Requesting the Joint Committee on Education and the Joint Committee on Health to study the cause and possible solutions to the issues surrounding the supply of current and demand for future emergency service personnel, including emergency medical technicians and paramedics in West Virginia.
The passage of HCR109 would lead to an in-depth analysis involving key stakeholders, including the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and various departments focused on education and health. These bodies are tasked with assessing current training availability, program enrollments, and anticipated workforce requirements. The findings from this study are intended to inform legislative recommendations to help address barriers to workforce adequacy, improve training opportunities, and ultimately enhance the emergency services available to the public.
House Concurrent Resolution 109, introduced by Delegates Riley, Statler, Rohrbach, and Ellington, calls for a comprehensive study on the current workforce supply and future demand for emergency service personnel in West Virginia. This resolution aims to address issues regarding the shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. By researching the causes of this workforce gap and exploring potential solutions, the resolution seeks to ensure an adequate supply of emergency personnel to meet the state's needs.
The sentiment surrounding HCR109 appears generally supportive among legislators, especially given the pressing need highlighted by the ongoing pandemic. However, there may be underlying concerns related to the implementation of proposed solutions, including the funding and expansion of training programs. The resolution reflects a recognition of the critical role that emergency service personnel play in public health and safety, and aims to create a strategic approach to workforce development in this vital sector.
Some potential points of contention may arise during the study, particularly regarding funding sources for expanding training programs and whether existing obstacles to enrollment in these programs can be overcome. Additionally, stakeholders may have differing views on the best methods for addressing workforce shortages, raising discussions around investments in education, training, and job incentives. As the study progresses, it will be essential to balance immediate emergency personnel needs with long-term sustainability of the workforce supply.