A Crisis in EMS
EMS is in the middle of a staffing crisis. According to the American Ambulance Association’s 2022 turnover study, EMTs leave their jobs at rates of 36% annually, and paramedics at nearly 27%. That’s two to three times higher than other healthcare jobs.
The reasons aren’t a mystery to those of us in the field: low pay, long hours, physical strain, and the emotional toll of trauma. Add to that the isolation of the job and the sense that leaders are stretched too thin to support crews—and it’s no surprise many providers leave.
Why Traditional Solutions Fall Short
Most agencies respond with higher wages when possible, or with wellness initiatives like EAPs, seminars, and mental health training. While these can help, they often don’t tackle the real day-to-day experience of providers.
Providers don’t need another mandatory session tacked onto their schedule. They need connection—ways to feel seen, supported, and part of a team. Without that, even higher pay may not stop burnout.
The Power of Play
Research shows that fun, humor, and play help reduce stress, strengthen teams, and improve morale. In fact:
- Humor and play rituals boost resilience and help workers cope with trauma (Brighton Journal of Research, 2014).
- Play at work increases employee retention and job satisfaction (Lyra Health).
In EMS, this isn’t about ping-pong tables or after-work socials—it’s about quick, shared moments of fun that can fit naturally into chaotic, high-pressure shifts.
Where Fringo Bingo Fits In
That’s the vision behind Fringo Bingo. It’s an EMS-specific mobile app that turns the shared challenges of the job into a lighthearted competition.
- Real-life squares: Things like “Got vomit on my shoe” or “Patient had a bag packed before calling 911.”
- Leaderboards: Track wins over the course of an event, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.
- Customization: Crews and agencies can add their own squares, inside jokes, or even safety initiatives.
Instead of isolating experiences that weigh down morale, the app transforms them into connection points. What could feel like “just another rough call” becomes something to laugh about together.
What We Can Do About Turnover
Reducing turnover requires a mix of strategies—better pay, manageable schedules, and community support. But morale and engagement are just as critical. When providers feel connected and supported, they’re more likely to stay.
Practical steps agencies can take include:
- Building opportunities for crew-driven play like Fringo Bingo.
- Encouraging leaders to support morale without adding to their workload.
- Making fun and connection part of daily culture, not just EMS Week.
- Celebrating wins, both small and large, to recognize providers regularly.
Conclusion
Turnover in EMS is not just a numbers problem—it’s a morale problem. The long hours and low pay won’t change overnight, but creating meaningful connections among providers is something we can act on today.
With tools like Fringo Bingo, we can turn the tough parts of the job into opportunities for connection and play. And when EMS providers feel less isolated, more supported, and more engaged, they’re more likely to stay.
Because keeping providers isn’t just about paychecks—it’s about belonging.
👉 Want to see how Fringo Bingo can help your agency build morale and retain providers? Reach out to learn more about piloting the app.
