Have You Ever Wanted to Say It??

[PhillyRube]

This is neat, coming from the Best of Craigslist. Enjoy.......

Dear citizens of (and visitors to) Multnomah County,

By and large, you're a good bunch. I enjoy providing you with the help you need when you call 911. You make my workdays (and nights) interesting. However, from time to time, I notice a few small issues -- perhaps we can call them gaps in your knowledge? -- that make my job a little bit more frustrating. Herein I offer a few simple pieces of advice to help make everyone's emergency experience more satisfying.


1. When I ask you questions, please strive to tell me the full and complete truth. There's no badge or gun on me. I'm not going to get you in trouble for being high on drugs, but I really would like to know what exactly you did. You're not fooling anyone. Likewise, I don't care who you were having sex with, where, with what exciting accessories, and what your respective spouses will think, but if it's contributed to your condition you should probably bring it up.

2. I regret to inform you life is not like TV. We do not run from the ambulance to the patient, we do not drive everyone to the hospital with lights and sirens, and most dead people stay dead despite our best efforts. On the other hand, we are not just a fancy taxi ride. I can start an IV (in your arm or leg or neck), put a breathing tube down your throat, do an EKG to see if you're having a heart attack, shock your heart if it's in a bad rhythm, and give about thirty different drugs for different medical conditions. I can do more in the short term than most nurses. I had to go to school for years. Respect me and I'll respect you.

3. In a related vein, if you could keep the drama to a bare minimum when your parent/sibling/ spouse/friend/ neighbor/ coworker is hurt or sick, it will help everyone immensely. I understand that the situation is upsetting, and I respect your feelings, but the best thing you can do for the patient, me, and even yourself is try to remain as calm as possible. Shouting at me to do something or hurry up will not help. Yelling in general is not, in fact, helpful. Trying to keep out of our way, answering the questions we ask in a succinct and informative manner, and keeping your dramatic tendencies restrained are the absolute best thing you can do.

4. However, if it is your young child who is badly hurt or critically ill, you are allowed all the drama you want.

5. If I am trying to help you and this makes you upset for some reason, please do not try and hit me. I may not be as big and beefy as some of my coworkers. I make up for it in dirty tricks. If you do decide you'd like to tussle, I'd like to point out that you get ONE swing and it is never free. I have giant zip-ties, sedatives, and a radio that can call a whole lot of cops, who aren't nearly as nice as me.

6. If you are driving and happen to see my big vehicle with all the blinkies and woo-woos, please get the hell out of the way. Specifically, pull ALL THE WAY to the right of the street and STOP YOUR CAR. You don't know where I'm going and when I'll need to turn. Unless you're driving a Hummer I've probably got more weight than you, and if you do something stupid that I can't avoid and we stack it up, things won't come out well for you. Also I'll lose my job.

7. Finally, exercise a modicum of common sense about when to call 911.

Examples of when 911 is IS appropriate: Traffic accidents with injuries. Chest pain. Trouble breathing. Lack of breathing. Serious bleeding. Unconsciousness. Seizures. Strokes.

Examples of when 911 may NOT be appropriate: Blisters. Small cuts. Dissatisfaction with your fast food order. Needing a prescription refill. Colds. Minor problem (sore leg, stomachache, headache) which has been going on for three days. All the above and you have 4 working cars in the driveway, and (see #3, above)


Bearing all that in mind, it's a pleasure to serve you, and hopefully I won't be showing up at your doorstep, street corner, or car door anytime soon.

Love,
One of Your Many Hardworking (If Underpaid) County Paramedics

[VentMedic]

1. When I ask you questions, please strive to tell me the full and complete truth. There's no badge or gun on me.

Not entirely true since we do have public safety officers that wear many hats. As well, in the great EMS gun carry debate we learned how many EMT(P)s are carrying.


2. I regret to inform you life is not like TV. We do not run from the ambulance to the patient, we do not drive everyone to the hospital with lights and sirens, and most dead people stay dead despite our best efforts. On the other hand, we are not just a fancy taxi ride.

That depends on where you work and the protocols you have. With the recent headlines and MVC involving ambulances, it seems speed with L&S are still used. As well, many have their POVs decked out to impress other L&S enthusiasts.


about thirty different drugs for different medical conditions. I can do more in the short term than most nurses.

