| One
of the problems facing EMS Instruction today is the
"disorganization" of the Instructors. No, I am not
talking about those who fail to keep good records, don't bring
equipment or supplies, forget to bring certificates of
completion to class (and never send them), although those are
a separate problem (and commentary). What I am referring to is
perhaps better expressed as the "Dis-Unity" of our
group.
EMS
people in general have a very apathetic nature. We go out, do
our job, sit through our Continuing Education classes, and
continue doing what we've always done. Laws are passed,
protocols change, EMS Rules are promulgated and we pay no
attention. How many of us have written to our Congressman or
Senator urging the passage of a bill? How many of us have
attended our state EMS meetings? How many of us have sent
comments along to those who were rewriting the National
Curriculum? How many of us get involved in the politics of EMS
at all? I would venture to say very few of us, since the Basic
Curriculum (and now the paramedic) was passed without much ado
at all. Way too few of us said or did anything. Then we
complain about it after it's too late.
However,
as Instructors, we are the ones that will bring EMS into the
next century. Can we afford to stay uninvolved? I know classes
take up a lot of our time, preparing or them, arranging for
lecturers, and so on. And many of us have other jobs and
families demanding of our time. But to not get involved, and
stand as a united front, is tantamount to a crime. Our
students look up to us, to provide an example of what a good
EMT or medic should be. To guide them, to teach them, and to
lead them. To set an example.
How
many of you belong to local and/or state Instructor societies?
Not nearly enough. I just received the stats on my own state's
Society. And it was shameful to read how many Instructors we
have, and how relatively few belong to the society. It was
even more scary to read that even of those that do belong,
only about 15 are active in it. And by that, I don't
necessarily mean planning state conferences, which although a
necessary part, isn't the entire purpose of the society. One
of the more important things a united front of Instructors can
do, is influence the passage of legislation.
Think
about it for a second. How many people even think about EMS at
all? Very few, unless they need an ambulance, and Johnny and
Roy don't quite jump out of the phone to save them when they
dial 911. Why would legislators be any different? They're not;
they can't know the issues facing us unless we tell them. And
how can you tell them, if you don't take an active role in
your Instructor Society? And if your state or local area
doesn't have on, why not consider starting one?
EMS
has been and is changing. Are we prepared to meet the
challenges of managed care as it pertains to us? Are we
prepared to go to the so-called "Enhanced" Paramedic
level without having a say in what that will entail? Are we
willing to let legislators that know nothing of our challenges
pass laws without our input? I'm not willing, and neither
should anyone else that calls themselves an Educator.
Here
in my state, we are getting some new rules shoved down our
throats regarding EMS Instruction and the accreditation of EMS
Programs. Plus the results of budget constraints and the
ensuing cost-cutting measures. The proverbial lone voice
crying in the wilderness will not effect any changes. But a
group of hundreds showing up at your State EMS meetings, with
the same concerns, can and will get the attention of those
with the power to affect our Instruction. For a great New
Year's Resolution, instead of going with the usual diet ones
(like we really can diet in EMS), why not make one to get
involved with the other Instructors in your state, start a
professional society, join one if you have one already, and
take an active role in the organization. Let's show the future
EMT's and paramedics that we can lead them into the next
millenium.
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