Hays County EMS Association

07/13/2026

Former EMS Union Leader Says First Responders Are Overworked

07/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jEJ1Chd7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Why are EMS clinicians leaving the profession?

Every EMT and paramedic who leaves EMS represents more than a vacant position. They take with them years of experience, clinical judgment, mentorship, and knowledge that are difficult to replace.

A recent national study by Gage and colleagues sought to better understand the factors associated with EMS clinicians' intentions to leave the profession. Their findings highlight an important message for EMS leaders: while stress and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to influence workforce decisions, **job satisfaction was the strongest factor associated with the likelihood of leaving EMS.**

The study found that the most commonly reported reasons for considering leaving EMS included:

🚑 Increased occupational stress

🦠 Lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

📉 Job dissatisfaction

🎓 Pursuing additional education (particularly among EMTs)

The researchers also found differences based on agency type. Clinicians working for hospital-based, private, and non-fire government EMS agencies were more likely to report intentions to leave than those working within fire-based EMS systems.

These findings reinforce something many EMS professionals have been saying for years:

Retention isn't just about recruitment.

It's about creating workplaces where people want to stay.

Competitive pay matters. Career advancement matters. Mental health support matters. Leadership matters. Feeling valued matters.

As someone whose research focuses on preventive mental wellness and workforce sustainability, I believe improving retention requires addressing both **individual well-being** and **organizational culture**. Healthy clinicians are more likely to remain in the profession when they also work in healthy organizations.

Supporting EMS professionals isn't just an investment in employees—it's an investment in patient care, organizational stability, and the future of emergency medical services.

💬 In your opinion, what is the single biggest factor driving experienced EMS clinicians to leave the profession?

**Article Citation:**
Gage, C. B., Cooke, C. B., Powell, J. R., Kamholz, J. C., Kurth, J. D., van den Bergh, S., & Panchal, A. R. (2025). *Factors associated with emergency medical clinicians leaving EMS.* *Prehospital Emergency Care*. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2024.2436047

05/27/2026

We stand with SAPFFA! Keep fighting and we are here to help however needed.

05/26/2026

Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m., San Antonio Firefighters will hold a press conference at our Union Hall (8925 IH‑10 W, 78230) to address the wrongful termination of one of our own — a firefighter/paramedic who followed every rule, yet was forced out of the department anyway.

We’re asking our community, our supporters, and anyone who believes in fairness to watch live, share this message, or stop by the Union Hall to stand with this firefighter and his family. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. And together, we can make sure this wrong is made right.

📍 San Antonio Professional Firefighters Union Hall
8925 IH‑10 W, San Antonio, TX 78230
🕙 Wednesday, May 27 — 10:00 a.m.

05/17/2026

🚑💙 Happy EMS Week from the Hays County EMS Association 💙🚑

This week, we recognize the EMTs and Paramedics who dedicate their lives to serving others when help is needed most. From early mornings to sleepless nights, difficult calls to lifesaving moments, EMS professionals continue to show unwavering commitment, courage, and compassion to the communities we serve.

As EMS providers ourselves, we know the sacrifices this profession requires. The missed holidays, long shifts, mental and physical exhaustion, and the responsibility carried on every single call are things only those in this field truly understand. EMS Week is about honoring the men and women who continue to answer that call with pride and professionalism every day.

The Hays County EMS Association is proud to stand beside and represent the hardworking EMTs and Paramedics here at SMHCEMS. Your dedication to patient care, your service to the community, and your commitment to this profession do not go unnoticed.

To every EMT and Paramedic out there, thank you for what you do, thank you for what you sacrifice, and thank you for continuing to serve.

We are proud to work alongside you.
We are proud to represent you.
And we are proud to call you family.

Happy EMS Week.

05/15/2026

Congratulations to EMT J. Soto, Paramedic N. Valadez, and Capt. C. Wilson on receiving their Stork Awards for their outstanding care and professionalism during the successful delivery of a healthy baby boy on May 1st! 👶🚑

A special thank you to the Kyle Fire Department Engine 22 crew for their teamwork and assistance during this unforgettable call. Because of the quick actions and dedication of everyone involved, mom and baby are both home and recovering well.

Moments like these highlight the heart of emergency services and the impact first responders make in our community every day.

04/14/2026

https://tml.careerwebsite.com/job/ems-chief/83182502/

A new EMS Chief job is available in San Marcos, Texas. Check it out on Texas Municipal League.