EMT, paramedic shortage concerns El Paso County Commissioners

EL PASO, Texas -- The shortage of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) and paramedics is a national issue that has drawn the attention of El Paso County Commissioners Court.

Rachel Harracksingh, president of Life Ambulance Service, told commissioners that Texas approved legislation last week to help with funding for education for EMS (Emergency Medical Service) professionals.

Harracksingh said that the county portion has not been affected, as they have still been able to retain staff.

But on the other hand, she said El Paso has been more impacted by the lack of EMT's because of the care being provided at Fort Bliss to thousands of unaccompanied migrant children and to the Afghan refugees.  

“El Paso is unique because we do have those two camps here that are recruiting a lot of the paramedics and EMT's that would normally be available for our community,” said Harracksingh. “It's our city portion that's being affected by the shortage.”

Betsy Keller, El Paso County's chief administrator, said that she is hearing the exact same concern from other local employers, but added that the county could take the issue under advisement and look at utilizing American Rescue Plan funds.

“One, I think this is a temporary situation and two, I think the need is so great that it would exhaust your funds fairly quickly, but it is something that the court can take under advisement if it so likes,” said Keller.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said he is worried several professions are experiencing lack of employees.

“We look at it from a community crisis of not having the right personnel in the most important areas, health care, teachers and first responders,” said Samaniego.