It’s clear by now that any long-term solution to EMS in rural areas is complicated and multi-faceted.

One piece of that puzzle is funding.

And Congressman Glenn Thompson is highlighting his cosponsorship of a bill to reauthorize a rural EMS and fire grant program.

“In rural communities across Pennsylvania, EMS/EMT personnel provide lifesaving care every day despite facing unique challenges,” Thompson said in his weekly newsletter.

“Many of these first responders are volunteers and provide critical, life-saving support to our communities, and we must continue to support them. For these reasons, I was proud to cosponsor the Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act.”

According to a statement from Ohio Rep. Dave Joyce, the funding for SIREN Act grants for rural fire and EMS agencies comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and “goes toward supporting rural EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment.”

“This legislation will reauthorize funding for grants to rural fire and EMS agencies nationwide, allowing them to combat staffing shortages, upgrade training, and improve access to equipment for rural first responders,” Thompson added.

According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, $20 million was available in the current federal fiscal year.

They add that a total of 27 awards were made ranging from $92,000 to $200,000.