Feedback to  column  Is EMS a priority?


I live in Oklahoma and work for a supposed MAJOR ems provider.  A priority is what we are NOT.  I don't think those of us that have been in this business for any length of time will ever see the day that our profession (and it is a profession) is given priority status by our companies, our lawmakers, or the general public, that is unless, they need our services.  At this moment, our service is currently understaffed by 2 paramedics and 3 EMTs.  Why?  The pay is so little that most of us either HAVE to work 24/7 to make ends meet or we have to have a second job.  How in the world do they expect us to get or keep qualified people when they want to start them out between $6 and $8 per hour?????  They can't and we don't.  The last one we hired worked 1, 24 hour shift and never showed back up.  Currently, after nearly 18 years of 24 hour shifts, 3-4 call days a week, and certainly no family life, I have just about decided to use the nursing license I have just to make the money they do and be at home more that 1 or 2 nights a week.(NOTE: I hate nursing!!!!) Last time I checked, people needing emergency medical attention or transport were NOT calling nurses or for that matter their own family physician.  Oh no, they call us which is my job, but if they don't start taking an interest in their local EMS, one day soon, it will be gone. Then who do they call??  I never expected to get rich doing this job, I just thought I would be able to pay the bills (without government assistance) and maybe, just maybe, make a difference in someone's life.  Idealist????  Yeah, but us old timer's can't keep up this pace forever and we better figure out a way to get some newbies in here, or we won't have anyone to call when we need help.