LPNs can hand out over 300 drugs in one shift which might be more than most Paramedics will touch in a year.



I had to go to school for years.

Oh now this gives credibility. What happens when those who read this also seen the ads for the medic mills on TV that scream "in just 3 short months you do can do all this!". Even if the Associates degree is required, it is just TWO years. Of course, like the 110 hour EMT-B, you could probably stretch it out to 7 years which I believe all most state community colleges allow to make it sound like a really long time.


3. In a related vein, if you could keep the drama to a bare minimum when your parent/sibling/ spouse/friend/ neighbor/ coworker is hurt or sick, it will help everyone immensely. I understand that the situation is upsetting, and I respect your feelings, but the best thing you can do for the patient, me, and even yourself is try to remain as calm as possible. Shouting at me to do something or hurry up will not help. Yelling in general is not, in fact, helpful. Trying to keep out of our way, answering the questions we ask in a succinct and informative manner, and keeping your dramatic tendencies restrained are the absolute best thing you can do.

People react differently to stress. One never knows how they will react until faced with an emergency even with some preparation. That is why some health care professionals train and educate themselves about what to expect from human behavior.


4. However, if it is your young child who is badly hurt or critically ill, you are allowed all the drama you want.

How generous of you....


5. If I am trying to help you and this makes you upset for some reason, please do not try and hit me. I may not be as big and beefy as some of my coworkers. I make up for it in dirty tricks. If you do decide you'd like to tussle, I'd like to point out that you get ONE swing and it is never free. I have giant zip-ties, sedatives, and a radio that can call a whole lot of cops, who aren't nearly as nice as me.

It probably won't be the rational people who will read this that pose a threat to you.


6. If you are driving and happen to see my big vehicle with all the blinkies and woo-woos, please get the hell out of the way. Specifically, pull ALL THE WAY to the right of the street and STOP YOUR CAR. You don't know where I'm going and when I'll need to turn. Unless you're driving a Hummer I've probably got more weight than you, and if you do something stupid that I can't avoid and we stack it up, things won't come out well for you. Also I'll lose my job.

As well, if you are driving as ambulance you should take note of your own warnings and if you are driving too fast, changing lanes frequently and fail to make eye contact with other drivers at intersections, you will be at fault.


7. Finally, exercise a modicum of common sense about when to call 911.

Examples of when 911 is IS appropriate: Traffic accidents with injuries. Chest pain. Trouble breathing. Lack of breathing. Serious bleeding. Unconsciousness. Seizures. Strokes.

Examples of when 911 may NOT be appropriate: Blisters. Small cuts. Dissatisfaction with your fast food order. Needing a prescription refill. Colds. Minor problem (sore leg, stomachache, headache) which has been going on for three days. All the above and you have 4 working cars in the driveway, and (see #3, above)


Bearing all that in mind, it's a pleasure to serve you, and hopefully I won't be showing up at your doorstep, street corner, or car door anytime soon.

Love,
One of Your Many Hardworking (If Underpaid) County Paramedics



This could have been an educational and informative piece if it didn't sound so disgruntled and self-serving.

While this may have been written with the best of intentions, it can be a PR nightmare when residents of that county might read it with some of the same criticisms I have. When it appears they are scolding all the residents, some may remember that at the next county tax allocation election. The underpaid part may also be misinterpreted and depending on the tax base of the county, it may even be a bit offensive or to be perceived the Paramedics are trying to get a raise. It isn't as if we haven't seen similiar letters to this from various unions in states with tax reform bills on the ballots. When tried in Florida last year, the tax measure pushed by EMS and FDs failed miserably despite all the "oh wo is us" letters in the news. Maybe the public just needs truth and real information without insulting everyone's intelligence. Not drama....

[RyanEMVFD]

To be honest, I liked it. I take most of it as sarcasm but it's still a good read. I'd love to edit it a bit and put it in my local paper.

[VentMedic]

I'd love to edit it a bit and put it in my local paper.

There lies the problem. Many have edited and made it their own. This letter has appeared in many newspapers over the past few years especially when there is a budget dispute. It has also been posted on other EMS forums.

The offense comes when the people who are most likely to read newspapers are quite often law biding and tax paying citizens who don't appreciate the scolding in a anonymous letter which seems a little gutless.

[flipper123]

I think the letter was just a joke, with a bit of whining thrown in.
Dont take it all serious, it just makes you look like you have no sense of humour.

[VentMedic]

I think the letter was just a joke, with a bit of whining thrown in.
Dont take it all serious, it just makes you look like you have no sense of humour.

So of us don't have a sense of humor since, as already mentioned, this letter has made the rounds throughout many newspapers. It becomes apparent in some departments and city meetings that no one either wants to claim what it written or thought it was a joke to publish. The public who votes and pays the taxes does read the newspapers. Unfortunately, many areas have undergone some serious tax and budget reform with amendments on ballots. Florida had its big election last year and lost (or won depending on whether you owned property or was a member of the FD or EMS). California just had their big election and their measures all lost which EMS, PD and FD were supporting. I'm not saying this letter could cause a losing ballot vote but stupid publicity is almost worse than none at all.

Take an interest and be proactive but think things through before writing something for the world to see and putting a blanket signature to it. Some people now do pay attention to what is being written. Attend the city meetings and do your educating there while showing community support for other issues. Don't just do an anonymous letter whining about things that probably don't pertain to those reading that newspaper.

Stay informed with what is happening in your area. Pick and choose your battles carefully because you may actually be defeating something that could have gone in your favor.

Besides CA and FL, one can also look at NJ for examples of this.

[dr-exmedic]

Stuff like this emailed to your EMS buddies and posted on the station wall might be a bit of a stress reliever, but posting it where non-EMS types can see it...well, I don't know anybody who likes being talked down to. That being said, it's not the worst piece of such dreck (http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=61783623&blogId=240833638) out there (I once ran across a VFD that had this linked-to bit linked from its home page but can't find it today--maybe they deleted it).

Regarding stressful times, my own boring personal story: when I was halfway through medic class, my first wife flew off her bicycle, landed headfirst, and was unconscious. I totally forgot everything about C-spine, medical care, anything until some guy ("I'm an EMT and a nurse in a neuro ward") showed up and suggested it, which incidentally was the only helpful thing he did. Since then, I've been much more forgiving of people reacting to stressful things they don't see on a regular basis.

[aerial]

Are you really all this serious? Doesn't anyone have a damn sense of humor anymore?

[VentMedic]

Are you really all this serious? Doesn't anyone have a damn sense of humor anymore?


A joke on a forum is one thing. When some want to take this letter and send it to the editor of their newspaper, that take it beyond a joke. Since this has already happened, it may give the public an opinion of EMS that may not be very favorable especially with all the budget measures that you MUST have the support of the people to pass. Again, those that you complain about probably won't be the ones reading this.

Please get involved in your community and see who actually supports you instead of making a general anonymous letter.

This is very serious stuff since we have mergers and providers working in EMS becoming unemployed or forced to become something they don't want to be. We also have budget cuts and funds being redistributed away so now is not the time to **** off those that read newspapers. If you don't realize this then maybe you haven't read a newspaper lately.

[aerial]

I didn't read it closly enough, I didn't relize someone actually sent that to their newspaper! That isn't good. I though people were just getting all butt hurt over something posted on a message board as a joke.

[PhillyRube]

I picked it up off Craigslist.

[VentMedic]

I picked it up off Craigslist.


Unfortunately some have used it as a form letter for their own agenda just as RyanEMVFD mentioned he would like to do.

Educating people should bring support towards you, not drive people away. If done properly it can be a very powerful tool.

[Sam Adams]

Unfortunately some have used it as a form letter for their own agenda just as RyanEMVFD mentioned he would like to do.

Educating people should bring support towards you, not drive people away. If done properly it can be a very powerful tool.

That's the problem. EMS as a whole is not out educating the public about these issues. I think a PR firm could do wonders with them. But again it's just not something EMS does. Too bad for us.

[FFmedic13]

That's the problem. EMS as a whole is not out educating the public about these issues. I think a PR firm could do wonders with them. But again it's just not something EMS does. Too bad for us.

Most of the EMS agencies in my region assign a staff member to PR duties, with good results. Anything that keeps the service involved in the community can do far more for PR than any silly letter like the one posted. From simple things like parades and festivals to more coordinated presentations and trainings, keeping a positive image in the community doesn't take a whole lot of work. The small cost is worth the outcome.
Education is the key, not intimidation.

[RyanEMVFD]

Yeah I mentioned that but I wouldn't do it though. I know I didn't mention it in my first post. If that was put in the our local paper, no one would read it so it wouldn't do any good here.

[VentMedic]

Yeah I mentioned that but I wouldn't do it though. I know I didn't mention it in my first post. If that was put in the our local paper, no one would read it so it wouldn't do any good here.

Are you saying the people in your community are illiterate? You'd be surprised by the number of people that still read newspapers with their morning coffee or commute if they do mass transit. I grab a paper everytime I commute by bus or subway and yes I do read the letters section.

Again, people will take offense if they feel they are being talked down to by an anonymous letter with a "blanket" signature.

[RyanEMVFD]

Not illiterate but EMS here is the red-headed step child and isn't thought of as public servants. We are about 30 years behind the rest of the US in being considered a part of the community.

So most wouldn't care or don't realize what exactly EMS is. Some think their taxes go to paying us which it doesn't, many think of us as still working out of funeral homes.

[VentMedic]

So most wouldn't care or don't realize what exactly EMS is. Some think their taxes go to paying us which it doesn't, many think of us as still working out of funeral homes.

I can not imagine even a half way nit wit of a person not knowing what EMS is in this day and age. There are also many, many TV shows that illustrate almost every example of EMS both good and bad.

How is your tax district set up? What type of service are you? What is the tax base of your area? Is your allocation of funds set by state statutes? When was the last time a funding issue for EMS was on an election ballot? Amendments for parcel taxes?

Are you volunteer? If so, why hasn't a move been made to establish a paid service? In some areas, the volunteer services do EMS an injustice by their lack of professionalism which is what I am getting from your funeral home comment.

[RyanEMVFD]

We're hospital based. So most of our budget comes from the hospital.

[VentMedic]

We're hospital based. So most of our budget comes from the hospital.

Excellent! District? Community? County? Private for profit? Nonprofit? Tax exempt? Municipal, County or State tax funding? Subsidies? Federal? Parcel tax? Surcharges?

The ways a hospital and EMS system are funded could fill many pages. Investigate and learn where your paycheck comes from. There's a good chance the people in your community do have some involvement in funding the hospital and ambulance service.

[That Volunteer EMT Guy]

Are you volunteer? If so, why hasn't a move been made to establish a paid service? In some areas, the volunteer services do EMS an injustice by their lack of professionalism which is what I am getting from your funeral home comment.

Well I take some offense to that. My volunteer agency is routinely ranked at or close to the top in the county, and we've got dozens of agencies in the area. Sure, some of the volunteer services are beat out by the muni agencies and private agencies in the region, but some of the best in the area are volunteer. Professionalism is based on training and standards, not if you get paid or not.

[eyeOthestorm]

I can not imagine even a half way nit wit of a person not knowing what EMS is in this day and age. There are also many, many TV shows that illustrate almost every example of EMS both good and bad.


Are you volunteer? If so, why hasn't a move been made to establish a paid service? In some areas, the volunteer services do EMS an injustice by their lack of professionalism which is what I am getting from your funeral home comment.

OK, so you ASSume that everyone has TV with satellite or cable? I work for one of the most decorated services in the state. Most of our awards are for PR and children's injury prevention and car seat education. Our service is only 25 minutes from a large metro and level 1 trauma center yet we still have folks that still live in houses that have dirt floors and have no TV. I made a run 2 days ago to a guy that is living in a shed behind someones house. He didn't have room or electricity for a TV. He had never been in an ambulance before and he was surprised when he realized that one of us would be in the back with him. He was only 45 years old.

I have been asked at least 3 times this year by patients if they had to ride alone in the back. Only one of those patients were elderly. Just because there are so many TV shows and movies about fire and medical does not mean that people watch them nor does their lack of education and understanding make them nit wits.

As for your comments about the "professionalism" of volly EMS services....... It is a shame that you have that attitude. I am sorry if you have only had poor experiences with these types of services. As a FT medic I have worked closely with many small town tax supported volunteer services and most days I would rather have them back me and my paid service up over many paid "professional" services. Attitude, professionalism, and excellence is a reflection of and comes from the "top". Medical directors that care and are involved, EMS chiefs/directors and training officers are but just a few that influence any given services' demeanor and professionalism. Pride in service filters down through the ranks. I can certainly think of plenty of paid FT services that act like buffoons and don't promote "professionalism".

