At Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, we are proud to serve our guests and fellow team members when unexpected medical events occur. We staff EMT’s 24/7 and work in tandem with local EMS transport services when more advanced care is needed. In honor of national EMS week, we celebrate and applaud our experienced EMT team members dedication to providing continued quality care!

NAEMT (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians) President Christopher Way has recently remarked: “Our 50th golden milestone shines brightly over our association and will guide us toward an even brighter future. As we go forth into 2025 and highlight our many accomplishments, we hope to ignite positivity, passion and excitement in the EMS profession. We invite our members, EMS agencies, training centers, and communities to recognize and appreciate the essential service EMS practitioners provide when time is of the essence and circumstances dire. We implore policy leaders to empower EMS agencies, paramedics and EMTs to improve the health of our communities. Together with EMS medical directors and other healthcare and public safety partners, miracles happen every day because EMS is always there.”

EMTs often work within the same neighborhoods for years, becoming familiar faces and trusted figures in the community. But unfortunately, in far too many communities, there simply aren’t enough EMS professionals available. The ongoing workforce shortage is real, complex and growing. We know there are multiple factors driving the current shortage. Many EMS professionals are retiring. Employment of EMTs is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely due to the aging population, which leads to a higher incidence of medical emergencies, as well as the increasing need for emergency medical care in rural and underserved areas. Job stability in the EMS field is further bolstered by the essential nature of the work. Emergency services are critical to public safety and health, making EMTs indispensable in both urban and rural settings.

If you know a caring individual that functions well on lack of sleep, is crazy enough to work odd hours and open to a rewarding career in helping people, urge them to reach out to their local EMS community. EMS drivers as well as certified EMT’s are needed more than ever now.

Shawn Card

Meskwaki Emergency Management Services