RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

[Guest guest]

How about this......one of our non-profit organizations (EMSAT, TEMSF,

ETC..) needs to do some public awareness campaigns on TV and in print. Who

we are, what we are. I had an idea some years ago about doing a media

academy (when I was with a larger EMS agency) A week long " boot camp " of

classroom and ride outs for print and broadcast media similar to a " Citizens

EMS Academy " except geared towards the media. But, it was just an idea that

never got off the ground. Perception is reality, and its our job to change

the perceptions if they exist in a negative connotation.

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good

job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according to

some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as

not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the hospital.

Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue collar

occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs. I've

yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we create

public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be

ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

How about this......one of our non-profit organizations (EMSAT, TEMSF,

ETC..) needs to do some public awareness campaigns on TV and in print. Who

we are, what we are. I had an idea some years ago about doing a media

academy (when I was with a larger EMS agency) A week long " boot camp " of

classroom and ride outs for print and broadcast media similar to a " Citizens

EMS Academy " except geared towards the media. But, it was just an idea that

never got off the ground. Perception is reality, and its our job to change

the perceptions if they exist in a negative connotation.

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good

job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according to

some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as

not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the hospital.

Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue collar

occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs. I've

yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we create

public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be

ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

-- I'm in complete agreement about educating the media and about the PR

campaigns. I've talked amongst friends before about a " Citizen's EMS Academy. "

Are you aware if any EMS agency is doing one?

-Wes

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good

job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according to

some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as

not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the hospital.

Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue collar

occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs. I've

yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we create

public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be

ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

-- I'm in complete agreement about educating the media and about the PR

campaigns. I've talked amongst friends before about a " Citizen's EMS Academy. "

Are you aware if any EMS agency is doing one?

-Wes

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good

job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according to

some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as

not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the hospital.

Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue collar

occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs. I've

yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we create

public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be

ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

Nothing EMS specific. Plenty of Citizens Fire and police though (guess

that's why the PR machine works SOO good).

I had envisioned an annual Media academy, so that all the newbies coming

into the area from the media could get the " EMS blitz " .

You know, it's not written anywhere that something like this couldn't be

done in conjunction with Fire and Police too, but if it were done, my

preference would be EMS only, since we need some one on one time.

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good

job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according

to

some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as

not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the hospital.

Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue

collar

occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs. I've

yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we

create

public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be

ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

Nothing EMS specific. Plenty of Citizens Fire and police though (guess

that's why the PR machine works SOO good).

I had envisioned an annual Media academy, so that all the newbies coming

into the area from the media could get the " EMS blitz " .

You know, it's not written anywhere that something like this couldn't be

done in conjunction with Fire and Police too, but if it were done, my

preference would be EMS only, since we need some one on one time.

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good

job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according

to

some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as

not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the hospital.

Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue

collar

occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs. I've

yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we

create

public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be

ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

What about a public education campaign similar to this one?

www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/inappropriate/inappropriate_main.html

I know that the message is not the same but I have heard from colleagues

from across the pond that it has earned some attention.

If you can find a service or an organization to lead a campaign - next

months conference (with many vendors present) would be a good place to

find someone to underwrite the cost of billboards. You might want to

bring up the idea to a vendor if your organization or service is looking

to do something like this.

AJL

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of ExLngHrn@...

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 1:52 PM

To: ; Paramedicine

Subject: Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a

good job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia "

according to some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS

as not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the

hospital. Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a

lower-class, blue collar occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs.

I've yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until

we create public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're

doomed to be ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

What about a public education campaign similar to this one?

www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/inappropriate/inappropriate_main.html

I know that the message is not the same but I have heard from colleagues

from across the pond that it has earned some attention.

If you can find a service or an organization to lead a campaign - next

months conference (with many vendors present) would be a good place to

find someone to underwrite the cost of billboards. You might want to

bring up the idea to a vendor if your organization or service is looking

to do something like this.

AJL

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of ExLngHrn@...

