.
TEMS Chief Clark Crago highlighted the continuous yearly increase in call volume, exacerbated by summer activities. With recreational incidents on the rise alongside common medical emergencies like heart attacks, staffing demands intensify. Chief Crago noted lifestyle choices and financial factors contribute notably to the shortage of paramedics. As EMS roles offer less competitive starting wages compared to other medical professions, aspiring healthcare professionals are often drawn elsewhere.
Brooke County EMS Director Greg Moore pointed out that the shortage is a nationwide issue, stressing the dire need for paramedics and EMTs. The warmer season sees a particular spike in accident-related calls involving motorcycles and ATVs, further burdening the resources of local EMS agencies.
In an effort to combat these challenges, a novel initiative in Toronto is encouraging young individuals to consider careers as first responders. This collaboration between the TEMS Joint Ambulance District and the Toronto Fire Department has led to the creation of an Explorer Post, which recently celebrated its first high school graduate earning an EMS certification.
For more details, read the full article [here](Source).
Emergency Services in Ohio Valley Face Staffing Challenges Amid Rising Call Volumes
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies in the Ohio Valley are currently navigating significant staffing shortages as call volumes soar, particularly during the summer months. According to an article by Bill Steinbach, published on June 4th, 2025, local leaders in counties such as Jefferson and Brooke are actively seeking solutions to these pressing issues.
TEMS Chief Clark Crago highlighted the continuous yearly increase in call volume, exacerbated by summer activities. With recreational incidents on the rise alongside common medical emergencies like heart attacks, staffing demands intensify. Chief Crago noted lifestyle choices and financial factors contribute notably to the shortage of paramedics. As EMS roles offer less competitive starting wages compared to other medical professions, aspiring healthcare professionals are often drawn elsewhere.
Brooke County EMS Director Greg Moore pointed out that the shortage is a nationwide issue, stressing the dire need for paramedics and EMTs. The warmer season sees a particular spike in accident-related calls involving motorcycles and ATVs, further burdening the resources of local EMS agencies.
In an effort to combat these challenges, a novel initiative in Toronto is encouraging young individuals to consider careers as first responders. This collaboration between the TEMS Joint Ambulance District and the Toronto Fire Department has led to the creation of an Explorer Post, which recently celebrated its first high school graduate earning an EMS certification.
For more details, read the full article [here](Source).