As for the "letter" to the public. Nit wit is what you call someone who would publish that in local newspapers. That is one of those great tongue in cheek, "I'm not an ambulance driver" jokes. I rather enjoy the letter but would never dream of letting the general public read that. Remember folks most things that happen on down time in EMS should stay in EMS.

[VentMedic]

OK, so you ASSume that everyone has TV with satellite or cable? I work for one of the most decorated services in the state. Most of our awards are for PR and children's injury prevention and car seat education. Our service is only 25 minutes from a large metro and level 1 trauma center yet we still have folks that still live in houses that have dirt floors and have no TV. I made a run 2 days ago to a guy that is living in a shed behind someones house. He didn't have room or electricity for a TV. He had never been in an ambulance before and he was surprised when he realized that one of us would be in the back with him. He was only 45 years old.

Yes I will admit there are a few very isolated areas in the U.S. However, that does not mean this country is third world either.

Many, many people in this country have not be in an ambulance due to the good fortune of not being sick or injured.



I have been asked at least 3 times this year by patients if they had to ride alone in the back. Only one of those patients were elderly. Just because there are so many TV shows and movies about fire and medical does not mean that people watch them nor does their lack of education and understanding make them nit wits.

I will admit I shouldn't call everyone a nitwit but if you had bothered to read this thread, that is pretty much the theme. Arguing for lesser care is what I care to do.


As for your comments about the "professionalism" of volly EMS services....... It is a shame that you have that attitude. I am sorry if you have only had poor experiences with these types of services. As a FT medic I have worked closely with many small town tax supported volunteer services and most days I would rather have them back me and my paid service up over many paid "professional" services. Attitude, professionalism, and excellence is a reflection of and comes from the "top". Medical directors that care and are involved, EMS chiefs/directors and training officers are but just a few that influence any given services' demeanor and professionalism. Pride in service filters down through the ranks. I can certainly think of plenty of paid FT services that act like buffoons and don't promote "professionalism".



So it is the haves and the have nots here. You who "work for one of the most decorated services in the state" can help out the little volunteers to play the big city guy. Yeah I have seen that also.

This comment:
I would rather have them back me and my paid service up over many paid "professional" services.

You are a paid service. Is your service not professional and are your co-workers the ones you are describing to be buffoons?

Get the chips off your shoulders and if you want to help the volunteer service, find a way to establish a paid service to build for the future and not stay in the past.

Even the people without TVs have your paid service responding to their medical care with or without TVs. This country shouldn't be one of the haves and have nots. The communities served by volunteers have the right to the highest possible medical care just like anyone else.

It seems you and your attitude might be more part of the problem for that little community served by volunteers than a help. As long as you keep them volunteer, they will always need that big city Paramedic.

[merchan5967]

Sounds to me like you think a paycheck is what makes a professional. This is an all too common misconception. I am a VOLUNTEER firefighter, true, but I am trained, and I like to think I do my job in a professional manner. I have the same basic training as any paid firefighter and train every chance I get. I think that what makes one a professional is the level of commitment to their craft and their attitude toward what they do. Their are "baffoons" in every aspect of the fire service, paid and volunteer. Some of the guys in my department are great firefighters, who truely love the job and some are total idiots. I've met paid guys like that too. I guess it never occurred to you that some volies are professionals, who just happen to do the job for free. There's nothing wrong with that.

[VentMedic]

Sounds to me like you think a paycheck is what makes a professional. This is an all too common misconception. I am a VOLUNTEER firefighter, true, but I am trained, and I like to think I do my job in a professional manner. I have the same basic training as any paid firefighter and train every chance I get. I think that what makes one a professional is the level of commitment to their craft and their attitude toward what they do. Their are "baffoons" in every aspect of the fire service, paid and volunteer. Some of the guys in my department are great firefighters, who truely love the job and some are total idiots. I've met paid guys like that too. I guess it never occurred to you that some volies are professionals, who just happen to do the job for free. There's nothing wrong with that.

Good for you but what about the future of your community? And are you speaking for the EMS care in your community?

I will admit the volunteer fire service might work very well in sparsely populated areas. But for EMS, the citizens deserve to have a full time ALS service. EMS should be a little more than just "training". There should be education as well.

