Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

02/28/2023

BACKGROUND

The Texas legislature, through SB8, has provided DSHS (Department of State Health Services) $21.7 million dollars for funding education and recruitment programs for EMS. DSHS has distributed these funds to the RACs across Texas. STRAC received $2 million to assist EMS agencies. STRAC is accepting applications from EMS agencies to provide paramedic training for their EMTs. Schertz EMS is seeking to apply as a sponsor for up to six (6) EMT's.

Applications are being processed on a first come, first served basis. Individuals desiring a scholarship for EMS Education must be sponsored by an EMS Transport Provider operating within the STRAC region. All recipients of EMS Workforce dollars will be required to work at least 96 hours per month on an ambulance for either 1 year (EMT Certification) or 2 years (AEMT or Paramedic Certification). Recipients that do not successfully complete their education or fulfill their post-certification work requirements will be required to repay their scholarship funds.

STRAC will make scholarship payments to the EMS Sponsoring Agency (City) prior to the student starting the course. The scholarship is to cover education, books, necessary materials, and the student's cost for one National Registry examination process at the following maximum amounts. City is required to provide proof of education payments back to STRAC for all funds received.

Amount paid will be the lesser of actual costs or these amounts per course:

$2,000 - Emergency Medical Technician (includes $98 fee for NR exam)
$3,200 - Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (includes $136 fee for NR exam)
$8,000 – Paramedic (includes $152 fee for NR exam)

GOAL

To approve an agreement to apply for a scholarship to provide paramedic training for up to six of our EMTs.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

To increase paramedic staffing providing Advanced Level Support (ALS) to the citizens we serve.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Consideration and action approving a Resolution to approve an agreement with Southwest Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) to participate in the EMS Workforce Education Funding Program.

FISCAL IMPACT

The scholarship will provide up to $8,000 for each EMT accepted. As a sponsoring agency, Schertz EMS will be reimbursed for tuition, books and testing fees. The only cost not reimbursed will be the cost for the school uniform (~$100) and State certification ($96) per EMT.

RECOMMENDATION

Recommended that City Council approve Resolution 23-R-14.

Attachments
Resolution 23-R-14
Application
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