While reporting about two new agreements between the city and the Cleveland Division of Emergency Medical Service, I learned there is a shortage of paramedics. I also learned there’s a big difference in the training required to become a paramedic — 1,000 hours — compared to an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) — 150 hours. I was surprised. So I wanted to follow up on this shortage and what it means for Clevelanders who call 911 for medical emergencies.
To be clear, EMTs do have life-saving skills. And over time, they learn a lot from the paramedics they work with, Timothy Sommerfelt, a union representative, told me. But paramedic training is far more advanced. And because EMS providers are the first line of care in emergency situations, the ability of an EMT or paramedic to provide proper care can make the difference between life and death.
Union leaders want Clevelanders to receive quality care from emergency medical responders, and that means their goal is to have two paramedics in most, if not all, of their ambulances.
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THE STORY
Cleveland EMS leaders want more paramedics
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) union leaders say a new pay increase for paramedics transfering to Cleveland will help the division’s recruitment efforts.Â