Tripp County Ambulance Service is a recipient of part of $10 million in grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to recruit and train emergency medical services personnel in rural South Dakota.
The funds will be used to train 294 new emergency medical technicians (EMTs) over the next two years, as well as support 340 current EMTs to maintain licensure by providing financial support for their education.
The most challenging component of any EMS system is maintaining a capable and adequate workforce. A 2023 report by the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) highlights that the state’s EMS systems continue to struggle with recruitment and retention, leading to problems with ambulance availability, and recommends significant investments in recruitment of EMTs.
“I’ve never seen such a large shortage of EMTs,” said Paul Schueth, an EMT I99 with 40 years of experience with Tripp County Ambulance and the grant’s project director. “A nearby county is looking at discontinuing their ambulance service due to staffing and another is paying volunteers from other communities to come and staff their service.”
The grant will provide $650 in financial support for each of the new 294 students to become EMTs through Sanford Health’s hybrid EMT training. The training follows a hybrid model where students can take the training online while also getting a chance to learn and practice their EMT skills under expert EMTs in their communities.
Tripp County has a history of securing funding to grow the EMS workforce in South Dakota and train the next generation of rural EMTs. With support from the University of South Dakota, Tripp County has secured over $800,000 in grant funding for EMT training over the last three years and trained 196 students through grant funding so far.
“We are excited to continue to partner with Tripp County to offer this training and appreciate their leadership on tackling this important issue,” said Travis Spier EMS Instructor and Enterprise Director of Sanford Health’s Center for Pre-Hospital Care and Simulation.
The first class funded under this SAMSHA grant initiative starts on Jan.13th, 2025. Rural residents in western and central South Dakota interested in the program are encouraged to express their interest by contacting Travis Spier at 605-328-6389 or email at EMSservices@sanfordhealth.org. Further inquiries about the grant should be address to the project director, Paul Schueth, at winneramb@gwtc.net.
