Cobb Reporter

Amid a nationwide shortage of emergency medical technicians, a growing number of metro Atlanta emergency medical services are willing to offer free training to attract workers.

The nation is still facing a shortage of EMTs due to COVID-19, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. As a result of the shortage, Cobb County officials are now at the point of urging citizens to call 911 only in case of immediate emergencies so as to not overwhelm resources.

To attract new workers to the industry, Central EMS in Roswell is currently offering thousands of dollars' worth of training for free for entry level EMTs and paramedics, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Employees can expect to earn a wage of approximately $30,000-$45,000 per year.

"There's no student debt incurred to the person," Jonathan Walker, Central EMS training manager, told Fox 5 Atlanta.

Jack Roeser is among 33 individuals who received free training to gain employment in EMS, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. While training at Central EMS, he recognized the first responder that saved him from almost drowning as a child.

"One of my current EMT instructors was a flight medic," Roeser told Fox 5 Atlanta. "I asked him if he worked out of Cartersville hospital. I asked if he had rescued a 4-year-old who had drowned in a pool. He said 'yes.'"