Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 Here something else to think on. As we all know it is going to take longer to get the new medics out of school, about 2 yrs, what will this do to the paramedic pay scale? Will this change the change the pay rate any? WD [texasems-L] Just wondering > > >To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever >tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us >that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > >I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only >the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and >supportive. > >Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our >profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd >rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me >that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 This maybe true, but you are still going to have those systems out there that are not going to pay more than $8 per hr for medics and EMTs. The LP process I don;t think went as everyone planned. It was to have brought higher pay to EMS, but only a few services are paying more, and those that are, the pay is only about $2000 or maybe a little more per yr. Compaired to what an RN would make. WD Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering >Wayne, > >I think it will help the pay rate. More education will lead to better pay. >We are already seeing some systems pay more for Licensed Paramedics. > >I think you will even see some move towards hiring only Licensed or >extremely experienced Medics in the near future. This too should lead to >better wages in those systems. > > > [texasems-L] Just wondering >> > >> > >> >To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever >> >tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us >> >that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " >> > >> >I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only >> >the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and >> >supportive. >> > >> >Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our >> >profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd >> >rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me >> >that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >> >> >> >> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 Dear , OK Goofball. I have no problem with my EMS pay.. I'm looking for a bank type credit union. Gees Louise... I heard there was one for firefighters, I just wondered if there was one for EMS, too... Now, who's the one that sounds frustrated? :-) Joe Kiff EMT-I, EMSI VOLUNTEER... Have a nice day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 OK... Here's what happens when Joe doesn't read the entire message. Paramedic Wiseman, Sir, my humble apologies for assuming. I posted a question with the same heading a day ago and I thought your response was to my question. My response was to that end. I goofed. After reading the entire message, I agree completely. Sorry ya'll... Joe Kiff EMT-I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 How about if your tired of your pay, you get out and look for another EMS job! There ARE well paying Paramedic positions in this state. YOU have to be willing to go after them, and to improve yourself to get them. Yes, if we are willing to put up with $8.25/hour then why should anyone pay us anymore? If you take control of your own career then you CAN make a great living doing what it is that makes you happy. It won't come to you here on the list-server, though. You must be willing to put in the time and education if you want to make the money that you definitely DO deserve! You are obviously frustrated and rightfully so. I don't know what part of the State you reside in, but there are positions that start out at over $40,000.00 a year for a Paramedic. There are some 3rd service systems that have started actively recruiting on a National level (not mine). They are not getting enough qualified applicants to meet their needs. I don't know why, but I do know that Medics from other States are coming in a picking up the high paying jobs that you and others on this list-server frequently express that you wanted. My service doesn't even advertise outside of Central Texas and we have people from California to North Carolina coming in January for our process and many previous ones too. The jobs are out there...good luck in your hunt. Wiseman, EMT-P [texasems-L] Just wondering > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > supportive. > > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 Okay, here comes a can of worms. Generally in our society, pay is based on education. The minimum education required to be a paramedic is only a year or so of vocational training. I understand that many people have more training than that, but pay industry pay is generally based on the lowest common denominator. If we require more education, we may get more pay. Many people will argue that the level of danger is a factor in pay, and sometimes that is true. However, I think we would all agree that the danger factor somehow escapes the public safety pay scales. None of the public safety industries have pay scales that come close to compensating for the danger/environment that we all work in. Finally, I have to point out that as a paramedic, my salary is considerably higher than my wife's. My wife is a school teacher. In addition to her low pay, many of her classroom supplies come out of her own pocket. She has to pay for copies, laminating, etc. While I know most of us buy some of our own supplies (stethoscopes, leatherman, etc.)we generally don't have to buy the disposable necessities such as bandages and IV catheters ourselves. My wife could get a different job and make more money. However, if she could not get paid to do it, she would find a way to teach for free in her spare time (no, she doesn't have any of that either). Why does she do it? Because there are other rewards. I am a seasoned, no-tears paramedic, but she can bring tears to my eyes telling me stories about the children in her classes. She is there because it makes her feel good to make a difference in someone else's life. I think her motivations are probably similar to many of yours. We get rewarded in different(non-monetary)ways. (Nobody else gets to bring a wife/daughter/mother back to life in their own living room on Thanksgiving day as the family stands-by.) We all made a choice to take our jobs for the pay that was offered. Most of us are probably even making a little more money now than we were when we originally signed on. To get paid what we are worth and get to do the job that we do - that would be the best of both worlds, and that rarely happens. Please do not get me wrong, I would LOVE to make more money, and I think that the EMS pay scale is pitiful! However, I also think that getting worked up about it will only lead to HTN(which will lead to an ambulance/ER bill that none of us can afford). It is important to realize that we all chose to be where we are for the pay we get. We all obviously feel that the rewards we are getting are worth it, or we would leave. I think if we work to improve ourselves as an industry by promoting education, higher standards of care, and professionalism, we will be in a better position with regard to pay. If they think that we are $8/hr medics, we need to expand ourselves and prove them wrong. It will be a lot of work, but I think it is an opportunity that most of us would love to have anyway. So that's my humble 2 cents worth. I just hope that we can stop and reflect on the REAL reasons that we are all here instead of starting off the new year disgruntled about low pay and under-appreciation. However, if this is being read by someone from Human resources, I am completely drunk and off my rocker! Paramedics are only there for the pay and if you don't double the salary that you pay there will be an incredible shortage and you will have to work on the ambulance yourself!!!!!! Take Care Everyone!!! Trey Wood [texasems-L] Just wondering To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and supportive. Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 Good job Trey! As a parent of a school aged child now, tell the Mrs. thank you for her dedication to her students. The parents DO appreciate it. Happy New Year, [texasems-L] Just wondering > > > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > supportive. > > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 Wayne, I think it will help the pay rate. More education will lead to better pay. We are already seeing some systems pay more for Licensed Paramedics. I think you will even see some move towards hiring only Licensed or extremely experienced Medics in the near future. This too should lead to better wages in those systems. [texasems-L] Just wondering > > > > > >To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > >tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > >that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > > > >I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > >the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > >supportive. > > > >Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > >profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > >rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > >that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 I agree.....and the ones that are paying more for them seem to be paying low wages to start with [texasems-L] Just wondering > >> > > >> > > >> >To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > >> >tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > >> >that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > >> > > >> >I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > >> >the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > >> >supportive. > >> > > >> >Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > >> >profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > >> >rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > >> >that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 I think that we all hope that " the one day " will be before we all retire!!! HAPPY NEW YEARS ALL!!! WD Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering >couldnt have put it any better trey. i left a job that >paid twice what i make now but it sucked and i hated >it, being a paramedic is awesome and gratifying. we do >need more money,but it will get there one day. > >__________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 , I have to agree with you on that one. Because I know of areas that are having to rely on other providers that are 25-30 miles away. Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering >One way to make yourself more valuable is to make sure you take a job that the demand is high for. >Currently in the state of Texas there is no law requiring any entity to furnish EMS service to the local >citizenry. Maybe if EMTs could ban together as fire fighters have and form a coalition to petition for such >a law you would have a place to start creating a demand for your services that would be backed by law. >2cents worth > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 couldnt have put it any better trey. i left a job that paid twice what i make now but it sucked and i hated it, being a paramedic is awesome and gratifying. we do need more money,but it will get there one day. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 One way to make yourself more valuable is to make sure you take a job that the demand is high for. Currently in the state of Texas there is no law requiring any entity to furnish EMS service to the local citizenry. Maybe if EMTs could ban together as fire fighters have and form a coalition to petition for such a law you would have a place to start creating a demand for your services that would be backed by law. 2cents worth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2000 Report Share Posted December 31, 2000 Happy New Year to All Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering One way to make yourself more valuable is to make sure you take a job that the demand is high for. Currently in the state of Texas there is no law requiring any entity to furnish EMS service to the local citizenry. Maybe if EMTs could ban together as fire fighters have and form a coalition to petition for such a law you would have a place to start creating a demand for your services that would be backed by law. 2cents worth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2001 Report Share Posted January 1, 2001 Wayne Time, increasing standards, and shortages are things that will bring about a higher pay scale. These are the main reasons that nursing wages have grown to be what they are. There is one other thing I believe that contributes to the low wages of paramedicine, this being public ignorance of what the scale is. Just my thoughts, Verne This maybe true, but you are still going to have those systems out there that are not going to pay more than $8 per hr for medics and EMTs. The LP process I don;t think went as everyone planned. It was to have brought higher pay to EMS, but only a few services are paying more, and those that are, the pay is only about $2000 or maybe a little more per yr. Compaired to what an RN would make. WD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2001 Report Share Posted January 1, 2001 In a message dated 12/31/2000 03:27:59 PM Central Standard Time, treywood@... writes: > . If we require more > education, we may get more pay. > > I am sure that teachers and librarians all over the world will be happy to hear this. When can they start collecting?????