Michigan's new $5M program to recruit, train first responders leaves out many EMS agencies

By Leila Merrill

ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Michigan’s new $5 million grant program to help local governments recruit and train first responders is not accessible to many EMS agencies, the executive director of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services told WXYZ recently .

“Unfortunately, this isn’t going to solve our staffing shortage,” said Angela Madden of MAAS, who said the state is currently short 1,000 EMS providers.

“In 2021, 68% of Michigan EMS transports were handled by non-governmental agencies, who are not eligible for this grant program," she said.

Madden said that addressing the current EMS staffing shortfall would require about $20 million to train EMTs and paramedics.

She said she wants the new grant program to be a sign of more good things to come to address the recruiting and training need and that MAAS is “100% open and excited” to work with the governor and other lawmakers.