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Description

Florida’s emergency medical services (EMS) and fire service agencies face an unprecedented workforce crisis. Compounded by demographic shifts, rising call volumes, and mounting mental health challenges, many EMS agencies are struggling to recruit and retain qualified personnel. Existing models of recruitment—centered on short-term bonuses or messaging emphasizing sacrifice—are failing to resonate with new generations of workers, who prioritize mental wellness, career progression, and work-life balance. Additionally, outdated training pipelines and a decline in volunteerism, especially in rural areas, have weakened the traditional workforce structure, creating gaps that threaten the stability of emergency response systems statewide.

To address these challenges, the report highlights opportunities for strategic, evidence-based reforms to help stabilize and modernize the EMS workforce. These opportunities include expanding access to scholarships and paid training, establishing career ladders and leadership development pathways, and creating a positive, supportive workplace culture to combat burnout and improve job satisfaction. Strengthening onboarding, mentorship, and employee engagement, along with robust data monitoring and evaluation, are essential to ensure these initiatives deliver measurable results. Investing in a resilient, well-prepared EMS workforce is not just an operational imperative—it is a public safety priority that demands coordinated policy and leadership action.

Publication Date

8-2025

Comments

This report is the intellectual property of the Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services (FL-CEMS) at the University of South Florida. It may be shared freely for non-commercial use with proper attribution. No part of this publication may be reproduced for sale or profit without express permission.

Crisis on the Frontlines: Recruitment and Retention Challenges in EMS

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