(The following is a Letter to the Editor from Shane Wheeler, CEO of Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale.)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are a vital component of the health and safety of our communities; more than just an ambulance, EMS is a crucial link between the vast array of community needs and medical, social, and mental health professional services. As we celebrate the 49th National EMS Week this week, we, as EMTs and paramedics, must use this opportunity to advocate for the sustainability of our trade and the systems we work in. As for our communities, a serious conversation must be had to improve the quality of lives of the paramedics and EMTs who fill the gap between life and death.
The American EMS system faces numerous challenges, including limited resources, staffing shortages, and insufficient funding. Moreover, increased violence, illicit drug use, and behavioral emergencies have introduced new challenges, putting our paramedics and EMTs at even greater risk.
The challenges facing our EMS workforce are many. They may face long hours, high levels of stress, and frequent exposure to traumatic events. They also must deal with the challenges of managing a diverse range of patients while working in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Despite these challenges, we have accomplished much since the inception of EMS, saving countless lives, and improving patient outcomes. Redefining ourselves to adapt to the ever-changing communities we serve, we develop innovative techniques, technologies, and strategies that have led to significant advances in emergency medical care, including Community Paramedicine, Point of Care Ultrasound, and evidence-based medical care that has reduced morbidity and mortality.
Suppose you're asking yourself what you can do to celebrate EMS Week — whether an EMT or a community member — advocate for sustainable funding, wellness programs, and thriving wages to attract and retain EMTs and paramedics.
EMS will continue to play an integral role in our communities, but only in those areas that support and nurture it. Without these dedicated professionals, countless lives would be lost each year, which means we must continue to pay our utmost respect to our EMS teams and work tirelessly to improve their work environment to enable them to continue to be there in your time of need.
I am enormously proud of our EMS teams' volunteers and career staff; their contributions to our organization are the singular reason for our success.
Happy EMS Week!
Signed,
Shane Wheeler
Chief 345
VMSC Emergency Medical Services
