By Jenna Wilson

St. Joseph News-Press

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Buchanan County EMS paramedic program is helping trainees succeed while also easing emergency service staffing shortages.

Buchanan County EMS is currently in its third year of its paramedic program, which provides comprehensive training and the skills needed to respond to medical emergencies.

Chillicothe is the closest paramedic program we had,” said Joe Pike, Buchanan County EMS education coordinator. “There was a dire need for one in the community, and we’ve accomplished it. It’s not an easy process, but so far, we’ve been successful with it.”

With EMS crews nationwide working to address staffing issues, local emergency officials are also aiming to grow their paramedic class each year.

Over the past three years, the Buchan

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