The CMH EMS training program will enhance didactic and hands-on training opportunities for EMTs, Paramedics, and Community Paramedics who are located within rural service areas and serve rural populations. Funding will supplement evidence-based training skills and provide enhance technology training through simulation equipment. Training will include a particular focus on addressing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions through trauma-informed, recovery-based care and treatment. Approximately 70 EMS department employees who serve approximately 10,000 individuals annually through pre-hospital services will be trained through SAMHSA funding. The following goals and objectives will expand recruitment efforts and educational/training resources, and achieve funding purposes to effectively serve rural populations who encounter EMS personnel. The program date is 9/30/23 through 9/29/24.
Goal 1: Expand recruitment and training of EMS personnel who will qualify for licensure/certification standards and sufficiently meet service delivery needs.
Objective 1-1: Recruit and train 8 EMTs, 4 Paramedics, and 6 Community Paramedics within the first year of funding through in-house training and online resources.
Objective 1-2: Assist all trained EMS personnel to meet state licensure requirements and certification standards.
Goal 2: Expand training and knowledge of all EMS personnel on substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders through in-house and online resources within 12 months of funding.
Objective 2-1: Provide 4 hours of training to all EMS department personnel (projected unduplicated 70 individuals) EMTs, Paramedics, and Community Paramedics through online and in-person resources to expand knowledge of substance use disorder and mental health disorders within first 12 months of funding.
Objective 2-2: Within 12 months of funding, train all 70 EMS personnel to provide coordinated care services and warm referrals to other hospital stakeholders and specialties for historically underserved individuals (i.e., home health, social work, SUD, mental/behavioral health, OBGYN, etc.)