According to a press release from Governor Justice’s office, the EMS workforce in West Virginia has grown considerably over the past year. In early 2022, the state launched the “Answer the Call” initiative funded by federal COVID aid, largely aimed at growing the state’s EMS workforce.
According to the release, West Virginia’s EMS workforce has seen the following growth:
- Emergency medical responders – 40 personnel
- Emergency medical technicians – 456 personnel
- Advanced emergency medical technicians – 91
- Paramedics – 57
The West Virginia EMS Coalition has pushed for additional funding on the state level, with some success. But the group’s goal of a long-term, permanent source hasn’t been approved by the Legislature.