This week, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) recognized Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) as a 2024 Legislator of the Year for her leadership in addressing critical workforce shortages facing emergency medical services.

In November, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the bipartisan PARA-EMT Act to address EMS staffing shortages and support Southwest Washington veterans. The legislation would make it easier for experienced veterans to transition from medics to becoming certified paramedics and EMTs, establish grants to strengthen recruitment and retention, and study workforce conditions.

In March, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez secured $963,000 for Skamania County to upgrade EMS communications systems, and she is now working to bring home federal funding for similar modernization efforts in Lewis County.

The Congresswoman also cosponsored the HELPER Act to assist first responders in buying a home to put down roots in their community, as well as the END FENTANYL and FEND Off Fentanyl Acts, which are now law to stop the flow of fentanyl which hollows out communities and makes the jobs of emergency responders even more difficult.

The American Ambulance Association recognizes Legislators of the Year for their strong advocacy for emergency medical services and ongoing dedication to ambulance services across the nation.

“In a time when the EMS sector grapples with a significant shortage of qualified personnel, Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez has emerged as a vital advocate for meaningful change. Her introduction of the H.R. 6433, the PARA-EMT Act, has been a pivotal step in advancing solutions to recruit and retain EMS professionals across the nation,” reads a release from the AAA. “Introduction of this legislation reflects the Congresswoman’s dedication not only to securing a strong future for emergency medical services to meet the needs of  our communities, but also her dedication to serving our nation’s veterans.”

“When you dial 911 in a remote community like mine, it can take long enough to receive life-saving emergency services without the added strain of staffing shortages or communications challenges,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’ll continue working to get the PARA-EMT Act across the finish line, as well as to ensure emergency responders have the equipment, resources, and infrastructure necessary to reach folks quickly and feel well-supported in their careers.”

“Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez’s commitment to the EMS workforce is not just commendable; it is essential,” said AAA President Randy Strozyk. “Her leadership has laid the groundwork for policies that will help alleviate the workforce crisis, ensuring that our communities receive the emergency care they deserve.”