Rural Texas — already starved for health care — faces a dearth of volunteer first responders

Instructor Doug Anderson works with students in the back of an ambulance while Sabrina Rodriguez, playing the part of a patient, lays on the gurney during an EMT certification class at the Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association. (Credit: Justin Rex for The Texas Tribune)

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LUBBOCK — After a tornado barreled through the small town of Matador last month, volunteers mobilized to pick up the pieces — so many that the town was closed by law enforcement the following day.