BERKS COUNTY, Pa. - National EMS Week is almost over and multiple providers across Berks County say they're struggling with staffing and getting people to pay their bills.

“Lower pay rates, lower reimbursement rates and we’re already being paid less than what the reimbursement rate should be," said Anthony Tucci with Western Berks Ambulance.

But there is some good news.

“We do have two classes going on currently with the enrollment completely full," said Robert Zerman, an instructor and trainer.

Two classes currently in progress at Muhlenberg EMS have nearly 50 students, up from the single digits in years past.

“There are a lot of kids in the program where their parents, growing up, it was in the fire service or EMS service," Zerman explained.

But there's a bit of a retention problem, if you want to call it that, with students looking to get their resume built up before going on to other medical careers.

“Theres also students that are doing pre-med that want something to do while going to medical school to get more experience," said Zerman.

With full classes and some who will hopefully go on to be EMTs, there are still concerns over the federal and state budget.

“There was an additional $30 million allocated for fire, but there was really no money allocated for just EMS," Tucci said. "I know we have certain taxes they’re trying to get passed, and there’s a lot of legislation that’s going into effect now, but we need a strong fee schedule in the state of Pa.”

National EMS Week is a time to celebrate and thank our first responders, but also to keep the conversation alive when it comes to the ongoing issues.

“We just need to get those people to continue EMS and work their way up to paramedic,” said Tucci.