(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The head of the organization that represents private ambulance companies in Illinois says the sector has been hit hard by the Great Resignation.
The Illinois Ambulance Association says turnover among Emergency Medical Technicians has hit 40%. It adds that the average wait time for a private ambulance transport in Chicago is 12 hours.
Group president Chris Vandenberg said a number of people who work on private ambulance crews have quit to take jobs in the public sector, or to leave the field entirely.
He said private ambulance companies are having a hard time offering a salary that's competitive in the tight labor market.
Vandenberg called on state lawmakers to enact two measures that could level the playing field.
He is asking Illinois government to provide $55 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
"To reimburse providers for expenses that are pandemic-related,” Vandeberg said.
He also wants legislators to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate.
"We need an increase to cover the cost of the services so that we can continue to increase the level of pay that we have for the EMTs and paradmedics," Vandenberg said.
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