West Virginia is in the middle of a targeted campaign to expand the first responder workforce in the state, and after one year, progress has been made.
The state added 653 first responders since last August, including four hundred 65 new EMTs and 57 paramedics.
In addition, statewide instructors have improved testing for the National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians by twenty-one percent.
“This program’s growth has been remarkable, and it is important the people of West Virginia understand its significance,” Gov. Justice said. “Our amazing EMS workers are heroes who always run to the fire, but they do not grow on trees. They are few and far between, and this program continues to provide the resources and training to help develop more of them in our communities. I am confident we will continue to grow this profession in our state, reduce the workload on our current workers, and safeguard the people of West Virginia for generations to come.”
