Indiana Emergency Medical Services Workforce July 15, 2024 Student Technical Report

Abstract

This report summarizes findings from the Indiana EMS Student Pulse Check survey, administered through the state’s ACADIS training and certification system between October 2023 and June 2024. Eight EMS trainees responded, providing self‑reported information on demographics, training experiences, employment intentions, and factors influencing career decisions. Respondents showed limited racial diversity, equal gender distribution, and minimal prior EMS experience. Most were enrolled in EMT certification programs and learned about EMS careers through personal connections. Students estimated an average training cost of $813.75 and anticipated an average hourly wage of $27.13 upon completion. They reported high comfort with common emergency scenarios but lower comfort with cases involving sexual assault or pediatric death. Employment preferences centered on fire department or hospital‑based ambulance services, with flexible scheduling, commute time, and reimbursement for recertification costs rated as influential factors. Despite the small sample size, the survey provides preliminary insight into the training pipeline, career motivations, and anticipated workforce needs among early‑stage EMS trainees in Indiana.