Leveraging the EMS Compact for Recruitment and Retention in Colorado EMS

Leveraging the EMS Compact for Recruitment and Retention in Colorado EMS
By Donnie Woodyard, MAML, NRP
Executive Director, United States EMS Compact

Colorado made history in 2015 by becoming the first state to pass legislation enacting the Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact—more commonly known as the United States EMS Compact. In the decade since, 24 other states have followed suit, creating an unprecedented legal framework for multistate EMS clinician practice. Today, more than 400,000 EMS professionals have a Privilege to Practice in Colorado under the Compact.
The EMS Compact is a practical, underutilized asset that provides Colorado EMS clinicians and employers powerful new tools to address two of the most pressing challenges in our profession: recruitment and retention.