12/08/2022
REGARDING EMS: If you have never zipped up a body bag on a shift, you shouldn’t be deciding how much an EMS provider makes.
If you have never watched a person suffocate to death from their own blood or sputum, you shouldn’t be deciding how much an EMS provider makes.
If you have never been punched and kicked for trying to assess your patient, you shouldn’t be deciding how much an EMS provider makes.
If you have never had someone beg you to not let them die, or to let them die, you shouldn’t be deciding how much an EMS provider makes.
If you've never had to look into a loved ones eyes or hold them while they crumble when you tell them of the death of their child, mother, father, sister, aunt, grandparent……you shouldn't be deciding how much an EMS provider makes.
If you have never told your family your shift was “fine” to spare them from what you saw that day, you shouldn’t be deciding how much an EMS provider makes.
If you’ve never felt ribs breaking from doing CPR on someone’s family member, you shouldn’t be deciding how much an EMS provider makes.
For years EMS providers have been underpaid and undervalued and no one seemed to care.
Now that healthcare is on the brink of a collapse, everyone is concerned.
EMS providers are leaving the profession at rapid rates.
Perhaps it’s from the years of getting NO raises and barely being able to pay bills. Maybe it’s because EMS providers are asked to do more and more with less. Maybe it’s from the terrible management or the township/borough officials that think we are expendable. Or maybe it is because EMS have to work several part time jobs, besides their fulltime job, to make ends meet! The reasons are honestly endless.
Let’s start caring about EMS retention, EMS training, fair wages, reliable equipment, etc.
Let’s not get to the point where you need an ambulance with competent providers and the closest one to you or your loved one in need, is over a half an hour away…..every minute/second counts when there is an emergency.
If you are an EMS provider, feel free to copy and share! 💙
Taken from Jenn
