CALUMET COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A shortage of Emergency Medical Service providers has those currently working in the field, looking for some assistance of their own.
EMS workers like Ryan McClintock, an Emergency Medical Technician in Brillion, tells FOX 11 responding to calls on time isn’t always easy.
“It’s life or death, and with a shortage of EMTs who is going to be there, who is designated to help that person.”
McClintock has been an EMT in rural Wisconsin for the last 20 years and described it as both rewarding and hard work.
“I work for anywhere from a 24 to a 36-hour shift straight, granted that’s a lower volume service. It’s certainly not a large portion of your retirement fund, but it’s good to know you provided help during someone’s time of need and helped your community.”
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health, there are a little more than 17,000 EMS workers, and 37% of those are volunteers.
About 40 percent of all EMS workers in the state are working 24-hour shifts or longer, and a handful are working for no compensation.
“It’s not a real money maker for the people in rural areas and it takes a lot of dedication so you have to have a real calling for this,” explained Jim Boland.
He has worked as an advanced EMT for the last 20 years and said the love he has for his job also lead him to become the Emergency Medical Instructor for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
“I always say there are four accomplishments in life, the first is passing your EMT class, passing the national test, bringing in new life, and bringing someone back that was deceased. I’ve accomplished all those things and I want that for you.”
Boland tells FOX 11 it’s unfortunate that more people aren’t interested in the program, especially with it leading to so many other opportunities.
He also believes it’s something anyone can do, and overall very rewarding.
“We need more people, we really do. Moms, Dads, Grandpas, we need those people in our field.”
