The EMS staffing crisis is accelerating in Michigan, making it difficult for EMS agencies to cover shifts, slowing down ambulance response times in some areas of Michigan.
The paramedic and EMT shortage, which began a few years ago in Michigan, was exacerbated by the pandemic and now has become a full-blown emergency, with some agencies concerned about the future. This shortage affects all EMS providers including public, private and nonprofit agencies.
The shortage is especially hitting hard in smaller communities, where agencies have smaller staffs to begin with.
“The EMT shortage is something that has been going on for the last few years,” said Sarah Brodie, emergency services coordinator for Scheurer Hospital. “So we’ve just kind of learned how to work through it here.”