So please, dear reader, humor me for a bit here while I pull you in to a pretend scenario. I’m a rural Midwestern guy and like any of my peers I like my dive bars. Of course, I’m a family man and I try to be a good one so I don’t frequent them very often anymore, but the one thing that I’ve always liked about them is the conversation that develops centered around the non-formal atmosphere that they hold. It’s pretty intense most times, usually brutally honest, and always entertaining as all get out. Everybody’s equal with a can o’ MGD in their hand. (or, diet pepsi for the young folk as we’re a family establishment) (no swearing either) (well, not much).
So let me invite you to the “Life Under the Lights Bar and Grille”. Coming soon to this little blog of mine is the beginning of my crusade to kick the current EMS pay rates and system thereof squarely in the behind. I’m frankly, mad as heck and I’m not going to take it anymore, well, at least as blogging is concerned as I still have to make a living, you know. Don’t get dressed up, come as you are, and let’s have a spirited conversation about why EMS people make such crappy money for doing what we do. I’ve got enough ideas on this topic to carry me through a few evenings of my wooden “free drink” nickels and I’d love to share some brutally honest conversation with the EMS folks in my audience that I think can make a difference in the quality of life for those who save lives. We need to, we have to, and we deserve to.
On duty personnel will be limited to a three-drink-maximum, as long as it’s coffee or a soft drink of their choice. We are consummate professionals, you know.
Starting tomorrow I’m going to be writing a few good rants on this topic. I’m holding back tonight because well, coffee lends itself to more coherent writing than does late night camaraderie enhancement beverages. However, if you all would do me the honor of getting started by reading the following posts of mine:
- Why Does Being a Paramedic Seem so Worthless Sometimes?
- EMS 2.0 and EMS Ethics � How far would you go?
- The Current US Economy and EMS – An in-depth look at how this mess will affect EMS in your community
Read this too if you want to get mad:
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292041.htm – The US Bureau of Labor Statistics Paramedic Salary page
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I’m turning this into a 2 or 3 part series, so here they are:
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Pingback: EMS Pay Sucks!! Part 2 – Identifying the problem | Life Under the Lights()
Pingback: EMS Pay Sucks!! (part 3) – Who or What is at fault here!? | Life Under the Lights()
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