VIDEO: Cincinnati State is building the next generation of first responders amid a national shortage of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The EMT and Paramedic Program allows students to gain firsthand experience in hopes of bringing more EMTs and paramedics into the field.
"It's really about building the program and getting more students to come in ... to get to the paramedic level, you have to start as an EMT, so we're just adding more and more EMT classes to try and open that gateway up for students," said Shawn Stacy, program chair. According to JobsOhio Regional Network, the demand for emergency medical technicians and paramedics is projected to increase by 3.6% in 2030. Despite that need, Madeira & Indian Hill Fire Chief Stephen Oughterson said departments continue to see a decrease in the number of applicants for EMTs.