Rural Shortages Lead to 'Ambulance Deserts' and Delayed Medical Care
Ask students: What fundraising techniques do communities use for supporting local emergency health services? When were emergency health services designated as an essential service?
Nearly 4.5 million Americans live in “ambulance deserts” — in a medical crisis, they have to wait as long as 25 minutes or more for an emergency medical crew to arrive. Nick Nudell, president of the American Paramedic Association, joins Ali Rogin to discuss what’s causing these shortages and what’s at stake for people in these regions.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is his background?
- What fundraising techniques do communities use for supporting local emergency health services?
- When were emergency health services designated as an essential service?
- How effective was this designation in creating funding for the ambulances?
- Why do some states like North Dakota have ambulance deserts despite having enough ambulances for the state?
Focus Questions
Why do you think other local government programs are often better funded than emergency health services? What do you think should be prioritized?
Media Literacy: Why was an expert who is part of the health industry interviewed instead of one who is part of the government?
Extension Activity
Research how volunteers can get involved to help with emergency health services, such as taking CPR classes. What opportunities for volunteering are available to students? Write a short list and discuss options as a class.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement
