ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Rockingham County is addressing staffing shortages in its EMS department.

Last week, the county board of commissioners voted to offer a $100 shift bonus for full-time emergency services personnel. The temporary move applies to workers who pick up extra shifts.      

In addition, the board increased pay for new paramedics and EMTs by 5%. Luckily, officials say the shortage hasn't hurt response times.

“For our citizens, there shouldn’t be a delay of service for them. For our people on the back side making this happen, they are going the extra mile, and that’s why we want to reward them and recognize them for these efforts,” director Rodney Cates said.         

Cates also says this is part of a bigger problem across North Carolina, not just in Rockingham County. He says the medical field, in general, is being hit hard by the pandemic.