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 1:52 PM

To: ; Paramedicine

Subject: Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a

good job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia "

according to some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS

as not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the

hospital. Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a

lower-class, blue collar occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs.

I've yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until

we create public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're

doomed to be ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

What about a public education campaign similar to this one?

www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/inappropriate/inappropriate_main.html

I know that the message is not the same but I have heard from colleagues

from across the pond that it has earned some attention.

If you can find a service or an organization to lead a campaign - next

months conference (with many vendors present) would be a good place to

find someone to underwrite the cost of billboards. You might want to

bring up the idea to a vendor if your organization or service is looking

to do something like this.

AJL

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of ExLngHrn@...

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 1:52 PM

To: ; Paramedicine

Subject: Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a

good job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia "

according to some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

" ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS

as not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the

hospital. Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a

lower-class, blue collar occupation that had little professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

departments have well developed media and public relations programs.

I've yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until

we create public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're

doomed to be ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee , Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee , Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Where did the funding come from?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee , Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Where did the funding come from?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee , Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

I really don't know. They used a commercial photographer with large format

equipment. I had the contacts with the musicians from my old radio days.

Willie, Nolan and Fromholz agreed. Jerry Jeff s' wife and

manager tentatively agreed. Never heard from Lyle and Tommy Lee

PR person said OK as long as Tommy was scheduled to be in San Saba. The PBS

station was going to do the shoots in studio for free and there was money

somewhere for the dubs to send out to the radio and TV stations.

BEB

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of ,

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 3:37 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Where did the funding come from?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee , Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

I really don't know. They used a commercial photographer with large format

equipment. I had the contacts with the musicians from my old radio days.

Willie, Nolan and Fromholz agreed. Jerry Jeff s' wife and

manager tentatively agreed. Never heard from Lyle and Tommy Lee

PR person said OK as long as Tommy was scheduled to be in San Saba. The PBS

station was going to do the shoots in studio for free and there was money

somewhere for the dubs to send out to the radio and TV stations.

BEB

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of ,

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 3:37 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Where did the funding come from?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee , Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

I really don't know. They used a commercial photographer with large format

equipment. I had the contacts with the musicians from my old radio days.

Willie, Nolan and Fromholz agreed. Jerry Jeff s' wife and

manager tentatively agreed. Never heard from Lyle and Tommy Lee

PR person said OK as long as Tommy was scheduled to be in San Saba. The PBS

station was going to do the shoots in studio for free and there was money

somewhere for the dubs to send out to the radio and TV stations.

BEB

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of ,

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 3:37 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Where did the funding come from?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee , Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Anyone have any idea how to create a budget for something like this?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He

arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee ,

Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos

at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Anyone have any idea how to create a budget for something like this?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He

arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee ,

Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos

at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Anyone have any idea how to create a budget for something like this?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He

arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee ,

Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos

at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

I believe San Airlife did such a project at the Alamo Dome some

time back with helicopters, fire trucks and EMS units. You might want

to contact Salter at SA Airlife or Bill Waechter at Baptist

healthcare Systems.

Ron A. Derrick LP NREMT-P

Safety and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Sid Memorial Hospital

Kerrville, Texas

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He

arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy

Cheerleaders

in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a

hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing

ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in

the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities

(Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee ,

Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the

promos

at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then,

Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever

a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Not sure exactly what else can be done. Right now, on the media, there

are a few 'reality' type programs on the air that show what EMS really does

but the problem is that Q Public isn't really interested in what a

medic can do until they need one so why are they going to watch?. I'm sure

that when the shows were in the concept stage somebody, somewhere might have

well thought " hay, this 911 show might do for EMS what Top Gun did for the

Navy. " The problem with trying to get the media to show what EMS is all

about is that they would have to make the show " sexy " enough to attract an

audience and EMS aunt exactly a sexy business and in sexing up what we do

for the boobtoob, will the profession be taken seriously?

Now, if we go the route of showing how things really are, then we will

be in the documentary realm. How many documentaries have any of you folks

watched over the last year? Do you know anybody who has? In any case, I

can tell you that In my case EMT's are a well respected part of the medical

community. Mom has been an RN since LBJ was in the Whitehouse, and she

watched EMS in Texas evolve into what it is today. Most of the folks I know

have respect for what we do. One observation that I have made is that those

who I have seen the ambulance driver attitude from have been among those who

are better educated white collar folks, not the blue collar types. This

appears to be a form of class bias to me, but then, this country is full of

such bias. On the flip side, how many centuries did it take for doctors to

be considered white collar professionals? How about dentists? Recall that

at one time, was just sideline for barbers. I believe that we will get

there eventually through hard work and education. Perhaps if we were to get

a high profile spokesman (how about Kinky?) it would help, but I wouldn't

hold my breath over it.

Crosby

EMT-B

Spreading the word about EMS.

> I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

> neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a

> possible CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good

> job. (Of course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according

> to some. *grin*)

>

> What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition

> we receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as

> " ambulance drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT

> certification and my own grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as

> not being able to do much more than give someone a ride to the hospital.

> Needless to say, my family also thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue

> collar occupation that had little professional acumen.

>

> What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the

> message about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire

> departments have well developed media and public relations programs. I've

> yet to see much organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we

> create public advocates for EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed

> to be ambulance drivers...

>

> -Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

> Austin, Texas

> Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

>

[Guest guest]

Perhaps some funding might be availible from the Feds. There are grants for a

lot of different things out there, so we might be able to find some there.

Maybe from Homeland Security, or from the CDC. Wouldn't know who to contact on

it myself, but it might be worth a looksie by somebody with the clout to

organize such an effort.

Crosby

EMT-B

________________________________

From: on behalf of ,

Sent: Mon 10/24/2005 3:54 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Anyone have any idea how to create a budget for something like this?

RE: Spreading the word about EMS.

Years ago (1996-1997), Nollette was then with the TDH. He

arranged

two large photo shoots--EMS people with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

in

front of Texas Stadium and a similar shot with the Houston Oilers

Cheerleaders in front of the stadium in Houston. There were a hundred

people

in the picture from helicopters to doctors to dispatchers. Nothing ever

became of this. The posters were never published. I was involved in the

second phase that just went away. We contacted Texas celebrities (Willie

, Fromholz, Nolan , Lyle Lovett, Tommy Lee ,

Emmett

) about doing a video Public Service Announcement about EMS. I

contacted the celebrities and we had an arrangement to shoot the promos

at

the PBS station in Austin (can't remember the call letters). Then, Chris

left TDH and nobody seemed interested after that. If there was ever a

common thread related to EMS PR, it would have to be apathy.

BEB

[Guest guest]

Probably because few people actually see what you do. You go to someone's

house, the neighbors see you go into the house, and a few minutes later you come

out with the patient. Accident scenes? Mostly blocked off, police move traffic

through, the public doesn't see any of the packaging. And out of police and

fire, EMS probably spends the least time with the public. From scene to

hospital in 30 minutes or less is the goal. Police especially have developed a

good public outreach program. They do much more than crime fighting. They do a

lot of preventive programs that involve the public's participation. They even

go door to door. When I was in the 1st grade, " Officer Friendly " would come

talk to us in school. Anyway, just my thoughts.

Meredith

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a possible

CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good job. (Of

course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according to some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition we

receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as " ambulance

drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT certification and my own

grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as not being able to do much more

than give someone a ride to the hospital. Needless to say, my family also

thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue collar occupation that had little

professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the message

about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire departments have

well developed media and public relations programs. I've yet to see much

organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we create public advocates for

EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

Probably because few people actually see what you do. You go to someone's

house, the neighbors see you go into the house, and a few minutes later you come

out with the patient. Accident scenes? Mostly blocked off, police move traffic

through, the public doesn't see any of the packaging. And out of police and

fire, EMS probably spends the least time with the public. From scene to

hospital in 30 minutes or less is the goal. Police especially have developed a

good public outreach program. They do much more than crime fighting. They do a

lot of preventive programs that involve the public's participation. They even

go door to door. When I was in the 1st grade, " Officer Friendly " would come

talk to us in school. Anyway, just my thoughts.

Meredith

Spreading the word about EMS.

I've got to rant a bit this afternoon. While I was at work, my next door

neighbor was treated and transported by Austin/ County EMS for a possible

CVA or TIA. From what I've heard, the responding crew did a good job. (Of

course, I expected this since I'm in the " EMS utopia " according to some. *grin*)

What hacks me to no end is the continued lack of respect and recognition we

receive from the public. The public continues to recognize us as " ambulance

drivers. " Honestly, my own family, until I got my EMT certification and my own

grandmother was treated by EMS, thought of EMS as not being able to do much more

than give someone a ride to the hospital. Needless to say, my family also

thought of EMS as a lower-class, blue collar occupation that had little

professional acumen.

What are we doing incorrectly (or not doing) in terms of spreading the message

about our capabilities? It seems to me that the police and fire departments have

well developed media and public relations programs. I've yet to see much

organized public education by EMS agencies. Until we create public advocates for

EMS by educating opinion leaders, we're doomed to be ambulance drivers...

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B

Austin, Texas

Attorney/NOT an ambulance driver

[Guest guest]

I'm sure the day is coming in which we'll be

appreciated for what we do and respected as a

profession, but I'm not confident that any of us

will live to see that day.

For decades, police officers and firefighters

were the immigrant lower class citizens doing

jobs nobody of proper breeding would do. Now,

after literally hundreds of years of hard work,

cops and knuckle-dragging mouth-breathing

firefighters (I is one of the latter) are

respected as professionals in their fields. Did

that respect occur overnight? No, and it didn't

occur without some hard work.

Mother, Jugs, and Speed may have been fiction,

but Fire Companies fighting each other in the

street over who got to fight the fire while the

house burned to the ground is fact. Thank God

it's different now, but changes (and respect)

didn't happen quickly.

Nobody will ***give*** us respect; we must

***earn*** it. Respect for the EMS Industry

starts with respect for EMS people, and as long

as we have people and agencies who are happy to

meet minimum standards, we'll never earn respect

from those we serve or with whom we work, either

individually or as an industry.

We have to be better educated. We have to set

our own standards higher than outside regulators

set them. As professionals, we have to expect

ourselves and our peers to ***exceed*** minimum

standards.

Every time somebody posts a letter about the need

to increase minimum educational standards for

beginning EMS folks, the list lights up with

dozens of naysayers. There aren't enough

opportunities in rural areas. Big city fire

departments can't afford it. Volunteers can't

take that much time off work.

Hogwash to all of it. Rural citizens go to

college; they just have to drive farther. Big

city fire departments (like mine, the Austin Fire

Dept.) provide educational incentives for higher

education. And volunteers are some of the most

motivated people I've ever seen, and they'll do

what they need to do to help their neighbors.

In order to be respected, we must first be

respectable in the eyes of those from whom we

seek respect. We seek respect from other medical

professionals like physicians and nurses...and

the entry fee for respectability in their

professions is higher education. That's a fact

of life.

I don't worry about the " ambulance driver " thing

from the citizens we serve because, after all,

somebody IS driving the ambulance. Anybody who

has been traumatized, either physically or

emotionally, because of a reference to " ambulance

driver " probably needs toughen up or find another

profession. As far as that goes, we've all

characterized patients as " scumbag " , " doper " ,

" drunk " , " gomer " , or any of a million other

derogatory words, so " ambulance driver " is

probably karma getting back at us. There are

worse things to be called than " ambulance

driver " .

I guess the bottom line is that there's no

shortcut to respect, folks.

stay safe - phil

__________________________________

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