CM> I have not been in EMS a long time (3 years).  I have however seen and
 CM> worked for and around systems in two states (AL & OK).  I have 
 CM> responded as a volunteer and with a paid service and the complaints 
 CM> haven't changed.  I guess some of these problems will not be worked
 CM> out  until we can fix some of the other problems first, i.e. poor
 CM> health  care system.  
Hello Chad,
	I apoligize for butting in here, but this message intreged me to write
	a responce. I have been around both military and civilian EMS and Fire
	for going on 11 years now. And I can understand your apparent frustration
	with the same "complaints" being voiced. However I will tell you that 
	in my experience the only way that something gets "fixed" (Espcially in 
	Ok EMS) is if a person or group of people can prove that the "fix" is 
	both effective, and cheap. I worked in EMS there in Ok for the better
	part of 3 years. And for me it always seems an uphill fight with managment
	and the state goverment to accomplish any changes.. However if your
	persistant, and well orginized.. YOU can help make a difference..
	
 CM> I don't know if it is because I am still a little idealistic or 
 CM> inexperienced, but we should be able to get these issues resolved and 
 CM> move into a better era of EMS.  It seems like some services are more 
 CM> concerned with the bottom line than pt care, and it stinks.
	Unfortunatly, seems like unless your running with a Vol orginazation or
	a goverment unit. this is always the case... And I agree with you totally
	that it does "stink".
	
 CM> Maybe once I sew on my blue and gold patch and get some more
 CM> experience in this field I can then work on improving the system I work
 CM> for.   Hopefully that won't be to long.  I take the paramedic registry
 CM> on Sept  19 & 20.
	Well the "blue and gold" patch is a notable acomplishment and I salute 
	you for takeing the "big" step.. (I put my gold and blue patch on about
	5 years ago!!) :> The key to improving your service, (btw which service
	are you working for??) Is to be persistant, and research all solotions.
	Think of solutions to problems as presenting a buisness proposal and you
	will get more people to listen to you.... (Just my humble opion)
	Good luck on your Paramedic test!!
	
 CM> Maybe you have some advice or ideas that can help a future green
 CM> medic. If so please let me know.  It would be greatly appreciated.
	Well, the first step is education and then networking with your peers.
	(both of which you've already started) Next start thinking of ways to
	solve your services problems and then try and think like a buisnessman 
	and work a way that is mutually acceptable to both managment and you..
	
Have a good one,
James Tarpley
FF/EMT-P
North Tooele County Fire Department
... I Love Being A FireFighter; But then I'm Crazy!!!
--- Blue Wave/RA v2.12 [NR]
---------------