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Lawmakers seek fixes for EMS shortages in rural Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are looking for ways to bolster the state's rural emergency medical services, which rely heavily on volunteers despite difficult and time-consuming training requirements.

Medical providers told a legislative committee Friday that the state relies on a patchwork of local ambulance services, and there's nothing that prevents a rural service from closing its doors.

Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse says it's becoming more difficult to recruit and retain volunteers who are willing to serve.

Some of the solutions proposed to lawmakers include regionalization of services, financial incentives for volunteers and providing more rural representation on the state's emergency medical services board. Some senators questioned whether increased training requirements and costs are a barrier, but doctors urged them not to lower the current standards.

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