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Editor:
Valerie
DeFrance
Associate Editors:
Jeff Turkel
John McMaster
Ron Haussecker
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Curmudgeon's Corner
by
John McMaster, MBA
curmudgeon n : a crusty irascible cantankerous
old person full of stubborn ideas
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McMaster, age 21, Orange
County,
California and today.
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About the columnist: With more than 40 years in EMS,
John is well versed in many areas of EMS delivery, operations and
administration.
John began his career as a fireman in So-Cal, California. He
has since worked as a Fireman, Rescue Specialist, Fire Dept
Training Officer, Ambulance Driver, Mortician's Apprentice,
Coroner's Investigator, Deputy Sheriff, EMT, NREMTA, Paramedic,
Financial Analyst.
John is also a history buff; writing and collecting EMS
history. He holds 3 degrees, including an MBA. John resides in
California and is employed with the Central California Emergency
Medical Services Agency.
Curmudgeon's Corner
Is EMS a priority?
Just because I have retired doesn’t mean I’ve lost interest in, or don’t continue to follow what goes on in various communities around the country.
Aug 2, 2006,
09:23
Curmudgeon's Corner
Coxon Farewell: Closing one door and opening a new one
My first job in EMS was working on an ambulance with John. That was in
1972 in Loveland Colorado.
Mar 17, 2006,
11:48
Curmudgeon's Corner
Closing one door and opening a new one
My first shift on the Rescue Squad I was actually terrified. It had always been my dream growing up, and I carried a little secret. There was those times, even as a teen, when I saw blood or someone injured I would get weak in the knees, light headed and pass out. Not a good trait to exhibit when you’re sent out intentionally trying to help someone.
Mar 16, 2006,
06:54
Curmudgeon's Corner
Once there was a time when we were “Ambulance Drivers”
Most of us will grind our teeth when the local media prints an action picture of us in the paper and then refer to us as an "Ambulance Driver" to the public. Many in the EMS profession become offended, infuriated and indignant over the nomenclature. Yet, for many years that is what we were. We didn’t start out as Paramedics or EMT's. Once we were called “Ambulance Drivers”.
Read Johns great article with photos on some of the history of EMS. (pdf)
(http://www.emsnetwork.org//articles/ambulance-drivers.pdf)
Jan 13, 2006,
18:59
Curmudgeon's Corner
What do you mean, there’s no Big Money in EMS ?
Probably by now you’ve discovered that unless you work a lot of overtime your next check won’t be enough to buy that new Lamborghini.
Jan 2, 2006,
11:14
Curmudgeon's Corner
Would you like fries with your order ?
In any endeavor, there will always be those at both ends of the spectrum, and many between. Both good, and bad.
Oct 30, 2005,
15:12
Curmudgeon's Corner
Compassion for others, the common bond in EMS
In today’s commercial society, where the attitude of “what’s in it for me”, made all that more obvious with a constant stream of commercialization, its refreshing to see that there are still those who retain a concept of compassion to others and their communities.
Aug 30, 2005,
00:01
Curmudgeon's Corner
What can you do with an extra $20.80 a week ?
Realizing that EMS delivery systems vary from community to community and one size does not fit all, if its considered a “profession” shouldn’t there be a professional wage that attracts well qualified personnel and retains them? Food stamps, WIC, Medicaid, and Section 8 housing should never be considered employee benefits.
May 7, 2005,
13:10
Curmudgeon's Corner
Sometimes you have to ask, “What were they thinking?”
Now, inject politics in to the arena and watch how things can really get cloudy.
Mar 14, 2005,
22:32
Curmudgeon's Corner
Knee jerks, procrastination and forward thinking
Maybe its time to give up local control and create an EMS Authority that is made up of those who have no vested interests and serve the community.
Jan 15, 2005,
06:08
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