I-Team Investigation: ‘Rush to Respond’
PALM DESERT, Calif (KESQ) - A shortfall in qualified paramedics. It's an urgent need in the Coachella Valley that has emergency officials concerned. I-Team investigator Peter Daut dug into this growing problem, and what one local college is now doing about it.
Experts say the need for paramedics is a national health emergency, especially in places like the Coachella Valley with a growing older population. But soon in the Valley, for the first time ever, there will be a paramedic program.
In 911 emergencies, paramedics can mean the difference between life and death. Just ask Eric Aldana, whose wife nearly died when she went into labor for their child.
"She bled out. So we had to call EMS, and during that time I wish I had the knowledge to provide that pre-hospital care before they came," Aldana said.
The 29-year-old said the experience made him realize the crucial role of paramedics, and soon he will be among the first students ever enrolled in the new EMS Paramedic Academy at College of the Desert.
"There's a shortage, so I feel like there should be a lot more people applying and studying for EMS paramedic," he said.
Riverside County/CAL Fire Division Chief Mike Beverlin said the paramedic shortage is due to two factors: First, the Valley's aging population continues to grow, creating the need for more positions like paramedics and nurses. Second, during the pandemic, some training facilities shut down, diminishing supply.
"In 2023, we were down almost 100 paramedics just from my agency and that's a pretty standard trend for most places our size," he said. Daut asked him: "Why is it so important to have the right amount of paramedics?" Beverlin replied, "All of our communities need paramedics. We have them now. We need more and we're growing. We're going to be opening up new stations throughout the Coachella Valley in the next few years, so there's a need now and there's a need in the future."
COD's year-long program can take up to 30 students per year, all at no cost. They must already be trained as emergency medical technicians or EMT's. "They'll learn intubation, how to start IVs, medical treatment that is more advanced than what they learned as EMTs. The faculty that we've hired all have real-world experience as paramedics, so they can give that insight to the students," program director Laurie Green said.
So far, nearly all the accepted applicants are from the Coachella Valley, and the hope is they will remain here after they graduate. Aldana grew up in Indio, and his goal is to eventually work there as a firefighter-paramedic. "What is it about being a paramedic that appeals to you?" Daut asked him. He replied, "Just giving back to the community and providing the best pre-hospital care in the Valley."
Right now, there are about 760 working paramedics in the County, which is only about 30 more than what we had in 2023. COD's paramedic program begins in the spring. For more information, head to https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/acad-prog/applied-science-business/public-safety-academy/ems/default.php