Central Texas organization expands EMS training across the state

AUSTIN (KXAN) --- A new Central Texas organization is focused on getting more emergency medics out on the streets and responding to calls.

Texas Rescue Med travels to different parts of the state and provides life-saving training.

"They learn everything that's required by the national curriculum. Our goal is to make sure that they are a fully functioning EMT that can step on an ambulance tomorrow and actually go to work," said Texas Rescue Med Owner Dan Kramer.

Kramer said they offer both online and in-person courses.

"Trying to serve under-served populations across the State of Texas. Really just trying to bring training out for folks that need it."

Dan Kramer, Texas Rescue Med Owner

Since launching in March, Kramer said they've trained about 50 people and up to eight fire departments. The idea came to him after years of serving as a fire chief and discussions with other stations.

"They said, 'We just need to be able to hire people that are totally uncertified off the streets, put them through training, and get them out on the streets so that we can fill the seats that we have,'" Kramer said.

Kramer said they already have six to seven departments signed up for courses in the new year.

'There is a demand'

Texas EMS Alliance President Butch Oberhoff said there's a need for medics because of an ongoing workforce shortage.

"There is a demand for EMS professionals in every county in Texas and really every state in the United States."

Butch Oberhoff, Texas EMS Alliance President

While the need is widespread, Oberhoff said rural areas tend to struggle the most with access to EMS education.

"Like many other industries and areas of healthcare, the rural areas have the biggest challenge. There are fewer educational opportunities. There are just fewer people," Oberhoff said. "It's very difficult for rural EMS agencies to stay staffed and to find folks."

Kramer hopes to lighten the load for those areas, and ultimately give back to an industry that's given so much to him.

"Take that gift and give it to somebody else," Kramer said. "They can get into this career that I enjoyed, and they can take it from there and see their long, fruitful career at the end."

Oberhoff said they're doing more outreach to educate people on the benefits of becoming a medic.

"There's definitely a lot of growth opportunity. You can start from zero and within two years be certified as a paramedic," Oberhoff said. "I would say it's pretty common to be looking at an annual salary of $70,000 a year and usually with no student debt."