ATCEMS is expanding its hiring efforts amid record calls and staffing challenges in west Travis County. The department has seen a significant increase in call volume, particularly in areas like Bee Cave and Lakeway, which have experienced substantial population growth over the past decade.

Staffing Challenges

Staffing vacancies within the department have led to increased overtime for existing personnel, resulting in a consistent increase in ATCEMS’s overtime budget. According to James Monks, president of the Austin EMS Association, the vacancies make it difficult for ATCEMS to request additional resources.

ATCEMS has increased academy sizes in the past year and received a record number of applicants. Since January, ATCEMS has received 461 applications for the academy, breaking the previous record. In May, 33 participants graduated from the academy, nearly doubling the previous December graduating class.

Recruitment Efforts

Austin Community College has also seen an increase in the number of students completing Emergency Medical Services Professions programs. ACC offers training for emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, and paramedics. The college has partnered with Hays CISD, Pflugerville ISD, and healthcare providers to launch the Central Texas Healthcare Academy.

ATCEMS expects to fill nearly half of the current vacancies after the July academy concludes. The department faces ongoing challenges in reducing overtime while maintaining service levels, but the increase in recruits is expected to help expand services and resources.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.