ubermutant

I wouldn't advise it as a career, but if you'd like to volunteer, that'd be a good way to get your feet wet. The job can be trying, but it can also be rewarding. (just not financially

Geez, that's terrible! I'd have to fault the medic primarily but, an EMT should recognize when ALS is needed. Of course, the EMT could have preformed O2 therapy, vitals, A&O, etc. But in all, I suppose you could debate where the blame lies. It sounds like laziness, complacency, and incompetence. There's no room for laziness in EMS and in my opinion, aside from cardiac arrest, a lot of providers I've met have no interest and show only disdain for medical emergencies. Everyone wants to see an MVC or a stabbing. You can't choose which calls you receive.

Yeah you'll only find poor EMS providers in VA. You won't find crappy emergency services in any other state. Great blanket statements. Of course, going to an Unconc call w/ a stretcher and cuff is idiotic, no arguement. (Not to mention giving off a lazy and unprofessional impression) But as long as the patient willfully signed a refusal, (hopefully not talked into it) the providers' hands are tied. You can't take someone who doesn't want to go, as I'm sure you know. Welcome to VA.

Statistical Analyst. Loads of fun. Also, PT Student.

Does anybody's organization have orders/decorations/awards/etc.? If so what are they issued for?

http://www.westendrescue.org/ They cover some of Richmond, I don't know how large their area is though or how strong their organization is.

The problem is that we don't really have the resources to award educational credits, although I like the idea. As far as volunteering goes, the reason I do it is not for money, but out of service to my community. I have a day job and am a student and ride about 60hrs a month. It's tough, but sometimes moral rewards are just as good as financial ones.

I know the EMT-Bs only make $8.00 @ RAA. You can blame it on volunteers if you want. If you're worried about money so bad and are already a paramedic, just bridge to an RN. $12 in Richmond is not all that much. You could survive, but little else. If you need a job, take it, but don't try to make a career out of RAA.

I've been recruited into coming up with ideas to boost morale and increase riding hours among volunteers at our rescue squad. Other suggestions have been things like pool tables and things like that. While a pool table may be fun, it won't be fun for everyone and doesn't guarantee that the members playing will be assigned to a unit. I.E. people showing up out of uniform. I was thinking about pins or medals to be worn on class A uniforms for certain achievements. I was wondering if any other agencies did this, and if so, what is recognized? So far, my main idea is a 100 hour pin, awarded for riding 100 hours in a month. Although, this is somewhat exclusive since there are students, people w/ children, and full time jobs who could never ride that. Are there any things that could be recognized that would appeal and be fair to all members? Thank you! Any ideas are appreciated!