Questions: Society & Politics

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.