Opinions on the NAEMT or a State or Specialty EMT(P) association?

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Are you a member of a professional association like NAEMT?

Or, do you believe unions are the answer?

For either:

What has been done to increase educatonal standards?

What has been done to bring unity to EMS?

If you don't belong to the NAEMT, why not?

How often do you check your state's EMS website for legislative updates?

How aware are you about the national healthcare concerns of patients and other professionals? Do you see where EMS can be effected or have an affect on the issues?

Do you offer support through letters either individually or through the association to legislators about some issues?
 
No to unions at least as far as helping EMS move forward as a profession. In fact the most vocal unions have pushed for the diploma mills rather than education.

Are you a member of a professional association like NAEMT? Yes. While they voice improvement it is a tiny squeek as so few join.

How often do you check your state's EMS website for legislative updates?
Weekly.

How aware are you about the national healthcare concerns of patients and other professionals? Do you see where EMS can be effected or have an affect on the issues? Very. In fact EMS could with higher education really be at the fore front of patient care out of the hospital. Higher educated Paramedics could allow for providing some treatments at patients home and allowing patient to follow up with their doctor later rather than clogging ER's with the sniffles.

Do you offer support through letters either individually or through the association to legislators about some issues? Both
 
Do you offer support through letters either individually or through the association to legislators about some issues?
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Just fired a letter off to the NREMT to show support for the upcoming changes to EMT, EMT Advanced, and Paramedic levels. Also to show support for the mandatory accreditation for Paramedic schools.
 
I am a member of National, State, etc. I have to say the National is attempting to change the attitude and forethought. My local (State) is comprised of "good ole boys" which I am attempting to change (if I could get more members).

In the past year or so, myself and a few others with the same ideas have formed a EMS Coalition comprising of EMT Associations with Fire, Air, EMS Administrators, EMS Educators, etc. associations. It is much better to have all together or specific points and interest than each one attempting to do it on their own.

I will not say it has been easy. Each organization having its own personal agenda and motives, but coming together on at least certain points to promote EMS and patient care, is much more stronger when discussing to legislature. Having a formal group truly representing EMS does tend to get their attention. I have to admit, it has helped that a legislatures spouse is a member and has some "inside" power. We also have a very progressive EMS Medical Director that is also a State Legislature, that offers support.

With the Coalition, we have put a website up and one can check current legislation for EMS and we closely monitor the "State" activities as we are governed within the Department of Health. I can admit, I obtained blisters last spring session going to each legislatures office and discussing EMS Senate bills. Attempting to obtain funding and recognition as a profession.
Here is a link for an example
http://www.ok-emscoalition.org/legislation

We even started "Medic of the day" that is formally recognized by the State Senate Pro Tem and is allowed to sit on the Senate floor during session. This has been a position that nurses have been doing for decades and allows nurses to be recognized and network with law changers. Why not EMS? So, we did it and I have to say I was one of the first. It was nice to have legislatures and Senators coming up and thanking me and discussing the problems of rural health care. Pictures and discussion is made. This is something that can be instituted and the EMT can be placed into their Capital first-aid or infirmary.

Getting involved is the first and hardest part. Don't expect miracles and changes to occur if you do not participate.

R/r 911
 
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Not a member of the NAEMT but plan on it after I finish school. I'm a member of the Wisconsin EMS Association. I have not personally sent any letters to legislators yet however I plan to once I get some more hard facts to go with it.
 
Ridryder911 said:
I am a member of National, State, etc. I have to say the National is attempting to change the attitude and forethought. My local (State) is comprised of "good ole boys" which I am attempting to change (if I could get more members).

R/r 911
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Our state organization trys but when you have less than 3% of the states certified medics in it it barely makes any noise.
 
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