The Emergency Response Crisis: The worker shortage ailing America’s emergency medical response system

Health Care Costs & Quality

Recipient:

Elaine Grant, Freelance

Grant Period:

Jan 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

AMOUNT:

$22,000.00

Summary of the Project:

A shortage of skilled workers, combined with additional stressors, is impacting America’s emergency medical response system, especially for the millions of individuals living in rural areas. This project will produce a series of digital and audio stories highlighting the significant ways this crisis impacts patients and emergency medical responders alike. It will also highlight the strength of emergency medical services by geography, and the challenges of maintaining an emergency response workforce.

About the Grantee:

Elaine Grant is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in a wide range of regional and national publications, including The Guardian, The Associated Press, and NPR.

Grantee Publications

July 31, 2026

Episode 894: I Couldn't Help But Notice

Featured on "Closing Time" on This American Life

Learn More

Author: Elaine Appleton-Grant

September 24, 2026

Demand for ambulance helicopters is going up, but it's hard to retain staff

Featured on "All Things Considered" on NPR