On (22 Aug 96) Chad Moser wrote to Blake Bowers...
 CM> I know that it takes complaints to bring change to an EMS system, but
 CM> I just get tired of the same old complaints.  I also know that these
 CM> complaints are still around is because no one has come up with a
 CM> solution that works for management, i.e. cost effective.
And that leaves it to *someone* to figure out those solutions.  Those
that do, will be the ones to shape EMS for years to come.
And it starts with that one voice out in the wilderness!
 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
A little bit longer here.  EMS in TN, NY, CT, and TX.  Started running
in a hearse in Middle TN, where our owner used to pickup a body, and circle
the square a couple of times lights and siren, to show everyone which funeral
home got the body.
Progressed to a service in TX that used a international travelall, and a 
VW bus for transport vehicles!  (yep, a VW)
Finally got to a FD service in NY, partner at one time of a service in
Nashville TN.
Back in the hearse days, different services really competed for the business,
to the point where at a scene, people would steal the keys from another
hearse, so the patient would HAVE to go with them.  Parking on the rear 
umper
so they could not load the patient.  Numerous other things...  
Complaints led to EMS as we know now.
 CM> out until we can fix some of the other problems first, i.e. poor
 CM> health
 CM> care system.
Uh, yeah.  In actuallity, our health care system, is overall, the best.
In regards to EMS, there is no other place I would want to need EMS, than
right here in the US.
 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.
And your solution?
 CM> Hopefully that won't be to long.  I take the paramedic registry on
 CM> Sept 19 & 20.
good luck!
 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.
Completely serious, 
1.  Don't let the job get to you.  Remember always, it is a job.  You are
not going to be able to save the world, and the world got along just fine
before you, or I, got there.
2.  Going back to #1, don't take the job, or yourself, (Or myself) too 
seriously.  Be professional if you do it for a living, or perform 
professionaly if you are a volunteer, but leave the time to kick back.
From someone who has been through it, burnout is no fun.
--- PPoint 1.98
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