Recent reports from around the nation describe mass shortages of paramedics and EMTs. Managers have cited a number of issues to account for this downward trend, including non-competitive wages, mandatory training, and a changing mentality among the younger work force. However, departments in Calif. and Tenn. are gearing up for major surges in EMS employees in the near future.
Why do you think the EMS industry is having problems with recruiting and retaining employees? What changes do you think need to occur to turn this around? And for current paramedics/EMTs, have you considering a possible switch to another profession?