Factors associated with workforce retention among emergency medical technicians in Montana

To assess potential factors associated with workforce retention among emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

In 2008, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services conducted a telephone survey of a representative sample of licensed EMTs to assess factors associated with workforce retention. Respondents were asked whether they were considering leaving the profession in the next 12 months and the next five years. Respondents considering leaving the profession in the next five years were also asked to indicate why.

One thousand eight licensed and practicing EMTs completed the survey (response rate = 53%). Nine percent of the EMTs were considering leaving the profession in the next year, and approximately one in four (24%) were considering leaving the profession in the next five years. EMTs who were 50 years of age or older (odds ratio [OR] 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58-2.01), those who had worked as an EMT > or = 10 years (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.12-2.63), and those who were dissatisfied with the profession (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.84-4.72) were more likely to be considering leaving the profession in the next five years. Among those EMTs who were considering leaving the profession, most indicated that retirement (47%) was the primary reason, while fewer indicated that a career change (16%), personal or family issues (16%), organizational issues (13%), work hours (12%), job stress (11%), or pay/benefits (9%) were a reason for considering leaving the profession.

Approximately one in four EMTs in Montana is considering leaving the leaving the profession in the next five years. Effective strategies to address EMT recruitment and retention are needed.