What Burns you out at times on EMS?

11569150 said:
As far as that remark someone made about EMS never being considered a profession or taken seriously, I find that very insulting. This has been my dream profession since I was a small child and I take much pride in what I do regardless of what the "medical community" thinks about EMS.
Click to expand...

I am sorry you find that insulting but that is the truth, and sometime the truth hurts. I do not want to debate this again like I have numerous times before but I suggest you look up Flexner's criteria of a profession and get a solid understanding of the difference between a job and a profession. It sounds like you are new to EMS by your post but I honestly hope that you keep that attitude as you continue to work but unfortunately many do not.
 
I have 6 years in the field so yes fairly new. I was not debating your "dictionary" definition of the field. Semantics. I was pointing out that people do take EMS workers seriously and EMS workers certainly act just as professional as anyone in a "true profession" if not more so (at least in my area) since most, like myself, also have a fire background. Our hospital based ambulance provides an excellent career for the EMTs and paramedics with more than comfortable pay with a union, retirement, and insurance benefits to boot. The salary from the EMT position alone has allowed me to purchase my first home for my family and I and I still have three pay step increases not to mention the four step increases for paramedics. It's one of the best careers to have in town and that's good enough for me to call a profession. My mistake I guess, I was arguing the "professionalism" of the field not whether or not it is technically a profession.
 
The one major thing that has always bugged me and still does: late runs. Only because I know what is waiting for me at home;). I love bs runs, easy and less likely to die and little to no clean up. I love frequent fliers, again, easy and job security. I love the trauma runs and the serious medical runs, they keep you on your toes.
 
11569150 said:
As far as that remark someone made about EMS never being considered a profession or taken seriously, I find that very insulting. This has been my dream profession since I was a small child and I take much pride in what I do regardless of what the "medical community" thinks about EMS.
Click to expand...

Most of us started out with the intention of EMS being our lifelong profession, our "calling" if you will. I remember that when I started in EMS, working per diem at a private IFT company, all that I wanted was to do NYC 911 EMS. Nothing else mattered. After a while, I wanted to be a 911 medic. Then, benefits and retirement became more important, and through research of numerous systems throughout the country, I've found that retirement in single role EMS is not that great.

Meanwhile, the frivolous calls, the late jobs, the nights and weekends, no meal breaks, realizing that I was one pt care error from losing my job no matter how sterling my record, sitting on a street corner in an ambulance, seeing that there are practically no promotional opportunities, this all started to wear on me, just like it does for many other EMS professionals. Some stay for the long term, many do not. Many gradually marginalize the profession as just a transitional job and look for something better.

Again, early in my career, just being a NYC 911 EMT or medic would have made me plenty happy. But then the realities of the job wear you down over time. It's a gradual process, but many of us end up with the attitude that EMS (in the USA) is just a job, and not a profession per se. I've found this to be true enough of the time in the different systems I've worked in several states, that I feel this is true most everywhere. This forum only confirms that.

Look back on this thread in 5-7 years and see if you still feel the same. 75% chance you will not. If you do, then enjoy a happy career in EMS (seriously, no sarcasm). I know of a few people here or there who still love EMS after 25-30 years in, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
 
Tigger said:
That's my thought, if you're so busy to never see your station, then more ambulances are in order. Yes we are paid to run calls, but to expect excellent patient care while running crews into the ground is simply not realistic.

Even if you run a lot at night, I still want a locked door to sleep behind to keep eager urban outdoorsmen from sneaking up on me.
Click to expand...

I agree. Also, where we used to sit in Queens NY, National/Roosevelt Ave, we would often get drunks banging on our door for a ride to the hospital at 0300 give or take, and on four seperate occasions I've found a drunk sleeping on our back bumper up against the back door. After the first one rolled off into the street as we began to respond, it was routine to do a lap around the bus before going enroute.

The time the junkie starting beating on our bus with a plastic sword was quite funny as well.....
 
11569150 said:
I have 6 years in the field so yes fairly new. I was not debating your "dictionary" definition of the field. Semantics. I was pointing out that people do take EMS workers seriously and EMS workers certainly act just as professional as anyone in a "true profession" if not more so (at least in my area) since most, like myself, also have a fire background. Our hospital based ambulance provides an excellent career for the EMTs and paramedics with more than comfortable pay with a union, retirement, and insurance benefits to boot. The salary from the EMT position alone has allowed me to purchase my first home for my family and I and I still have three pay step increases not to mention the four step increases for paramedics. It's one of the best careers to have in town and that's good enough for me to call a profession. My mistake I guess, I was arguing the "professionalism" of the field not whether or not it is technically a profession.
Click to expand...

I guess I've been lucky in that I've never worked in a service where we (EMT's and medics) were marginalized and regarded with disdain by medical staff or the public for the most part. The systems were hospital based in NYC, s third service in SC, and FD based in VA. The employers were all regarded highly for the most part, so I'm sure that helped. No inter-departmental animosity to deal with, so I'm sure that helped.
 
46Young said:
I guess I've been lucky in that I've never worked in a service where we (EMT's and medics) were marginalized and regarded with disdain by medical staff or the public for the most part. The systems were hospital based in NYC, s third service in SC, and FD based in VA. The employers were all regarded highly for the most part, so I'm sure that helped. No inter-departmental animosity to deal with, so I'm sure that helped.
Click to expand...

We are lucky like that here in the ABQ metro. My 911 service is looked down on for management issues by the hospitals, ad equipment shortages at times, but the crews are looked at as very competent clinicians for the most part who can work wonders with what we have
But I am getting burnt out too with the massive call volumes and no down time. And low pay with private services. The thoughts of places like Deleware, or Wake County, or TX, or Denver is keeping me going to get my FP-C, and build my medic experience.
 
I have 6 years in the field so yes fairly new.
Click to expand...
By EMS standards, thats fairly senior.

I was not debating your "dictionary" definition of the field. Semantics. I was pointing out that people do take EMS workers seriously and EMS workers certainly act just as professional as anyone in a "true profession" if not more so (at least in my area) since most, like myself, also have a fire background.
Click to expand...
Must be nice.

Our hospital based ambulance provides an excellent career for the EMTs and paramedics with more than comfortable pay with a union, retirement, and insurance benefits to boot.
Click to expand...
Depends on the region you reside in and what you consider to be "comfortable" pay.
The salary from the EMT position alone has allowed me to purchase my first home for my family and I and I still have three pay step increases not to mention the four step increases for paramedics.
Click to expand...
Would probably not even get you half a home in Long Island. Minimum here for a tiny house is $400,000 usually assuming it isn't a run down house. Aside from car insurance being $2,000 a year per vehicle.


It's one of the best careers to have in town and that's good enough for me to call a profession.
Click to expand...
I find it hard to believe that EMS provider is one of the best positions in the town unless you live out in the sticks and everyone else is a farmer.



Sorry but I think you are a bit in denial and stuck in your own delusion of what you want EMS to be, as many are. At some point 95% of people eventually realize we are an overpriced taxi service. If you can still be comfortable and happy in that regards, more power to you.
 
NYMedic828 said:
By EMS standards, thats fairly senior.


Must be nice.


Depends on the region you reside in and what you consider to be "comfortable" pay.

Would probably not even get you half a home in Long Island. Minimum here for a tiny house is $400,000 usually assuming it isn't a run down house. Aside from car insurance being $2,000 a year per vehicle.



I find it hard to believe that EMS provider is one of the best positions in the town unless you live out in the sticks and everyone else is a farmer.



Sorry but I think you are a bit in denial and stuck in your own delusion of what you want EMS to be, as many are. At some point 95% of people eventually realize we are an overpriced taxi service. If you can still be comfortable and happy in that regards, more power to you.
Click to expand...

I wasn't going to point all of that stuff out, but +1 on the above.
 
TransportJockey said:
We are lucky like that here in the ABQ metro. My 911 service is looked down on for management issues by the hospitals, ad equipment shortages at times, but the crews are looked at as very competent clinicians for the most part who can work wonders with what we have
But I am getting burnt out too with the massive call volumes and no down time. And low pay with private services. The thoughts of places like Deleware, or Wake County, or TX, or Denver is keeping me going to get my FP-C, and build my medic experience.
Click to expand...

If you want to leave, then do it now, before these municipal employers change their retirerment systems to hybrid DC/DB, or otherwise reduce benefits. Regardless, go to where you really want to live for the next 25 years, and get the retirement clock started. Moving from state to state for a better EMS career is a time honored tradition with us. I've worked in three states myself.
 
46Young said:
If you want to leave, then do it now, before these municipal employers change their retirerment systems to hybrid DC/DB, or otherwise reduce benefits. Regardless, go to where you really want to live for the next 25 years, and get the retirement clock started. Moving from state to state for a better EMS career is a time honored tradition with us. I've worked in three states myself.
Click to expand...

I've worked in three as well. Just needing to wait for the semester to be over. I've already started to apply places. Any other third services you'd recommend?
 
11569150 said:
I have 6 years in the field so yes fairly new.
Click to expand...

haha oh you pour soul, you walked right into there trap. Many of these guys I am sure are good fellows, have "put there time in" so to speak.... but as you can see a lot are "burned out" for a variety of reasons. Some are also in the process of switching into other careers.

It is what you make out of it. If you want a vocational certificate to haul people up and down stairs for peanuts and be treated/paid like dirt, yes that is an easy option. An option the majority will probably take in the U.S. right now regrettably
If you want to further your education, be a professional, take some initiative and do something you enjoy, then do it. Relocate, get a degree, work for a better agency, go into supervisor, education, research, flight, management, government agency, international contractor, remote medical, the list can go on and on. There can be light at the end of the tunnel :D:D I have been in it for about 10 years and I am not going anywhere ;-) At the same time things need to change and I can understand others frustrations.
 
TransportJockey said:
I've worked in three as well. Just needing to wait for the semester to be over. I've already started to apply places. Any other third services you'd recommend?
Click to expand...

Perhaps Lee County EMS in Fl.

King Co. WA Medic One seems like a long shot, although if I wanted to commit to single role EMS for life, that would be the place I'd want to work.

When I worked for Charleston County EMs in SC, the pay wasn't too bad, although from what I've read their retirement is still 28 years, and they're apparently getting rid of the TERI, which is where you retire but still work, and get your retirement checks in deferred comp. We call it the "DROP" up here. The working conditions weren't desireable for me, but it may be acceptable for you, and things may have changed for the better in the 4+ years since I've left there. Some forum posters have more up-to-date knowledge, and I remember seeing a Charleston thread here not too long ago. I'd like to retire in Charleston some day - it's really nice down there.

Otherwise, I feel that the Carolinas and the surrounding states pay very pootly for EMS. $30k-$35k starting for a medic on a 56 hour/week schedule is typical. That's like $11/hr! Sure, the cost of living may be low, but it's still $11/hr, and your retirement will be based on your top pay, which may be as low as $50k or $60k. I don't know about you, but 50% of $60,000 isn't much to retire on al all :angry:

Texas might be your best bet. Several forum members work there, and they all seem pretty positive about where they work, so ask around.

Another option might be Alexandria (VA) Fire and EMS - single role medic. They pay decent, fire treats them very well, and their schedule is 24/48/24/96, so you can live far away and still work there. They have people driving up from as far as VB and NC. You could work PT for Sussex Co. DE if they hire PT as well, and be quite well off financially.
 
46Young said:
Perhaps Lee County EMS in Fl.

King Co. WA Medic One seems like a long shot, although if I wanted to commit to single role EMS for life, that would be the place I'd want to work.

When I worked for Charleston County EMs in SC, the pay wasn't too bad, although from what I've read their retirement is still 28 years, and they're apparently getting rid of the TERI, which is where you retire but still work, and get your retirement checks in deferred comp. We call it the "DROP" up here. The working conditions weren't desireable for me, but it may be acceptable for you, and things may have changed for the better in the 4+ years since I've left there. Some forum posters have more up-to-date knowledge, and I remember seeing a Charleston thread here not too long ago. I'd like to retire in Charleston some day - it's really nice down there.

Otherwise, I feel that the Carolinas and the surrounding states pay very pootly for EMS. $30k-$35k starting for a medic on a 56 hour/week schedule is typical. That's like $11/hr! Sure, the cost of living may be low, but it's still $11/hr, and your retirement will be based on your top pay, which may be as low as $50k or $60k. I don't know about you, but 50% of $60,000 isn't much to retire on al all :angry:

Texas might be your best bet. Several forum members work there, and they all seem pretty positive about where they work, so ask around.

Another option might be Alexandria (VA) Fire and EMS - single role medic. They pay decent, fire treats them very well, and their schedule is 24/48/24/96, so you can live far away and still work there. They have people driving up from as far as VB and NC. You could work PT for Sussex Co. DE if they hire PT as well, and be quite well off financially.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. My parents are actually from the Alexandria area and they love it there. I was looking at Sussex too. I'll look into Alexandria now. How is va reciprocity? And you said single role, but do you go through the academy too and get mandated to get fire training too?
 
TransportJockey said:
Thanks man. My parents are actually from the Alexandria area and they love it there. I was looking at Sussex too. I'll look into Alexandria now. How is va reciprocity? And you said single role, but do you go through the academy too and get mandated to get fire training too?
Click to expand...

Reciprocity is a piece-of-cake as long as you have NR-P. Just some PPW and you're all set.

IIRC, Alex requires the CPAT, and they have a year to require you to cross-train, then you'll be left alone, but that hasn't happened, and likely will not. Either visit a fire station (they're busy, so maybe no luck), or just hang out near the Alex. Hosp. ED and you'll run into one of their units fairly quickly. I'll try to find out more if I do some OT out that way.
 
46Young said:
Reciprocity is a piece-of-cake as long as you have NR-P. Just some PPW and you're all set.

IIRC, Alex requires the CPAT, and they have a year to require you to cross-train, then you'll be left alone, but that hasn't happened, and likely will not. Either visit a fire station (they're busy, so maybe no luck), or just hang out near the Alex. Hosp. ED and you'll run into one of their units fairly quickly. I'll try to find out more if I do some OT out that way.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. I'll look up more when I finally get done running calls today. Sounds like a pretty chill place and I might go visit there and see
 
There's only one thing that burns me out. Pedi Fatalities. I want to go home. I want to drink. I want to put on a suit and tie and pretend I never saw anything.
 
Milla3P said:
There's only one thing that burns me out. Pedi Fatalities. I want to go home. I want to drink. I want to put on a suit and tie and pretend I never saw anything.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I had two pediatric fatalities within a couple of weeks of each other and it almost made me quit my job and drop out of medic school.
 
in 3 years i've never had a Pedi arrest or fatality.

I will be happy if I can go my whole career without
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top