EMS workers in this nation are vastly underpaid for the amount of work
they are expected to take on, the skills they are expected to learn and
utilize correctly, and the amount of stress that comes with the job. The
US is behind many nations when it comes to paying it's EMS workers
correctly. As it stands, most EMS workers under the level of Paramedic
make less than $15/hour, many more in the range of $10/hour, and do not
have the rights needed to perform their jobs as you would expect. As we
see legislation to pay Burger Flippers and other jobs not meant to be
careers into higher paying levels....should we first pay our EMS workers
correctly and put us in a situation where our EMS system is what the
community needs and would expect??
I've been in EMS for 10 years...but I can't live on this wage.
I love my
job and I can help you in any situation. Doesn't matter if you have
fallen and need a helping hand or if you've just been in a life
threatening car accident. I've seen people on their worst days, best
days, last days, and even first days. As it stands I'm barely scraping
by, 27 years of age, living with my parents, and unable to make EMS my
career. I see so many great healthcare providers burned out by this
under respected and under paid career.
So I ask you....if you expect the best from 911 when you need them the
most...wouldn't you foster that career to be the best on your best day?
