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Executive Summary

Florida's emergency medical services system depends on a reliable pipeline of well- trained EMTs and paramedics. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) first-attempt pass rates serve as a critical benchmark for program quality and workforce readiness. Florida has consistently underperformed relative to national averages, particularly at the paramedic level, raising concerns about the quality and consistency of EMS education statewide and its implications for workforce readiness and public safety.

In 2024, Florida's paramedic programs achieved a 59.9% first-attempt pass rate, nearly 18 percentage points below the national average of 77.9%. This gap represents more than a testing outcome. It reflects potential weaknesses in educational quality that directly affect the state's capacity to staff ambulances, respond to emergencies, and deliver prehospital care. While some training organizations in Florida exceed the national average, the majority fall significantly below it, suggesting that program-level characteristics may influence outcomes.

Publication Date

4-1-2026

Policy Brief for Training the Lifeline: Florida EMS NREMT Performance and Program Quality

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