EMS Magazine Monthly Insider: February ‘08
Thom Dick
“Challenging the notion of volunteers in EMS is like saying bad things about somebody’s mom – it’s one of those things you just don’t do,” writes author Thom Dick in his controversial cover report, EMS’ Dirty Secret. “But maybe it’s time to ask whether America’s volunteers are hurting themselves in their efforts to help others. Maybe… maybe they’re even hurting us.”
Listen as Thom discusses issues long ignored in EMS regarding the health and safety of its providers, as well as the health of the industry. Thom also explains that the article came about as a result of feedback to EMS Magazine editor Nancy Perry’s Oct. 2007 editorial entitled EMS’ Dirty Secret: Are You Paying the Price for Being In EMS?
Look for Thom’s article in your Feb. issue of EMS Magazine or online. To discuss Thom’s article visit our forums.
Thom Dick has been involved in EMS for 37 years, 23 of them as a full-time EMT and paramedic in San Diego County. He is the quality care coordinator for Platte Valley Ambulance Service, a community-owned, hospital-based 9-1-1 provider in Brighton, CO. Thom is also a member of EMS Magazine’s editorial advisory board. Reach him at boxcar_414@yahoo.com.
I felt like you were reading our minds! Why is it so difficult for people to understand we would like to get paid just like other public services? Is it because the work is not constant in some areas–especially rural? Do we have to justify our pay, our existence? Thanks for such a great article.
Moron, nuff said
I am EMT B.
Generally speaking it was a very good article. It took me over 25 years to finally realize I needed to take a break. I got completely out of EMS for 5 years and just started back as a Paramedic last year. I don’t believe we can just say carte blanche that all volunteers wish to become career ems people. I simply could not afford the cut in pay. Most departments in VA start their EMS folks out in the 30’s to 40k a year range and as an IT program manager I make substantially more then that. If EMS had been a more visible career field 30 years ago, I might have entered it and I know many veteran medics are doing well financially. But the second aspect of this is the fact that many volunteers like to volunteer. It can be tough and you do need balance. My current department has a number of retirees that volunteer and it provides them something to do, while providing a valuable service as well. I do not want to see the volunteer system disappear but we do need to make sure the volunteers are taken care of.