Kent County Emergency Medical Services is sounding the alarm on a critical staffing shortage and is seeking a lifeline. To help address the crisis, Kent County Levy Court has approved a new sign-on bonus to attract and retain paramedics.

At an August 5 Kent County Levy Court meeting, Kent County EMS officials proposed an updated sign-on bonus to stay competitive with other counties.

The proposal was passed unanimously by the Levy Court, with all six commissioners present voting yes. One commissioner was absent.

When emergencies happen, paramedics are often the first on the scene. However, in Kent County, John Tinger, director of Kent County Levy Court’s Department of Public Safety, says fewer medics are available to answer the call.

“We have actually reached what I consider a staffing

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