Someday these back slapping arguments will have to make way for a thing called progress. I am pleased to be a part of a state that has advanced to be able to provide ALS 911 service to all areas. Too many hang on to their volunteer services because they have been misinformed, they fear the unknown because it might not be the same good ol' boys next door or the residents have had their heads filled with misinformation by some who don't want to stop being a volunteer EMT for their own selfish reasons. This usually turns into an embarrassing scene at the townhall meetings when the community hears about an ALS service that would like to bid on their area and the volunteer EMTs, who have no interest in becoming Paramedics or actually giving up their "real job" to work in EMS, just totally freak out to defend their turf. The "it's always been good enough" is getting to be a very tired argument. The EMTs usually just present the same self-serving arguments and don't take the community's desire to have ALS care for their residents into consideration.

Yes, there are good volunteers out there but put down the emotional arguments and ego trips to help get your community into the year 2009. There is a little more to it than just the "me more professional" attitude.

[VentMedic]

Here's a warm and fuzzy article about a little village taking its first steps to being a paid service. There might even be a 24/7 paid ALS in their future.

Crooksville Paying Day EMTs
Mon, Jul 20, 2009. 10:56 AM

Crooksville EMS has a new system that they say will better serve the people of the small village.

Due to a shortage of volunteers Crooksville EMS will now pay two emergency medical technicians to be on duty from eight to four each day.

"It's exciting and there's butterflies in the stomach, because it's new for us. This is a day in history for the village of Crooksville, because this is the first time we've ever done something like this and we have the full backing of the community and our council members, so everybody's excited," says Ralph Hill, Crooksville EMS Chief.

They'll pay for the staff using revenue they make from going on squad runs.

Chief Hill says having the EMT's during the day will enable better response times to emergencies, because they will not have to call for outside ambulance services.

"This will decrease our response time from five-to-seven minutes down to one-to-two minutes to get out the door which that can better serve our people out there that's in need," he says.

Crooksville EMS will rely on volunteers at night when they are more readily available. If you'd like to volunteer for Crooksville EMS or Fire Department you can stop by their station to fill out an application. They will provide you with the necessary training.

[merchan5967]

Here's a warm and fuzzy article about a little village taking its first steps to being a paid service. There might even be a 24/7 paid ALS in their future.

Crooksville Paying Day EMTs
Mon, Jul 20, 2009. 10:56 AM

Crooksville EMS has a new system that they say will better serve the people of the small village.

Due to a shortage of volunteers Crooksville EMS will now pay two emergency medical technicians to be on duty from eight to four each day.

"It's exciting and there's butterflies in the stomach, because it's new for us. This is a day in history for the village of Crooksville, because this is the first time we've ever done something like this and we have the full backing of the community and our council members, so everybody's excited," says Ralph Hill, Crooksville EMS Chief.

They'll pay for the staff using revenue they make from going on squad runs.

Chief Hill says having the EMT's during the day will enable better response times to emergencies, because they will not have to call for outside ambulance services.

"This will decrease our response time from five-to-seven minutes down to one-to-two minutes to get out the door which that can better serve our people out there that's in need," he says.

Crooksville EMS will rely on volunteers at night when they are more readily available. If you'd like to volunteer for Crooksville EMS or Fire Department you can stop by their station to fill out an application. They will provide you with the necessary training.

I understand your argument about the ALS aspect of EMS. The cost and time commitment of paramedic training does not permit that service to be filled by volunteers in most communities; and yes, a paid service has it's advantages for the community, but that's not what I was talking about. What I was getting at is that you don't have to be paid to be good at what you do, and just because you happen to get paid, does not mean you're better than the guy who doesn't. Yes I'm a volunteer, but I had to pass the National Registry exam, and the State Firefighter exam, just like the paid guys. So all I ask is that you not generalize volunteers as being a lesser service, because we're not. And keep in mind, the community in the above article is NOT doing away with it's volunteers, they are simply becoming a combination service.

[VentMedic]

And keep in mind, the community in the above article is NOT doing away with it's volunteers, they are simply becoming a combination service.

Its a start. Once people do see it is possible, they can move forward.


