Before COVID-19 threw a wrench into a vast variety of plans, leaders in the local emergency medical response community had been in talks with Pittsburg State University about establishing a paramedic training program. It appears these discussions have recently started back up again, which is good news, because such a partnership could be hugely beneficial to Pittsburg and the surrounding region. Over a year ago, in late 2021, Dr. Tim Stebbins, medical director for Crawford County Emergency Medical Service, noted that the healthcare industry already has a significant presence in Pittsburg, and by developing such training opportunities, “potentially we could position ourselves regionally as a paramedic education destination,” which would have long-term benefits for the area.