EMS Staffing, Funding In Crisis Across Wisconsin

Friday, February 3rd, 2023 -- 10:01 AM

(Ted Ehlen) The shortage of Emergency Medical Service providers is reaching a crisis stage across the state of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health reports nearly 41% of EMS units in the state have a staff of six or less, and 21% have only two to three on hand.  41% of ambulance services also reported periods where they were unavailable to respond to a 911 call.

In addition to staffing, funding is also a challenge, with one-third of EMS services in the state projected to run out of money this year.  In addition, 78% of ambulance services were forced to call on neighboring communities’ EMS units for help because their community was understaffed.

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