Paramedic Shortage?

From the Indianapolis Star:

Emergency medical services agencies nationwide, from hospitals to fire departments to private ambulance companies, are reporting problems in finding enough qualified paramedics. And EMTs such as Nash are taking advantage of the organizations' offers of free training to help fill the void.

Experts blame the shortage on low pay for high-stress work, time- consuming training and a new medical environment that spreads the available paramedics too thin.