Emergency medical responders, EMTs and paramedics can expect to make approximately $30,000-$45,000 per year. | Mikhail Nilov/Pexels
Emergency medical responders, EMTs and paramedics can expect to make approximately $30,000-$45,000 per year. | Mikhail Nilov/Pexels
Emergency medical services in Cobb County are looking to combat a shortage of emergency medical technicians, an issue affecting the entire country due to COVID-19, by offering the training needed for the job free of charge.
Central EMS in Roswell is offering thousands of dollars in free classes for people who want to become emergency medical responders, EMTs and paramedics who can expect to make approximately $30,000-$45,000 per year, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
"There's no student debt incurred to the person," Jonathan Walker, Central EMS training manager, told Fox 5 Atlanta.
Jack Roeser is among 33 people who received free training to become an emergency medical responder upon completion, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. It's the first time the company has offered the two-year program for free. In exchange, students sign a two-year employment contract.
"We're investing heavily, hopefully to help healthcare industry as a whole," Walker said.
Because the pandemic staffing levels are so dire in Cobb County, officials have encouraged residents to only call 911 for immediate emergencies, so resources aren't tied up with frivolous calls, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
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