HULL, Iowa—This week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce the Preserve Access to Rapid Ambulance Emergency Medical Treatment Act – the PARA–EMT Act for short – which would establish a grant program for rural communities to recruit, train, and retain paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the United States will face a shortage of 42,000 emergency medical personnel by 2030.

“Rapid emergency medical services are critical for our families and seniors in our rural communities where seconds can be a matter of life and death. As a former volunteer EMT with the Hull Ambulance Service for fifteen years, I know that we need to invest in rural emergency response to ensure that when Iowans dial 911, first responders are on the scene as quickly as possible,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad to help introduce the PARA-EMT Act to deliver the financial resources that our rural communities need to recruit qualified medical personnel, train new paramedics and EMTs, and retain these heroes who face higher levels of burnout and stress. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which handles aspects of healthcare policy, I’ll continue to lead and support legislation that invests in rural EMS, protects our rural hospitals, and delivers affordable, reliable care for our families and seniors.”

This legislation requires that at least 20% of the approved grants be deployed to rural communities. It would also call upon the U.S. Secretary of Labor and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a survey on the state of emergency medical services nationwide and in rural communities and provide Congress with a full report.

Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull)