I think there are many, many reasons that we are held back. I do agree that, as stated in the original post, the fact that we must transport every one is a problem. Another big one is, simply stated, volunteers. I am NOT against volunteers or volunteering, I started off as a volunteer. What I mean is unfortunate actually, and not a bias against anyone who volunteers, rather a byproduct of the publics perception of volunteers. I simply mean that as long as people continue to do this for free, people will continue to refuse to pay a serious wage to the ones who ARE paid. Some would argue that many firefighters are volunteer and they don't suffer the same fate. That's a valid argument, but I would disagree, saying that many firefighters are grossly underpaid. I simply can't sit here and type out all of the pro's and con's in this forum. I think something that would help...advertisement. Yes, advertisement. We must sell ourselves as the much needed professionals that we are. The first line of defense in so many emergencies. I'm talking a full on, nationwide, awareness campaign. A media blitz. TV commercials, magazines articles, newspapers, internet, billboards,etc. And get some famous people involved. The Hollywood types love "pet" causes and often need our help. Start contacting all of those who have been helped by EMS and get them on board. Sounds expensive? It will be. But just like anything else, it takes money to make money.