FF_7139

The EMS District where I am a volly has a good sized Old Order Amish population. It is very interesting to see the value of human life when a trauma patients parents refuse to fly their child to a trauma center due to how much the helicopter costs. I do not know if it is against their religion but the only reason I have heard used is the cost. Only one time in the last 7 years have I ever put an Amish patient on a heicopter. Normally we take them to our closest hospital and they are taken by ground to the trauma center. Over an hour transport running lights and siren.

I will start this by saying that I am full-time paramedic for a private ambulance service and I am also a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic for a union fire dept. In the vast majority of cities, townships and fire districts across Ohio it is almost impossible to get a full-time fire job without already being a Medic. If you are able to get job with out being a Paramedic you are required to become one with in 2 years. For the departments I belong to there is no animosity between fire and ems because we do both and it works great for us. I understand that it isn't this way for other parts of the country and it is unfortunate. Fire and EMS can work together flawlessly. And to those who are complaining about the fire department taking all the glory and credit from EMS you are doing the job for the WRONG REASONS!