Is EMS the most abhorrently mistreated and underappreciated profession today?

[IHaveRespawned]

Paramedicine was rated one of the most miserable career pathways in addition to one of the most underpaid professions.

When I was an EMT many years ago, these were the most miserable, pessimistic, cynical, depressed, toxic, and unhealthy people I had ever worked with. Many were just bluntly straight out mean. One was an older pedo that kept fantasizing and commenting about the all teenage girls he'd seen out in public. One was a former trucker that chose to change jobs. Just about all of them discouraged me from continuing in this line of work. None of them seemed to be the type that aspired to become what they were.

In addition, there were fast food jobs that were paying more. EMS is not embraced as public safety because cops get all the recognition and respect. EMS is not respected much in the healthcare industry. We were never recognized much in policymaking or by state leaders. In fact, many local leaders wanted to replace us entirely by private ambulance companies or didn't care much about us at all.

I believe EMS could have had the potential and momentum to be something great and well-respected, it just never materialized.

It is something that has bothered me till this day, even when I am 31 years old and disabled. My best friend works in EMS and he is one of the most selfless, caring people. It is a shame and disgusting how lousy people can be towards our heroes.

Yes

No

See poll

[MrOracle]

I suspect that EMS can be a tough and thankless job anywhere, but I think the experience varies a lot based on location too. I've known a few EMS people and they all loved their job, even though they dealt with some horrible things at times.

I would imagine that the class of people that you deal with is going to make a big difference, as well as urban vs. rural.

But there is an overall level of condescension towards blue collar workers that I find unacceptable and ignorant from a lot of people, and that's part of the problem. All of the people (nearly all men) who work in infrastructure jobs are the ones who keep our lives running, and that is grossly under appreciated. Just like the linemen who make sure electricity gets to you, or the water treatment workers who make sure we have safe, clean water, if someone needs EMS they will be upset if they don't get it, even though some might be assholes to them when they arrive.

It's all about the lowering of morals and values that we have allowed and accepted as a society, and that's a shame.

[loveslongnails]

No it isn't, that would be school teachers. There have been a few instances in the USA where EMS personnel have refused services to LGBTQ+ people, citing religious beliefs. If it is an emergency situation, that is against the law and a total dereliction of duty, especially in life-threatening situations.

[Agape93]

Probably and dude you of all people can't complain about another man perving on minors. You literally got with one and openly a few years back, wanted to find another one because they'd have nobody else besides you.

[Anonymous]

My father who worked at a paramedic said everyone with 5 or 10 years or more is leaving for other professions such as the fire service or even police.

[msc545]

I don't have any personal knowledge of what it's like to be in that profession since I am not in it, thank God. I will tell you that all of my EMS colleagues and friends are greatly appreciated and loved by us in the medical profession generally.

[Dargil]

Many professions that do not wear suits and ties are disrespected. I believe the emergence of artificial intelligence will deal with that issue. Once we do, we will care more about construction workers, plumbers electricians,, firefighters and cops.

[strateguy632]

Until - robots do those cheaper.

[Dargil]

@strateguy632 when do you think that is?

[strateguy632]

No because the "most abhorrently mistreated and underappreciated" job and achievements are the present president of the united states of America named trump.

[lightbulb27]

They are under paid but have seen some good ones. Might be the area and criteria. It's a calling...

[jshm2]

Nah. Nearly every taxi driver I ever met, was a miserable bastard, and often a petty criminal or lapsed criminal.

[Cyfris]

Pretty sure it is president of the united states of america.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

I dunno, all the ones I know seem to enjoy it a little too much tbh.

[exitseven]

I have known hundreds of EMTs and Paramedics over the years. They seemed pretty happy with their choice of careers.

[LC75LC71]

Me personally I'd rather uber my ass to a hospital than pay an extra ridiculous charge after.

[blackeagle007]

1k for ambulance ride

[midnightmoon05]

No. There are plenty that are worse.

[captain_voidwalker]

No that would be police officer

[IHaveRespawned]

Here in my state, they passed a law in 2021 that made assaults against law enforcement a felony, but they left out other first responders such as EMTs, Paramedics, and firefighters. We are one of only 10 states now where it isn't a felony to assault an EMT or firefighter. In addition, our fire departments are struggling with staffing. There is much less representation for our other first responders. So, why do you believe our law enforcement is worse off than our EMS and fire services?

[captain_voidwalker]

Because no one targets emt, s or fire fighters. Police get specifically targeted by both criminals and extremist groups.

[IHaveRespawned]

Assailants most certainly violently attack EMS personnel and firefighters, and you are ignorant to believe otherwise. All first responders deal with emotionally charged and volatile situations, and EMTs have been known to experience all kinds of attacks, ranging from being spit on to being stabbed with sharp objects.

[captain_voidwalker]

Yes sometimes they get hit by collateral damage. And I agree the law should hammer those people. But police stations have been firebombed, ice agents have had cars rammed into them. Cops get targeted aggression, emt and firefighters get collateraly damaged

[IHaveRespawned]

Do you even know what you are talking about? Have you ever worked in this line of work like I have? EMS crews are exposed to all kinds of hazards, from high-speed traffic, emotionally disturbed individuals, exposure to hazardous substances, and emotionally charged family of the patients. Even starting an IV on a patient in the back of a moving ambulance is a risk in and of itself. Assaults against ANY first responder is serious and shall be treated as such.

[captain_voidwalker]

Yes they are exposed to it. The difference is cops are specifically targeted. Let's try a metaphor here. It's like cops are having rockets shotbar them, now occasionally a firefighter or emt gets caught up in the explosion and that sux but the cop are the ones getting the rockets shot at them, do you see the difference?

[IHaveRespawned]

Yes, but remember that EMS and firefighters are often not armed and have less means of defending themselves

[Vegasrunner]

Not even close. Baaketball coaches

[Staximus]

Basketball coaches don't do shit. Coach a kid's game played by adults vs. saving people's lives? Put the pipe down buddy

[Vegasrunner]

@Staximus You kind of proved my point. Dont be embarrassed that you dont know this most people dont. As a basketball coach you need to.
- Find players
- Evaluate players
- Find contact info for players parents
- Sell the parent on trusting you with their kid
- multiply this by 10, 20, 30 or how many players you have in the program
- Sell parents to give you money
- organize fundraisers
- execute fundraiser
- Secure gym time (if you have a facility)
- rent gym time (if you dont have a facility)
- Organize a practice
- Get confirmation from enough kids to hold a practice
- Give rides to kids who need them
- run the practice
- Find Tournaments and future opponents
- Finalize a season schedule
- Coordinate games
- Coordinate rides to games
- Coach Game
- Develop players
- Win games (to keep your job)
- complete media responsibilities
- Feed players
- De escalate emotional parents
And thats just the bare minimum. Makes sense why college coaches are some of the highest paid employees in their states.

[Staximus]

It's a kid's game played by mostly morons, it's not that important

[Vegasrunner]

@Staximus You think children are morons? The game of basketball employees way more people than EMS so sounds like its extremely important.

[beefcakebradybatson]

Especially in my city.

[Anonymous]

Most EMS I know are happy with their jobs.