Feenstra Backs Legislation to Protect Access to Emergency Medical Services in Rural Communities

HULL, IOWA – Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) cosponsored legislation to protect and fund emergency medical services in rural communities.

The Preserve Access to Rapid Ambulance Emergency Medical Treatment Act or the PARA–EMT Act for short would establish a grant program for rural communities to recruit, train, and retain paramedics and emergency medical technicians. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the United States will face a shortage of 42,000 emergency medical personnel by 2030.

“As a former volunteer EMT with the Hull Ambulance Service for fifteen years, I know firsthand the importance of reliable emergency medical services in our rural communities. These folks – many of whom are volunteers – respond to medical emergencies, accidents, and many other life-threatening situations, administering professional, lifesaving care and expecting nothing in return,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to support the PARA-EMT Act to ensure that our rural communities have the resources that they need to recruit qualified medical personnel, train new paramedics and EMTs, and retain these heroes who face higher levels of burnout and stress. I will continue to advocate for greater investments in our rural emergency medical services to keep our families and communities safe.”

This legislation requires that at least 20% of the approved grants be deployed to rural communities. It would also call upon the U.S. Secretary of Labor and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a survey on the state of emergency medical services nationwide and in rural communities and provide Congress with a full report.

Full legislative text can be found HERE.

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