In May, during EMS Recognition Week, Michigan Association of Ambulance Services President, Jason MacDonald said, “The EMS staffing crisis is worsening every day and there’s unfortunately no end in site [sic].”
It’s estimated there’s a need for 1,000 Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics.
The state’s 2022 Fiscal Year budget invests $12.9 million for increasing Emergency Medical Services reimbursement rates. That should translate to increasing EMT and paramedics pay.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates Michigan’s annual mean wage is nearly $44,000.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is awarding $9 million in workforce development grants for training EMS staff. It wants to increase accessibility to training. Applicants must currently be licensed by a municipal or private EMS agency.
Applicants can receive up to $350,000 toward an approved Michigan EMS education program. Grants will be awarded beginning February 1, 2023 and ending September 30, 2023. Grants must be submitted electronically and received by December 21st.
For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select "About EGrAMS" link in the left panel to access the "Competitive Application Instructions" training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “EMSW-2023” grant program.
