Deaf Smith County Hospital District encourages the community to consider a career in the emergency medical services (EMS) field. There are new scholarships available to help pay for EMS education.

Scholarships are available through the Texas Department of State Health Services with funding appropriated by the Texas Legislature for students using approved EMS education programs and licensed EMS providers, with special attention given to rural and other underserved areas of Texas.

EMS careers offer competitive salaries and benefits, and people can begin working in as little as 15 weeks.

“EMS is deeply rewarding work,” said Terry Hazlett, EMS director at Deaf Smith County Hospital District. “We are on the front line providing lifesaving care to our community. I encourage anyone interested in pursuing an EMS career to take advantage of these new scholarships.”

DSCHD is a designated Level IV trauma center integral to the region’s trauma response and operates the county’s EMS. DSCHD’s CEO, Jeff Barnhart, also serves on the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council, which advises and makes recommendations on improving and strengthening the state’s trauma and EMS systems.

Texas Regional Advisory Councils manage EMS and trauma services, and those interested in pursuing a career in EMS can contact the Panhandle RAC for information about scholarships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities. Additional information is also available here.