A-K Health Foundation footing the bill for EMT certification to help alleviate responder crisis

Free EMT training by the Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation will help stop the bleed for ambulance services hit hard by dwindling funding and worker shortages, local officials said.

John Pastorek, president of the Harrison-based foundation, said his group will pay up to $21,000 to cover EMT training for 21 students, beginning in March.

“One of the barriers to people getting trained is that it costs $1,000,” Pastorek said. “In our Valley, it’s difficult for people to work all day and then drive to Monroeville or IUP for classes. We’ll offer it right here.”

The EMT course taught by Community College of Allegheny County adjunct Professor Randi Shank will be at the foundation’s office, One Acee Drive. Classes will run from 6 to 10 p.m. two nights a week, with a tentative start date of March 20.

“It is definitely a win for the students because the foundation takes care of the cost,” Shank said. “And it’s a win for the agencies around here because those that graduate are certified for ground-level entry and can work anywhere.”

Workers are sorely needed across the Alle-Kiski Valley, both men said.

According to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, more than 2,600 EMTs allowed their certifications to expire in 2021.

In a 2018 report, the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute estimated the number of paid EMS totaled 17,000 in the state, down from a high of about 30,000.

Citizens Hose EMS Supervisor Jim Erb likened the foundation’s free training to a tourniquet, saying it puts a much-needed bandage on the crisis that has befallen emergency services.

“Funding and worker shortages will eventually be figured out, or there will be no EMS services to protect and serve the residents of small municipalities,” Erb said.

“With highly qualified personnel leaving the profession to provide their families with better wages, we need a way to train the folks willing to take the job.”

No medical background required

The upcoming class will provide lifesaving skills and job opportunities to people who aren’t required to have any medical background.

The course includes textbook learning along with hands-on activities. It’s a hard class, Pastorek said, but people who apply themselves will pass the exam.

Once that happens, graduates will be certified to work in any state in the nation.

“We hope they stay in the Valley, but if they save a life in Tennessee, so what? That’s good,” Pastorek said.

Shank said the certification will provide people with an “entryway into a wide open medical career,” if so desired.

Some people who take the class go on to become paramedics or physical assistants. Others might be looking to enhance their job by being EMT-trained.

“If you’re a firefighter, maybe you want to be able to expand your help on-scene,” Pastorek said.

Erb thanked the foundation, saying the funding will be directly responsible for new EMTs who might assist elderly people after a fall or transport someone to a trauma center after a catastrophic injury.

“It will be a huge help,” Erb said. “(The foundation) took our vision and made it their vision, and then made it a reality. To think that they plan to fund this class, here in Harrison, is mind-blowing and heartwarming.

“To be able to train at least 15 more people with the skills to save someone’s life is huge for our A-K Valley communities.”

The class requires a minimum of 15 students and will max out at 21.

Anyone interested can call 724-294-3157.