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Houston schools propose state-backed virtual EMS training to shore up volunteer and rural emergency responder ranks
Summary
House File 610 would appropriate $300,000 to Houston Public Schools (Minnesota Virtual Academy) to expand online emergency medical responder and EMT certification pathways statewide; proponents told the committee the program pairs virtual curriculum with regional hands-on partnerships and local testing sites.
Lawmakers in the House Workforce Committee heard Feb. 24 a request to use state funds to expand a virtual emergency medical responder (EMR) and emergency medical technician (EMT) training pathway run by Minnesota Virtual Academy and Houston Public Schools.
Why it matters: Rural and small-town ambulance services and volunteer emergency responders have seen significant declines in staffing since the pandemic. Testifiers said adding a virtual pathway that includes local hands-on clinicals and testing could help recruit and certify students while letting districts share training resources statewide.
Representative Davids presented House File 610, seeking $300,000…
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