Gay in EMS?

[EMERG2011]

Hello Everyone, I go to college in Washington, and I've noticed that, in my interactions with DC/Arlington/Maryland EMS, there are a lot of openly gay EMTs in the area. I consider myself a pretty progressive guy, and I think that its great that they feel safe being open with their co-workers. I was just curious what the general opinion was out in the rest of the country/world was of gays and lesbians working in EMS. I realize that not all jurisdictions are as liberal in their policies and the opinions of their members, but I'm curious what its really like out there. Thanks!

 

[CFRBryan347768]

Very touchy subject, and I don't really see a good legit reason to even post this but here it goes.

I could care less what they are, they could be a purple monkey but if they do their job well then who cares?

 

[firecoins]

I have known several gay and lesbian EMS workers. some were open, some weren't. Not a big deal.

 

[Dominion]

The service I work for has MANY openly gay/lesbian techs/medics/officers. I am a progressive person so even outside of work this doesn't bother me, but at work. As long as they can perform their job correctly, I don't care. That's how MOST of the people I work with feel.

 

[el Murpharino]

As long as they provide quality patient care, their sexual preference shouldn't be an issue.

 

[JPINFV]

I consider myself fairly conservative (well, in the words of one of my favorite talk show hosts, "more conservative than liberal, more libertarian than conservative, and more cynical and skeptical than anything else"), but I couldn't care less who my partner wants to boink at night. It's simply none of my business and I don't consider it an issue.

 

[EMERG2011]

Very touchy subject, and I don't really see a good legit reason to even post this but here it goes.QUOTE]


Well, consider this. Some people might consider EMS a more "macho" field, which would sterotype as being less than accepting towards gays and lesbians. I'm not trying to stirr up a fuss, but as a gay man working in EMS, I wanted to know if what I've seen in Washington was the norm, or if it was just a happy concidence.

 

[akflightmedic]

EMS macho field???

Interesting, never thought that or heard that. Now firefighting, yes I agree...EMS, no.

To address your question, as long as they do the job I do not care what their preference is. I remember a stretch of time where I was asexual, only preferred myself...no one seemed to care about that either

Now if you asked about openly gays/lesbians in the fire service, that opens an entirely different thread because that culture is full of machismo. It is rare to find the openly gay FF...they exist but they are rare to be open about it. On the flip side (double standard time) I have met may lesbian firefighters that were quite open about it and they were accepted/welcomed with open arms....hmmmm.

 

[MSDeltaFlt]

Hello Everyone, I go to college in Washington, and I've noticed that, in my interactions with DC/Arlington/Maryland EMS, there are a lot of openly gay EMTs in the area. I consider myself a pretty progressive guy, and I think that its great that they feel safe being open with their co-workers. I was just curious what the general opinion was out in the rest of the country/world was of gays and lesbians working in EMS. I realize that not all jurisdictions are as liberal in their policies and the opinions of their members, but I'm curious what its really like out there. Thanks!

I doesn't matter. And I couldn't care less.

 

[mikeylikesit]

well i guess you get the empathy of a female with the shell of a male and it makes a good combo. it wouldn't make me uneasy to work a 24 hour shift with a homosexual...cause sexual harassment is sexual harassment weather it be gay on straight, women on man or man on women.

 

[MMiz]

I've found gay people working in every job that I've had since I started working at the age of fifteen. Over the years I've worked with several gay EMS partners.

I've never had a gay coworker act in a manner which would make the patient think that the medic was gay.

Our private service had policies that applied to everyone. Applicants really were hired based on how good they were as an applicant, not on their sexual orientation.

I started working EMS while I was in college, and it was definitely an eye opener. It's the first time I saw and heard many things, both from my patients and coworkers. I soaked it all in, and it made me a better EMT and person.

 

[Guardian]

Like everyone else here, it makes no difference to me either. In fact, I often thought they made really good ems personnel because it helps to be a little manlier than the average women and a little more sensitive than the average guy. In all seriousness, it’s a nonissue. You would be surprised at how many homosexuals work in all the branches of public service. And not all of them are easily detectable. But again, it’s really just a nonissue today. Nobody cares.

 

[daedalus]

It should matter little to anyone what their partner's sexual preferences are, and it should not affect how anyone does their job. CFR Brain, I do not see this as a touchy subject.

 

[dschambers3]

I don't think this is a touchy subject, either. I say kudos to someone saying this. I have also noticed a higher percentage of open gay and lesbian EMS workers. Heck, the first Paramedic I ever worked with on an ambulance was gay. He is an outstanding Paramedic and an awesome person to work and talk with. He is a good friend of mine and a major influence for me to pursue my Paramedic patch. I think the most important thing is to have Pride in who you are and your quality of work and care towards pts. That goes for every person.

 

[karaya]

Gays in EMS? Gays in the military? Gays in food services? Gays here, gays there. I agree with MSDeltaFlt on this one; it doesn't matter and I could care less.

And some of the responses on this thread are just plain hilarious. They make it sound as if a homosexual is from another country.

 

[firecoins]

They make it sound as if a homosexual is from another country.

There are homesexuals from other countries too. Except for Iran. The don't have that problem I am told. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hATGOzv6YSmgeMY1zdYbdpyrG2cw

 

[daedalus]

There are homesexuals from other countries too. Except for Iran. The don't have that problem I am told. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hATGOzv6YSmgeMY1zdYbdpyrG2cw

No, they don't/ Remarkably, Iran is able to prevent homosexuals from being born in their country. They must be on to something here.

 

[Jon]

I've got to second the motion.

I've worked with gays and lesbians. Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Witches. Conservatives, Moderates, Liberals, and Socialists. Blacks, Whites and many shades between.

When we are in uniform.... we are 1 color: BLUE. We need to be united, and personal prejudices have no place in this job. Although I've had some interesting theological and political discussions with some of my partners over the years.



As for working with a gay/lesbian co-worker:
I know one openly gay EMT in my area - good guy, knows what he's doing. His sexual orientation has nothing to do with how he treats patients.

 

[Pittsburgh Proud]

I have known several gay and lesbian EMS workers. some were open, some weren't. Not a big deal.

I agree, why would it be a big deal... No issue with me at all. Know your skills no matter who or what choice of partners you have.

If you know what your doing then I'll run with you....

 

[Alexakat]

Makes no difference to me...in EMS or in any other area of life...