ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County Fire Rescue recently obtained a $99,580 federal grant to expand mental health and substance use disorder response capabilities while addressing a paramedic shortage in the region.
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The Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant, awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services, will fund advanced certification training for 15 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to become paramedics, specifically enhancing emergency response in rural areas.
“These efforts will directly translate into lives saved through improved treatment and community education surrounding substance use and mental health,” Bob Snell, deputy chief of operations, said.
The specialized training program addresses a growing need for advanced emergency medical response to mental health situations.
Currently, St. Johns County Fire Rescue has over 250 people with at least an EMT certification, allowing them to administer first aid. The training will allow for 15 to receive an additional paramedic certification, allowing for increased capabilities.
“The paramedic level of care is more advanced so they’re allowed to give medication, start IVs, do that advanced level of care that’s offered before you get to the emergency room,” SJCFR’s Chris Naff explained.
The grant arrives at a crucial time for the county’s emergency services.
“There’s a paramedic shortage in the state right now, so this allows our current employees to get the training that they need moving forward,” Naff said.
The department currently maintains about 284 paramedics. The county said this expansion will benefit rural areas within St. Johns County, improving emergency response capabilities in traditionally underserved communities.
Beyond enhancing emergency medical services, the grant provides career advancement opportunities for current EMTs without requiring personal financial investment while also creating a career development pathway within the department, allowing EMTs to progress to paramedic certification while remaining in service to their communities.
The county said that the enhanced training program will directly benefit the new Flagler Estates area, where construction continues on the $3.8 million Fire Station 21 along with the new facility for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
The project is scheduled for completion by year’s end.