PARAMEDIC CRISIS: SMWC offers Paramedic to BSN degree online

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An unexpected national and local crisis among first responders: A recent study of medical first-aid responders turnover found that 39% of part-time emergency management technicians (EMTs) and 55% of part-time paramedic positions went unfilled because of a lack of qualified candidates.

Nearly every industry has dealt with staffing shortages since the start of the pandemic, but few occupations can mean the difference between life and death, like that of an EMT or paramedic.

“It’s a crisis,” Posey Township Volunteer Fire Chief Cody Barnard. “We respond to everything when we are called. We can provide medical care while waiting for an ambulance.”

Many firefighters are trained as EMTs but need to be fully trained paramedics who can provide emergency care to patients with life-threatening medical or traumatic emergencies, which are slowly disappearing.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students complete a minimum of 170 hours to assess a patient and determine if any life-threatening injuries or illnesses may occur.

Paramedic (PM) students complete a course between 1,200 to 1,800 hours and may last six to 12 months. Topics include anatomy and physiology, cardiology, medications, and medical procedures.

Recently, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College announced that it would add an online bridge Paramedic to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Marcia Miller, Ph.D., RN, and dean of the division of nursing and sciences said that the program would start in January with the first cohort.

The online program has been designed for paramedics who completed an associate of applied arts, an associate of science degree from another higher education institution, or hold a paramedic license in the state of Indiana without additional earned higher education credit.

According to the SMWC press release, the US healthcare industry is encountering the most devastating workforce shortage since World War II. As a result of the excessive patient burden of COVID-19, healthcare facilities throughout the nation have struggled on every level of care, including first responders, ancillary support staff, and nurses.

“SMWC will be one of just a few colleges in the country that will offer a program that will allow a paramedic to earn their BSN online with a flexible schedule to allow them to work while they learn,” said Marcia Miller, Ph.D., RN, and dean of the division of nursing and sciences.

For more information, visit smwc.edu/nursing.

Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department

“Think of it this way,” said Barnard. “If your loved one is injured and not breathing, and you ain’t got a clue how to do CPR or are willing to listen to dispatch walk you through it, and you’re waiting 20-30 minutes for an ambulance to get there, what chance does your loved one have?”