Violence may be to blame for paramedics shortage

(KSDK) An epidemic of violence in Missouri may be resulting in a critical shortage of paramedics.

St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson says his department is 20 paramedics short, with up to four employees quitting each month. Jenkerson blames burnout

“We have nobody left to interview. There’s nobody even left on the list,” said Jenkerson.

He blames burnout.

“They see too many traumas,” said Jenkerson. “The shootings. The traumatic injuries to young and small children. It has an effect.”

Jenkerson said the paramedic shortage is not impacting service times. He said there are firefighters with paramedic training working a lot of overtime, and the department is also relying on private ambulance services.

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