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Advocates call for state help for paramedic training costs to shore up EMS workforce
Summary
Witnesses told the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee that paramedic training costs — often thousands of dollars and sometimes due before graduation — are a barrier that contributes to a short, stressed EMS workforce. James Meany of the Advancing Heroes Fund urged the committee to support HB 7131 and to fund paramedic tuition,
Advocates for emergency medical services asked the committee to back HB 7131 and related measures to reduce the cost burden of paramedic training and stabilize the state’s EMS workforce.
James Meany, founding member of the Advancing Heroes Fund, called EMS personnel "Connecticut's strongest" and described training costs of about $11,500 for paramedics. He said paramedic training can equal about 25% of an EMT’s annual pay and that many trainees must pay out of pocket or on payment plans that must be satisfied before receiving certification. Meany told lawmakers the state should treat paramedic education similarly to firefighter training and provide public funding to reduce drop‑outs and workforce churn.
Speakers pointed to national data showing high attrition and burnout in EMT/paramedic ranks and urged state action to fund training and support retention, including tuition assistance and stronger reimbursement models. No committee vote was taken at the hearing.
