Ambulance work hours adjusted to attract qualified EMT, Paramedics

Faced with ongoing challenges in hiring qualified paramedic and EMT staff to staff the County Ambulance service, Moody County Commissioners have implemented changes they hope will improve staffing levels.
The new strategy includes reducing the required working hours while increasing pay, and it is reportedly working one new hire is likely to join this week, said Commission Assistant Marty Skroch. Shifts are filled through the end of the month, and part-time staff are said to be requesting more hours.
To become more competitive with surrounding communities, particularly those with fully staffed ambulance services operated through local hospitals, the county felt it necessary to approve the smaller shift requirements for staff.
What that looks like, instead of seven 24-hour shifts per pay period, staff will now be required to work five 24-hour shifts. Additionally, those on call will have the flexibility to work from home.
The move follows years of struggles in regard to staffing. Lately, and unbeknownst to many in need of the service, the county has relied heavily on one single full-time employee to maintain operations.
Moody County is still in search of a full-time EMT or paramedic, but the changes have brought about some optimism.
While it will still be tough to compete with surrounding communities, we believe that a more manageable workload will be more appealing to potential hires, said Skroch.
The changes and the new hires are significant, and reflect a trend that needs addressing in many rural areas across America. Innovative solutions are increasingly needed to ensure that essential services in communities like Moody County are maintained.