Over 10,000 military medics entered life after service in 2012, according to the Daily Journal, and that number has only risen. Many of those medics have the skills and training to work in first responder jobs. One Act of Congress hopes to make it easier for these veterans to pursue careers as emergency medical technicians.
The Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2015 will expedite the certification process and make it easier for veterans to get jobs as EMTs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistic's Occupational Outlook reported a 23 percent growth rate of emergency medical jobs between 2012 and 2022. That is about 55,000 new jobs available for veterans. The BLS hopes that some of these positions will be filled by veterans and help reduce combat veteran unemployment.
Some major components of the Act include waivers for veterans when it comes to state requirements, giving priority to states in need of first responders and an amendment to the Public Health Service Act which would make a certification fast track for veterans.
The Act was introduced in February and is still under examination and has yet to be voted on.