Serving the community as an EMT

Kristin Archer, thank you for sharing. As a Paramedic in a 911 system, I know first hand the challenges we are facing with a shortage of EMT's and Paramedics. Here in my home state of Tennessee, we are seeing smaller and smaller graduating classes each year. The biggest challenge we face is the low wages vs level of service. In our local area, a Paramedic could make almost as much per hour working fast food as they are on an ambulance. Many are leaving EMS for good to take positions with similar pay, less stress, and none of the legal liability. For example, the local Chik-fil-A is offering positions starting at $12/hr. The ambulance service starts at $10/hr. I don't blame coworkers for leaving EMS. I'm considering the move myself.

Thank you for sharing, I know the feeling of trying to find people willing to get involved. I have been an EMT in a rural community for 21 years. It is very hard to find people willing to take on the commitment. We get a lot of young people interested but when they realize the time commitment of pulling shifts and training they drop out. I most cases we loose them before they have been on staff for a year.

Thank you for the excellent share Ms Kait.