EMTs and Paramedics are essential members of the health care workforce. They are an intrinsic part of California's and the nation's emergency medical system. This issue brief examines this workforce in California where the number of EMT’s and Paramedics per capita are below the U.S. average. Lack of diversity among this workforce, low pay, high job stress and job dissatisfaction, lack of recognition, high turnover rates, and limited advancement potential in the private sector are areas for concern. These issues should be addressed to assure an adequate supply of these professionals to meet projections of increasing demand in California.