Workforce shortages and inflation are two areas challenging the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority.
Mark Burdick, Arizona Fire & Medical Authority chief, spoke to the Sun City West Kiwanis Club. Joe DeBlasi, Sun City West Kiwanis Club president, asked if the organization has issues with new recruits.
Burdick said the workforce shortage is the same nationally, adding Arizona Fire & Medial Authority officials advertised for a mechanic for five months and had to adjust pay up to gain interest. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics are difficult to draw interest from, Burdick said, after hospitals began hiring paramedics at premium pay.
