EMS Myth Buster’s: What the public needs to know
by: Michael A. Loiz, PSCG
Over my career in EMS I have come to realize that our still relatively young EMS industry is sorely missing the boat on educating the public and our public safety and health partners on who we are, what we do, and what we are capable of.
Nationally, most people still have significant misconceptions related to EMS. Some believe that all EMS agencies are part of a Fire Department. Many see EMS as a minor sideshow to our Law Enforcement and Firefighting partners. There is very little consideration for the role we play with our local Health Departments. Some of our public safety and health partners don’t see us as equals, necessary or part of the team.
There is no “one size fits all” EMS agency. This only compounds the misunderstanding. Some of this lack of understanding, is our own fault. We need to do a better job educating the outside world. Some of the misunderstanding is due to the complexity of the EMS industry in general.
Some EMS providers feel we’re too busy answering calls to then be responsible to educate others but the fact is that if we don’t, all of the pleas for equity with our public safety partners, will continue to go unheard and misunderstood. If your agency has been able to educate local or state leaders to the realities of EMS so that they see EMS as a vital or essential service, then you are well ahead of the curve and deserving of recognition.
I believe COVID-19, for all of its negativities, has presented EMS with an open invitation and opportunity to show the public who we are. Recognizing that in the US, it chose to run through our National EMS Week, EMS leaders should take this opportunity to showcase their EMS providers and help local leaders understand our role, expertise and capabilities. This years’ theme for National EMS Week is: “Ready Today, Preparing for Tomorrow”.
It is important of the public, state and local leaders as well as our public safety and health partners to understand that whether it be an active shooter situation, someone has been burned by fire or chemical, a natural / man-made disaster or pandemic – basically anytime a human life is impacted by an emergency, an ambulance with EMTs and/or Paramedics is sent and becomes the primary focus of that human life it was sent to serve. It doesn’t matter whether the “EMS” is part of a Fire Department, Police Department, Hospital system or a standalone EMS agency, EMS responds to 100% of medical emergencies in every community.
We see the public at their worst. We calm them. We provide life-saving care and transport. In most communities, this interaction can last anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. The patient may die in our care. If the patient has horrific injuries, we see it for a prolonged period of time, care for the wounds and then race off to our next call. We don’t get to choose NOT to respond to some medical emergencies. We don’t get to choose the age of the patient, the time or the type of the emergency.
During COVID many EMS providers throughout the country have had to do this with limited supplies and PPE. With fears of exposing loved ones to this terrible pandemic. Still we press on and fight forward.
We remain ready to respond each and every day and we are constantly training and preparing for what the future will bring. We are always there for our communities and strive to provide the very best out-of-hospital care available.
To our public safety and health partners, we will continue to support you and fight by your side regardless of how you choose to see us.
To our fellow EMS leaders, we must continue to showcase our staff, all that they do and are capable of. Not just during EMS week but all the time.
To local community leaders, please don’t forget to recognize your local EMS agency during EMS Week and beyond for all they do and all they are doing right now during COVID. Ask how they’re doing and what their capabilities are. Ask about how they can help the community “reopen” when the time is right and make sure their needs are met to continue to fight beside you during this pandemic – now and through the fall. Ask about fiscal and staffing challenges and how you can help them focus on their mission.
To the general public, visit your local EMS, register for classes with them, ask questions and attend open houses. Know that were here for you – always ready!
#PSCG #EMSWeek2020