Capman

Qualification in many cases is just an illusion. Our service has many old school medics. They do not have associates degrees and didn't spend 600 hours in clinical rotations, yet they are some of the best medics around. Now take some of those kids that the college is throwing into the market. Sure Sure they know all of the fancy cr@p from the books and all of the statistics, but when it comes to common sense in the back of the ambulance... They don't know cr@p! Of course this opinion does not reflect upon all of the medics with associates degrees. There are some fine medics coming out as well. Don't get me wrong, the college does put out quality medics too, but I can't stand when the general public is pushed to focus on that illusion that these new medics are better than the old school medics. I have the associates degree in EMS and I am in awe at the knowledge of some of the old school medics in our service.

"I'm afraid you are wrong. They are two different jobs. The fact that they both have an associates degree is irrelevant. That is no more valid than comparing what a paramedic makes to the average person with an Associates in Art History." True, you do have a point. However, it may be important to add that I do not expect to make what a nurse makes. I do intend to point out that an associates degree should at least put us above what the average employee without a college education makes. That's the comparison I'm looking for. For example, a local telemarketer in my area makes $9.20 an hour after a 3 day orientation. The guy putting tires on my car at the local VIP makes $9.80. The CNA's at the same hospital I work for (who have a 3 month class) make $9.88 with shift differential for hours no different than medics hours. None of them are required to carry the responsibility of a medic. That's not a statistic, that's a fact!!! If you will, I would like you to point out the flaws in a statement such as this. It is just the sort of enlightenment I need to prepare me for what's ahead. However, I don't see how there could be much rationale for paying us as if we were pumping gas or something of the like. As far as supply and demand.... In your honest opinion, do you feel that $9.63 an hour will draw new medics into the market? You say supply and demand... I say wait 5 years and you'll see where the demand is. Just a quick question... Are you an employer or just someone who has fought this battle before? Matt B.

"If you're going to compare apples to oranges, you had best be prepared for the employer to utilise the same dishonest tactic." Good advice Dust, but I don't agree with you when you say the tactic is dishonest. I am fully prepared to paint the whole picture. Education, cost of living, job classifications, location, etc. will all be factors when compiling my report. You say apples to oranges? I say no way, even it were an apple to apple comparison; we are still underpaid. But just to humor you a bit.... Let's say Paramedics are apples.... and nurses are apples as well because.... In my area it takes an associates degree to be an RN or a Paramedic. I believe there are actually 30 more clinical hours to become a paramedic. However, that's pretty much an "apple" to "apple" comparison. (correct me if I'm wrong) Why does one "apple" get $9.63 an hour as a base wage, and the other "apple" get $18.00 an hour as a base wage? That's my point. But I appreciate the advise. I plan on doing my homework and collecting multiple sources to back up all of my claims. Trust me that nothing is dishonest when I am telling the truth.

That is a help too JP'. Thanks for the help. Matt B.

You are a genius!!! That's the very article I read. Thank you so much. I'm sure that you understand, I can not go to the table to make claims unless I am armed with sources. You are a tremendous help. Matt B. EMT-P

Hello all, I’m seeking a bit of assistance from anyone who may have sources to, or knowledge pertaining to the location of US National wage statistics pertaining to EMS. In my travels, I have seen them in magazines similar to JEMS and such. Now when I need them most, I can not seem to find any. I have recently taken over the shop stewards position for a large hospital based ambulance service in Northern Maine. Our current contract expires in July and I need to begin my homework for negotiations now. Part of my negotiation strategy is to prove that we (Northern Main collectively) are among the lowest paid EMT’s and Paramedics in the nation. Just how underpaid are we? EMT-B: $7.04 base wage EMT-I: $7.38 base wage EMT-P: $9.63 base wage Our employer claims that they offer a competitive salary, and I can not argue that when I compare them with the other local services. However, I believe that they need some enlightenment when it comes to the fact that they are comparing themselves to services that are severely underpaid as well. Can you see the vicious cycle; or should I ask if it seems all too familiar to you. I figure if I throw some national statistics at them, it can’t hurt us anymore than we are already hurting. Two percent a year just isn’t cutting it anymore. Thanks for any sources or input you can offer, and I can keep all posted of any landmark developments. BTW, Search yielded no results. Matt B. EMT-P

Our service Crown Ambulance in Northern Maine went away from badges and french blue dress shirts about 5 years ago. Save the badge and flying cross shirts for the hot shots......I'll take the comfort anyday. We now have the choice of wearing either Navy blue EMT slacks or BDU style pants with an embroidered navy blue polo shirt with green collars and sleeve ends. I like the pants but wish we would go with a solid color for the shirt. Right now we look like Taco Bell workers. We also have a $315 a year uniform allowance. On a side note, looking like LEO can hinder patient care in situations where drugs and alcohol are involved. Patients are reluctant to give you important information that could effect your approach if they view you as a symbol of authority.

Northern Maine. EMT-B = Very limited This would include Vitals, splinting, BLS-CPR, Driving, and fetching supplies. Of course the operation of an AED is included in the BLS-Provider course. In Maine we utilize the Intermediate provider level of EMS This is a nice level if you like to play but don't want that huge responsibility. In this level you may Intubate, Recognize and defibrillate VFib and Pulseless VTach, start IVs, administer a small selection of medication with doctors orders which include Nitro, ASA, Albuterol and D50. (however protocol states if the Paramedic is present, he/she must administer the Meds). I think these advanced skills should be left to this level. All Basics who want to play more should go back to school.