U.S. faces shortage of EMTs, nearly one-third quit in 2021

Nearly every industry has dealt with staffing shortages since the start of the pandemic, but few occupations can mean the difference between life and death like that of an EMT. But for many, low wages are forcing EMTs out of their jobs.

Deniece Farnsworth told CBS News that after seven years she's not sure how much longer she can afford to keep doing her job as an EMT. Her current pay is $18 an hour.

"To pay the bills, we have to work as much as we can," she said.