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2001 Report Share Posted January 2, 2001 Perhaps one clue to the underlying problem is the fact that EMS is not included in the state Senate Health Care Committee's list of Health Care Professions as reflected in the recent report from that body. If we aren't even considered a medical profession by the people who draft and pass our laws, how can we expected to be treated and paid as professionals by the people who hire us? Dave [texasems-L] Just wondering > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > supportive. > > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2001 Report Share Posted January 2, 2001 A possible help to the problem may be that we need to become more politically active. It is, after all, the congress that decides what we are re-imbursed for the care we provide. (Ask anyone who bills for an EMS agency what that is like!) Steve Dralle, EMT-P San , TX Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering Perhaps one clue to the underlying problem is the fact that EMS is not included in the state Senate Health Care Committee's list of Health Care Professions as reflected in the recent report from that body. If we aren't even considered a medical profession by the people who draft and pass our laws, how can we expected to be treated and paid as professionals by the people who hire us? Dave [texasems-L] Just wondering > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > supportive. > > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2001 Report Share Posted January 2, 2001 Steve: You have a point. However I have to point out that, so far, the only political activity in EMS has been on the part of those who wanted to block implementation of higher standards: the college requirement for the license, higher minimum education standards for certification, etc, etc, etc. In other words, all the lobbying to date has been taking us in the opposite direction from where we need to go if we want to be paid better and receive more professional respect. Considering the political activity so far has been driven by Fire Chiefs and EMS Manager/Owners who have a vested interest in low training standards, low pay scales, an abundant, hungry workforce, and EMS NOT being a recognized medical profession, we have a great deal of inertia to overcome. Dave [texasems-L] Just wondering > > > > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > > > > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > > supportive. > > > > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2001 Report Share Posted January 2, 2001 I would agree with that as well. As an education supervisor in a private service I have a vested interest in increasing the education requirements for paramedic and all EMS providers in general because the better trained they are, the better service they provide and the more solidified our hold on contracts. Unfortunately not all in EMS share the customer service approach. What we need to realize is that EMS is a service industry and to remain solvent we must strive to provide the best service possible. To facilitate this we MUST push for higher education requirements AND move toward scientific research to validate what we do. These are the steps toward professionalism and we must work together to get there. The time of private versus public and volunteer versus paid is over, if we want to ever be accepted as professionals that is. I must maintain that an active political lobby on the national and state levels is essential to this goal. Without support of the various legislative bodies there will be no funding to pay for the increase in service or research. It is impossible to add medications, procedures or supplies without the funding to pay for them. This a problem for all types of EMS service from Volunteer to paid and from public to private. EMS funding has failed to keep up with the cost of providing the service. There are many on this list that will disagree on this issue but before you flame me, research the issue. Find out what the allowable is for various supplies and medications and then compare that to the cost of providing them and, if you really want to be surprised, compare what the allowable is for a hospital to administer the same medication or procedure. Steve Dralle, EMT-P EMSC San , TX The opinions expressed in this message are my own and do not represent the opinions or policies of my employers. Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering Steve: You have a point. However I have to point out that, so far, the only political activity in EMS has been on the part of those who wanted to block implementation of higher standards: the college requirement for the license, higher minimum education standards for certification, etc, etc, etc. In other words, all the lobbying to date has been taking us in the opposite direction from where we need to go if we want to be paid better and receive more professional respect. Considering the political activity so far has been driven by Fire Chiefs and EMS Manager/Owners who have a vested interest in low training standards, low pay scales, an abundant, hungry workforce, and EMS NOT being a recognized medical profession, we have a great deal of inertia to overcome. Dave [texasems-L] Just wondering > > > > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > > > > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > > supportive. > > > > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2001 Report Share Posted January 2, 2001 Steve, I will agree with you on the push that was made last year or year before when a bill had been placed in the legislature to grandfather all paramedics with " X " amount of experience into the LP status. I for one was hoping that this would happen. But, it did not. Why you might ask? Because the medics that have been certified since " dirt " should be recognized as a LP. Now, the new ones coming in should have to have the college degree or 60 hrs in " under water basket weaving " as it was put during that time. just my thoughts.. Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering > > >Steve: > >You have a point. However I have to point out that, so far, the only >political activity in EMS has been on the part of those who wanted to block >implementation of higher standards: the college requirement for the license, >higher minimum education standards for certification, etc, etc, etc. In >other words, all the lobbying to date has been taking us in the opposite >direction from where we need to go if we want to be paid better and receive >more professional respect. Considering the political activity so far has >been driven by Fire Chiefs and EMS Manager/Owners who have a vested interest >in low training standards, low pay scales, an abundant, hungry workforce, >and EMS NOT being a recognized medical profession, we have a great deal of >inertia to overcome. > >Dave > [texasems-L] Just wondering >> >> >> > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever >> > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us >> > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " >> > >> > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only >> > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and >> > supportive. >> > >> > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our >> > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd >> > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me >> > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2001 Report Share Posted January 2, 2001 The post before should have been addressed to Dave not Steve. WD Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering >Steve: > >You have a point. However I have to point out that, so far, the only >political activity in EMS has been on the part of those who wanted to block >implementation of higher standards: the college