Escambia County, Florida, has formed a partnership with Pensacola State College (PSC) to address the need for more paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in the area. The county is providing scholarships to current EMTs so they can receive further training and become certified paramedics. In exchange, recipients must work for Escambia County for at least two years after completing the program.
The scholarships are funded by revenue from the Escambia County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division, not from taxpayer funds. This funding comes from sources such as insurance billings for 9-1-1 calls. In August 2025, 14 EMTs, including 12 new and two returning students, started the PSC Paramedic Program at the Warrington campus. The Escambia County Board of Commissioners approved a $76,000 purchase order to cover tuition, books, and uniforms for these students. Tuition is about $6,000 per participant.
Escambia County Commissioner and Board Chair Ashlee Hofberger stated that supporting EMTs in becoming paramedics helps retain skilled staff. The county has recently added new ambulances and aims to ensure they are staffed with trained personnel. The EMS division currently employs 77 paramedics and 103 EMTs. Between fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2025-2026, the county has acquired or ordered 27 new or refurbished ambulances…