I would like to add a couple of points here based upon my experience working in a variety of systems; full time fire based EMS, private contract EMS, and muncipal third service as well as an ER paramedic in a facility greeting EMS providers from all types of systems.
First and foremost there are bad providers in all systems, nobody is immune. Secondly it seems to me that third service systems are judged based upon there shining stars such as Wake County and Austin / Travis County whereas fire based systems are judged upon the systems generating negative press.
For many suburban communities fire based ems makes sense because it allows for properly staffed fire and ems response. If they where to be seperate im not sure the money would be there. The paid fire service has established funding mechanisms in place. EMS as a whole does not.
As a provider who likes both disciplines but would pick EMS if I could only pick one I chose fire based EMS because it offers a stable and well compensated career with legitimate upward mobility. There are not many EMS only gigs that will pay me a nice salary with a sound pension and good benefits. I work 8-9 days a month and make north of 70k a year with a 25 year pension. As a family man that is important. As a provider I work out of a comftorable station with clean and ample living quarters, laundry facilities, a fully equiped kitchen, and an ample weight room. This may not seem like much but none of my EMS only jobs had this. I spend my downtime in comfort as opposed to a street corner. I am given safe and modern equipment. My agency has a pretty decent in house EMS training program in conjunction with our medical control hospital. I am also offered the opportunity to attend just about any outside training course free of charge and on the clock.
+1, my sentiments exactly
I wouldn't be surprised if we worked at the same place. You've described my department pretty well.