requirement for the license, >higher minimum education standards for certification, etc, etc, etc. In >other words, all the lobbying to date has been taking us in the opposite >direction from where we need to go if we want to be paid better and receive >more professional respect. Considering the political activity so far has >been driven by Fire Chiefs and EMS Manager/Owners who have a vested interest >in low training standards, low pay scales, an abundant, hungry workforce, >and EMS NOT being a recognized medical profession, we have a great deal of >inertia to overcome. > >Dave > [texasems-L] Just wondering >> >> >> > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever >> > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us >> > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " >> > >> > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only >> > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and >> > supportive. >> > >> > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our >> > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd >> > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me >> > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2001 Report Share Posted January 3, 2001 Wayne: The reason I opposed (stridently) any grandfathering based on experience is that there is no effective, quantitative way to measure that experience. Do we use years certified? I know medics working in little podunk services who have made fewer runs in a 10-year career than I made in my first year as a paramedic. Their total experience and education probably makes them less medically competent in all than a lot of rookies out of a good paramedic school. Grandfathering them would render the license meaningless as a tool for hiring medics with advanced knowledge and preparation. Do we base it on types of experience? Believe me, if we could do that practically, I would be in favor of it. I would much rather license medics with five solid years of intense experience they could demonstrate had enhanced their overall medical competence than a kid fresh out of school with a two-year degree and no experience. The problem is there is no effective, practical way to document that experience. It can't be done quantitatively, or at least by no method TDH would be willing to use. You have to remember that the purpose of the license from day one of its conception was to provide a way to distinguish medics who had the same minimum level of higher education required for all the other health professions, a quantitative and definable measure, from those who didn't. It was never intended as a reward for people who managed to remain in EMS for X years without becoming fed up or getting nailed by TDH for something. The point of this is not to revive that arguement. It is to point out that political activism is good only when it is carefully considered and based on a clear view of the big picture. The lobbying effort that nearly brought in the grandfather clause (thank God we beat it back) was done by people who weren't interested in the big picture or the future of EMS. They had a skewed view of what the license was for and had a bad taste in their mouths that they didn't carry the day in the regulatory process that set up the terms of licensure. They did it because they wanted their way, no matter what. I agree we need to lobby and push a legislative agenda to further the professional development of EMS and make things better for our colleagues and for the citizens that depend on us. That effort cannot be driven by good ol' boys operating on gut feelings and rule of thumb logic. It has to be driven by competent members of our profession who have the knowledge of the legislative process and who have the background to develop a clear view of the future big picture. They have to be working for the citizens of the state first and ALL EMS personnel second, not the fire departments, not the colleges, not the private services, not any of the so-called stakeholders. That's why I wasn't real enthusiastic when Gene advocated using EMSAT as the tool for thateffort . If Gene were the president of the organization and if its other leadership consisted of the kind of well-rounded, well-educated, people needed to be objective and cautious about what they work for, I'd say " all ahead, full. " The problem is that the current leadership consists mainly of people who actively worked to bring about the disasterous legislation we spoke of above. That proved to me that they weren't thinking clearly enough and didn't have vision enough of the big picture to be trusted with that kind of responsibility. Some of them have been the most vocal opponents of the higher educational standards and stricter guidelines we need if we are ever going to be taken seriously by the other medical professions. Gene has said before that the way to solve that problem is to join the organization, turn the rascals out, and make it work for the things we need it to do. He may be right, but there is no way that can happen in time for us to have much influence on this year's legislative agenda. All I hope for is that these loose cannons won't try to pull off some half-baked thing again this year like that last one and force us to go to war again. The effort to establish a common ground since GETAC was engendered has been inspiring and the results so far have been hopeful, but there are some things we cannot allow to happen just to maintain a level of cordiality amongst our colleagues. Lobbying is a double-edged sword. Let's be sure the people we tap to take on such a job know how to use a blade and what to swing it at for all our sakes. We don't want to accidently chop off our own hands in the effort. Dave [texasems-L] Just wondering > >> > >> > >> > To all of you out there who work or have worked in EMS...Do you ever > >> > tire of making $7-9 per hour, if that much?? WHat is it about us > >> > that says to everyone... " Hey, I'm here, take advantage of me!! " > >> > > >> > I know we're unappreciated on the global scale of things, it's only > >> > the individual patients we help who are truly appreciative and > >> > supportive. > >> > > >> > Anyone want to share insight on how we can further ourselves and our > >> > profession?? As for me, I've been doing this for 13 years and I'd > >> > rather be a volunteer than to have some human resources clerk tell me > >> > that I'm only worth 8.25 per hour..ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2001 Report Share Posted January 3, 2001 Wayne: The opinion I expressed in the previous post, as is true in virtually every post I make, is my own and does not reflect the opinion of my employer or anyone else unless, of course, they join in the fun and say it does. Just wanted to make that clear. Send all bombs, poison pen letters, dead elephants and other distasteful examples of retribution to my private address (if you happen to discover it), not to my place of employment. Such things clutter up the lobby. 8*) Dave Re: [texasems-L] Just wondering > The post before should have been addressed to Dave not Steve. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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