The cost and time commitment of paramedic training does not permit that service to be filled by volunteers in most communities;

I am not saying volunteers can not be professional in their duties but times are changing. I hope you noticed the Education Standards Gap Analysis Documents, which is the study for developing bridge courses according to the new levels. It is time to get away from just the "training" and start educating. How many volunteers are going to commit to this if it takes time from their "real" job? Again, nothing against a volunteer who does have their heart into it but one has to realize that EMS has the potential to become a real profession like the RN with recognition as professional status for insurance reimbursement. You can call yourself "professional" but until Medicare says you are..........

http://www.nasemso.org/EMSEducationImplementationPlanning/Toolkit.asp#GAT071709

[dr-exmedic]

What I was getting at is that you don't have to be paid to be good at what you do, and just because you happen to get paid, does not mean you're better than the guy who doesn't.
No, but the person who does something 40 hours a week is (on average) going to be better than someone who does that same thing in his/her spare time. Since most people can't devote 40 hours a week to something that won't pay the rent, it's only inevitable that (on average) a FT medic will be a better medic than someone with a non-medical FT job. The fact that there are some volunteer organizations who do the job better than some FT ones is both a credit to those vollies and a poor reflection on those FTers.

But ultimately, when the chips are down and I'm life-threateningly ill, am I really going to want to be cared for by folks who happens to see a few patients a month in their spare time? Let's face it--I know plenty of FTers that I wouldn't want treating me, but if I don't know the individual provider, on average I'd prefer the guy who does do it FT, thank you very much.
Yes I'm a volunteer, but I had to pass the National Registry exam, and the State Firefighter exam, just like the paid guys.
And my county medical examiner passed all the same medical licensure tests that I did--would you like him at the scene of your medical emergency? :)

[That Volunteer EMT Guy]

Good for you but what about the future of your community? And are you speaking for the EMS care in your community?

I will admit the volunteer fire service might work very well in sparsely populated areas. But for EMS, the citizens deserve to have a full time ALS service. EMS should be a little more than just "training". There should be education as well.

Someday these back slapping arguments will have to make way for a thing called progress. I am pleased to be a part of a state that has advanced to be able to provide ALS 911 service to all areas. Too many hang on to their volunteer services because they have been misinformed, they fear the unknown because it might not be the same good ol' boys next door or the residents have had their heads filled with misinformation by some who don't want to stop being a volunteer EMT for their own selfish reasons. This usually turns into an embarrassing scene at the townhall meetings when the community hears about an ALS service that would like to bid on their area and the volunteer EMTs, who have no interest in becoming Paramedics or actually giving up their "real job" to work in EMS, just totally freak out to defend their turf. The "it's always been good enough" is getting to be a very tired argument. The EMTs usually just present the same self-serving arguments and don't take the community's desire to have ALS care for their residents into consideration.

Yes, there are good volunteers out there but put down the emotional arguments and ego trips to help get your community into the year 2009. There is a little more to it than just the "me more professional" attitude.

My volunteer agency runs ALS in every ambulance, 24/7. I will admit, however, that some of the members are indeed paid. Professionalism, however, remains constant across all the members (with a few bad eggs thrown in, of course, but no more than any agency, and QI is very big in our agency). My point is, though, that professionalism is a matter of training and standards, not if you get paid or not.

When you do actual QI on every single call, the county has a great medical director, and people are encouraged to do as much continuing training and education as they can, you're going to have a great agency. I'd argue that people who are interested more in the work than in their paycheck, and highly motivated by the agency's culture to constantly improve, you also get a higher standard of EMS than the private agency where people are just putting their time in and getting by with the minimum yearly training hours to keep up their certs.

In other words, don't lump everybody into one category.

[VentMedic]

you also get a higher standard of EMS than the private agency where people are just putting their time in and getting by with the minimum yearly training hours to keep up their certs.

In other words, don't lump everybody into one category.

Are you and your agency as well at the school that "trains" you prepared for the future which is coming? And, yes, education will become standardized so you "training" will now be education that is consistent.


My point is, though, that professionalism is a matter of training and standards, not if you get paid or not.

The check-out clerks at my grocery store are also very professional. In the healthcare professions, you achieve professional status when you are recognized as such by the insuring agencies including Medicare. In order to obtain that recognition, we must be working toward the same goals.

Please read the link I posted earlier before you post again with emotional arguments that Washington DC would blow off at "unprofessional" and does little for the profession except give a cute little rah rah cheerleading speech. EMS like other health care professions is a business and the sooner some realize that, the sooner EMS can achieve professional status.

[PhillyRube]

Geez, what got this anti-volunteer rant started?