It’s no secret that EMS providers across the state and country have experienced major staffing challenges due, in large part, to the pandemic. “Our leaders came together and said, ok let’s get creative and let’s recruit. Let’s pay people to come to school and then they can work for us,” said Brent Schnepp, an IU Health LifeLine EMS instructor. LifeLine has since established its own training institution for aspiring EMTs and paramedics. “It’s been a very successful program and we are narrowing down those major staffing gaps and we’re seeing a lot more retainment while creating that pathway to encourage people to stay with us.”