H.R. 2220 — PARA–EMT Act of 2025

This section states congressional findings concerning paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and the U.S. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, including (1) EMTs' and paramedics' roles in providing basic and advanced emergency care; (2) a projected shortage of 42,000 EMTs and paramedics by 2030; (3) exacerbation of the shortage by the COVID-19 pandemic; and (4) annual turnover rates of 20 to 30 percent among EMS organizations.

This section establishes a pilot grant program, administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services acting through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to support eligible emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in recruiting and training emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics to improve access to and quality of EMS. Grant funds may be used to (1) recruit and retain EMS personnel, including volunteers; (2) train personnel for licenses and certifications; (3) conduct courses and apprenticeships meeting state and local requirements; (4) fund training for federal or state licensing or certification; (5) develop technology-enhanced education; (6) establish wellness, fitness, and mental health awareness programs; or (7) train personnel to address mental and substance use disorders in emergencies. In awarding grants, the Secretary must prioritize EMS agencies that emphasize recruitment and training of youth (particularly high school students, rural youth, and those from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds), assist veterans transitioning from military EMT training, serve small or rural populations, or address other appropriate priorities; ensure at least 20% of grants go to rural EMS agencies; and limit each grant to $1 million. Grantees must report periodically to the Secretary on grant activities, and the Secretary must report to specified congressional committees and the public on the program's success. The section authorizes $50 million annually for FY2026 through FY2030, with up to 10% available for administrative costs, and defines eligible EMS agencies as state-licensed entities delivering out-of-facility emergency care by certified EMTs, paramedics, or equivalents.

This section establishes a demonstration grant program under the Public Health Service Act to assist veterans who completed military emergency medical technician or paramedic training in meeting State certification, licensure, and other requirements to become civilian emergency medical technicians or paramedics. Under the program, the Secretary of Health and Human Services awards grants to States to develop and implement transition plans—including sub-grants to cover training, education, certification, credentialing, national testing fees, and State licensure fees—and to recognize veterans who passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam; requires an annual report to Congress; and authorizes appropriations of $20 million for each of FY2026 through FY2030.

This section directs the Secretary of Labor, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to conduct a study on (1) current emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic job availability by employer type (e.g., ambulance services, local governments other than hospitals, hospitals); (2) projected job increases from 2025 through 2034 by employer type; (3) the percentage of such jobs needed to replace workers transferring occupations or exiting the labor force; (4) sufficiency of U.S. training and education programs to meet projected demand; and (5) projected EMT and paramedic shortages from 2025 through 2034. Not later than one year after enactment, the Secretaries must submit a report to Congress containing the study results and recommendations to address shortages, including whether to expand DOL Schedule A (i.e., pre-certified shortage occupations that expedite immigrant worker recruitment) to include these positions.