Have you ever been interviewed by the news?

[IHaveRespawned]

I was recently interviewed by the news to advocate for enhanced charges for assaults against firefighters and EMS personnel. My state recently passed legislation to make any assault against law enforcement a felony, but they left other first responders out of consideration for that bill.

What are your thoughts on this? Sadly, here in my state, fire and EMS is treated as second class in contrast to law enforcement. We are one of few states that do not have these enhanced charges.

Yes

No

[exitseven]

Ys. once and my answer was completely taken out of context. I would never speak to the press again.

[Simslover92]

Yeah when I was a kid.

[nl171]

In my state all first responders are protected

[IHaveRespawned]

That is good to hear! That is the case in most states. Sadly, my state is one out of like 10 that I counted that doesn't have these extra protections.

[nl171]

It’s especially good for me, as I’m a firefighter/paramedic and have had people attempt to assault me

[IHaveRespawned]

I am a former EMT. I have a best friend who still works in EMS. The state of emergency services here is in disrepair. I was assaulted one time, but the guy had dementia so I wasn't going to escalate it. He clocked me right in the face lol

[nl171]

lol been there. What state are you in?

[IHaveRespawned]

Tennessee. The only good quality revolving around EMS here is that all EMS services are paid agencies. Other than that, it is terrible.

No due process or appeal process for complaints and license disciplinary action. Very little advocacy or focus from leaders. Ambulance deserts everywhere in rural areas. Corrupt small volunteer fire departments with blatant misappropriation of funds, nepotism, and lack of transparency. Areas lacking even volunteer first responder systems. Lack of recruitment and retention. Of course, many of the issues being faced nationwide.

[nl171]

Oh that’s tough. Here EMS is pretty messed up but Fire based EMS is much better. At least in NY

[IHaveRespawned]

I used to live in a county in Georgia that had a county-wide Fire and Emergency Services department with fire-based EMS. It was like a state-of-the-art department with over 20-something stations. The vast majority of them had an engine and an ambulance at a minimum. Others had specialty units like squad/rescue trucks and specialty rescue teams.

When I relocated back to Tennessee, it was a huge disappointment. I will never return to EMS, especially here in Tennessee.

I have a website now where I advocate for better emergency services. Although, I am advocating from the sidelines and rather leave my past behind.

[nl171]

You’re better off for it man. Glad you figured it out for yourself

[IHaveRespawned]

Yes. I have severe mental illness and can no longer serve in that capacity. Although I appreciate those who do.

[nl171]

Ahh I see. It’s definitely not a career for everyone but I appreciate the work you do

[OddBeMe]

A few times during the Occupy movements

[WonderingManII]

Nope. Never.