spyder7002

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.

OTHER THAN EDUCATION, In Your Opinion, What Is Holding USA EMS Back? What is keeping us from being viewed as professionals? What is the main reason if you have more than one?

Is it fire involvement? Is it our lack of identifiable uniform? What do you think is holding us back? Please don't bash anyone for their opinion, I really want to see what besides limited education is behind us being unable to advance as a profession.

In my opinion I think what holds us back is that we have to transport all callers. We have lowered ourselves to nothing more than taxi drivers. Do you see Doctors doing heart surgery just because the patient say's hey I woke up this morning and well I think I want a triple by-pass? I am all for having people dialing 911 if not sure if it is an emergency, but after we evaluate we should be able to treat and release or deny transport if it can wait for them to buy over the counter med, put ice on it, wipe their nose, or they can safely go private vehicle to the ER or their doctor. Until we can say no to people we are nothing more than low paid taxi drivers and will never be looked at as healthcare professionals.

EMS charts is the one we have most considered, and judging by your feedback, it seems we are making the right decision. Thank you all. -Sam

Hello everyone. I'm new to EMT City so forgive me if this topic has been discussed. I am part of my employers "team" that is in charge of researching and purchasing electronic charts for both the EMT's and medics to use. I (we) have done much research but I just wanted to get some opinions from those of you who may already be using electronic charting. Are there any reccomendations or warnings against or for any particular systems out there? Thanx in advance for any feedback. -Sam

hello all. I'm new to EMT City. Been an EMT for about a year. Work in Elizabeth fulltime and gonna start as a per diem in Jersey City, NJ soon.