Building the Next Generation of Paramedics at WCHS

Rural patients typically face EMS call and transport times over 40 minutes longer than the national average. Specifically, in Nebraska, the average resident lives roughly 130 miles from the highest-level of trauma care. The state's only Level 1 or Level 2 trauma centers are located in Omaha and Lincoln. This means that for initial stabilization, Nebraskans typically rely on ground ambulances to travel up to 60-90 minutes to reach a Level 4 trauma center, like WCHS's Emergency Room, and/or depend on medical helicopter transport to receive high-levels intervention.  

"Given the long transport times our EMS team faces, having a strong and reliable emergency medical services workforce on our reservation is essential," said Mona Zuffante, Chief Public Health Officer. "Like many rural and Tribal communities, we've struggled to recruit and retain qualified paramedics who are committed to serving our community. We recognized that if we wanted a sustainable workforce, we needed to invest in growing our own from within the community." 

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Trainee Program was created to build a pathway for local individuals who are passionate about serving their community to become Paramedics in their community. This two-year program strengthens the emergency response bandwidth by allowing us to recruit and mentor passionate EMS Trainees. These trainee drivers gain hands-on training and experience, while they work to complete their paramedic certification coursework.  

"The trainee program allowed me to see what paramedics do every day and learn from an incredible team," explains a recent graduate of the program, Mia Regalado. "This opportunity shape me into the paramedic I am today!”  

By developing a program that makes it possible for any community member to become a paramedic and investing in the resources to support a healthy work life balance for our first responders. WCHS hopes to generate a steady workforce of paramedics who are prepared to respond when help is needed. To learn more, visit:wchs.health/emergency-medical-services.