There is a national shortage of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics and an even greater shortage of minorities who choose Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a profession. This is a statistic that Rural/Metro Ambulance wants to change.

For the last six years, Rural/Metro has offered a scholarship program for minority high school seniors in the state of Tennessee who are interested in furthering their education to become an EMT or paramedic.
Students who receive a scholarship will attend an EMT school in Shelby County. After completing the two-year program, successful students will then be ready to take the national test to receive their EMT license.

“This is a great opportunity for minority high school seniors who are interested in a field where they have an opportunity to help others and make a difference in someone’s life,” said Nikki Gast, Rural/Metro’s market general manager.

Students who want to apply for the EMT/Paramedic Scholarship must submit an essay of 500 words or less answering this question: Why I want to enter the field of Emergency Medical Services?
The essay must include the student’s name, phone number, address, school, and reference letter and mailed to the following address: Rural/Metro Ambulance, ATTN: Scholarship Panel, 100 Crescent Drive, Collierville, Tenn. 38107. The information also can be emailed to nikki.gast@rmetro.com.

The deadline to submit an essay is May 8, 2013.

Students will be judged on dedication, communication and a desire to become an EMT or paramedic. Finalists will be interviewed by a panel of local EMS professionals, hospital leaders, and local community advocates.

“Working as an EMT or paramedic is more than responding to 911 calls and moving a patient from one place to another. It’s about helping others as well during non-emergency runs,” Gast said.
About Rural Metro
Rural Metro Ambulance is proud to be the 911 emergency provider for the unincorporated areas of Shelby County, as well as Arlington, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland and Millington. Rural Metro Ambulance provides emergency service in 21 states and has more than 9,000 employees. For more information about Rural Metro, visit www.ruralmetro.com.