A friend, grizzled EMS veteran, and sage (all the same person) recently opined about the state of EMS and it got me to thinking. So, allow me to share my thoughts on initial EMS education and perhaps offend everyone in EMS and EMS education all at … [Continue reading]
The Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations
Posted on August 30, 2016 Written by
Yes, I know that's a quote used in a George W. Bush speech. Yes, I know some of you may not like President Bush. Truth be told, I don't always either. (He's like the Diet Coke of conservatism: Just one calorie, not conservative enough! -- Apologies … [Continue reading]
Have you ever noticed….?
Posted on August 9, 2016 Written by
Have you ever noticed how many new, inexperienced, poorly educated providers talk about how much they're allowed to "do" in their EMS organization/system/region? Today, I was involved in a discussion in EMS social media where an EMT with three … [Continue reading]
Things You Don’t Hear In A Law Office
Posted on August 4, 2016 Written by
In honor of some of the things I hear in the EMS world, I decided to see how they'd translate to the legal profession. If these new lawyers would spend some time as legal assistants before going straight to law school, they'd understand how the … [Continue reading]
It’s Never About the Pay
Posted on July 21, 2016 Written by
Years ago, as a new attorney working in state government, I worked for a state agency that determined they had a problem retaining attorneys. They did a lot of surveys, most of which revealed discontent with working conditions. The reality was that … [Continue reading]
Fight For $15
Posted on July 6, 2016 Written by
So, in a fit of rage, I was almost tempted to write a screed about how EMS providers don't deserve the $15 per hour wage that fast food workers are protesting and clamoring for. My rationale was (and remains) simple. After watching the attitudes … [Continue reading]
Are You Really Surprised?
Posted on June 23, 2016 Written by
This morning, I happened to read an article where a Senator was grandstanding about the supposed opiate abuse epidemic. He was blaming the epidemic on everyone. Doctors, the "evil" pharmaceutical industry, and even the DEA for not "doing … [Continue reading]
About Orlando, Paris, San Bernadino, and Everyplace Else
Posted on June 16, 2016 Written by
Knowing me, I'll bet you thought this would be about gun control. Nope. If you know me, you know where I stand. I'm not going to convince those who disagree with me and they're unlikely to change me either. What most of us agree on is that we … [Continue reading]
Time To Call It Like I See It
Posted on June 14, 2016 Written by
In my EMS career, I've been very fortunate for two things. One, I've had the opportunity to work for some great EMS systems. Two, by virtue of my outside career, I don't have to rely on EMS to make ends meet or pay the bills. To me, that also … [Continue reading]
On Fire and Medics
Posted on June 13, 2016 Written by
Recently, a lot of my Canadian EMS friends and colleagues have been concerned about proposals for Canadian firefighters to provide emergency medical care. In much of Canada, prehospital care is exclusively the province (pardon the pun) of EMS and … [Continue reading]
