Re: USA Today

[UFGatorD@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/1/03 8:48:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time, wcemt@terraworld.net writes:

> Across the nation paramedics are fighting for professional acceptance, seeking licensure over certification, mandatory degree programs etc. etc..  It is my humble opinion that the number one sign of professionalism is to take responsibility for a short coming and try to correct it.  Shifting the blame to "reporters twisting the facts" or some other excuse is an act of a politician, not a professional.
>   


  I respect your opinion very much. My opinion is that the more stories like this are written will result in the change many of us listed above are seeking. Most of us don't have any control in the budgets we receive or the equipment we are able to carry or the protocols we work under. I am upset at this article not because I don't recognize the problem, but because I am working as hard as I can with what I am given and it just isn't enough. The "lay" person don't want their taxes raised, but is outraged when stories like this surface. It is not pragmatic to get more "bang for the buck." We are not a Super Walmart. ( Don't you just love those stores, they have everything!) It makes our fight harder when many of our colleagues get frustrated and leave the EMS field. What is the going burn out rate for EMS professionals these days? Rome wasn't built in a day, but it can burnt down in one.  Let's not take offense to these stories. Let's use these stories to get what we want when the public starts to ask why. The politicians will see that as potential votes and we can move this mountain. I am going to go to Walmart now. I hope everybody has a great weekend and please fly safely!

Derek Hunt CCEMT-P, PNCCT
UFGatorD@aol.com