Klobuchar Urges Vets to Become EMTs

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is introducing legislation that helps reduce the shortage of much-needed emergency medical personnel in rural communities while simultaneously increasing job opportunities for returning veterans. The amendment, to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, would streamline civilian paramedic training for returning veterans who already have emergency medical experience as a result of their military service.

The Minnesota DFL-er says, "When emergencies happen, families in rural communities should not have to worry about the availability of medical personnel. She says there is an abundance of returning veterans who have significant medical training and experience. "They're an ideal talent pool to relieve the severe shortage of emergency medical personnel in rural communities."

The amendment would accelerate and streamline the transition to civilian employment for returning veterans who already have emergency medical training.

The amendment would authorize federal grants for universities, colleges, technical schools, and State EMS agencies to develop an appropriate curriculum to train these veterans and fast-track their eligibility for paramedic certification. A standard paramedic training program can take one to two years to complete.