Tuesday, June 10, 2025
6/10/2025
Union Ambulance District's EMS Training Program - The purpose of Union Ambulance District’s (UAD) Training Program is to recruit and train EMS personnel in its rural county. The goal of the project is to advance the skills of EMS personnel in Franklin County to enhance their capabilities when responding to mental health crises and substance use disorder emergencies by providing an evidence-based Training Program that incorporates addressing substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. UAD will expand its existing training program through partnerships with EMS agencies to ensure EMS personnel receive ongoing continuing education and scholarships for specialized training so that they can advance their skillsets and careers. The proposed project will include evidence-based training and provide enhanced technology training through simulation equipment. At minimum thirty-five personnel from UAD will be trained annually with continuing education courses. Additionally, the program will provide at minimum thirty scholarships for rural EMS providers in Franklin County looking to advance their skillsets. Overall, the program aims to ensure the 104,858 residents of Franklin County have access to quality care by having all levels of EMS providers serve the rural county. The number of individuals receiving education for the proposed project is to be seventy-five individuals. The catchment area is challenged with service gaps and barriers that include a decreasing EMS workforce, an overutilization of EMS specially with behavioral health calls, an aging population with co-morbidities and chronic illnesses that require a higher scope of practice workforce, and an overall limited health care service environment. UAD is partnering with the following entities: Rock Township Ambulance District, St. Charles County Ambulance District, Mehlville Fire Protection District, Washington County Ambulance District, and Mineral Area College. Goal 1: UAD’s Training Program will provide CEUs to the current EMS workforce in Franklin County to maintain licenses so that the current workforce can continue to serve as local EMS personnel. Objectives: 1. By December 31, 2024, UAD will hire 1 Project Director and 3 Field Training Officers to implement UAD’s Training Program. 2. By September 29, 2026, 34 EMS personnel from Union Ambulance District will be provided a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education units to maintain EMS licenses and certifications. 3. By September 29, 2026, UAD will provide a minimum of 500 hours for on-duty learning. Goal 2: UAD’s Training Program includes a particular focus on behavioral health so that EMS personnel can respond to the increasing overdose crisis. Objectives: 1. By September 29, 2025, 34 EMS personnel from Franklin County will complete UAD’s Training Program inclusive of training on mental and substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, recovery-based care, peer support, Naloxone in emergency opioid overdose situations, and motivational interviewing. 2. By December 31, 2024, UAD will develop procedures on providing a warm-hand off referral to a peer support specialist, a treatment facility, or harm reduction services. 3. By December 31, 2024, UAD will leverage the program to obtain Naloxone and purchase emergency medical services equipment. Goal 3: UAD’s Training Program will elevate the current EMS workforce in Franklin County by assisting their educational needs to serve as a Paramedic, Community Paramedic, or Critical Care Paramedic, retaining local EMS personnel with a higher scope of practice. Objectives: 1. By September 29, 2026, 10 EMTs in Franklin County will have enrolled in Paramedic course. 2. By September 29, 2026, 10 Paramedics in Franklin County a complete a Community Paramedic course and receive a state endorsement for their Paramedic license. 3. By September 29, 2026, 10 Paramedics in Franklin County will complete a Fundamental of Critical Care Transport course.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).