Decline of EMS

[newsjunkie1369]

Hello everyone, for my first post I wanted to talk about the decline
of EMS. Sure, most people would disagree, but let me explain.

First is the decline of EMS training. I feel as if there is no
standard anymore. People are just pushed through their EMT classes
wether or not they pass their tests or not. We can just look to
Washington DC for an example. Several firefighters were let go after
failing to pass the National Registry test. They claim it was to hard
and unfair and are now being allowed to try over again. I am not
saying they do not deserve another chance, they do, but they better
not lower the standard for them. This is a serious let down to the
people they may need to help. I have run into several EMT's who do
not even know how to take a blood pressure, or apply O2. These are
not overly difficult. How did these people pass and become EMT's?

This leads into the next problem. BLS skills. Most of us know the
things that save lives are advanced life support. Why can't an EMT
use a LMA? or albuterol? or a glucometer? These are very basic skills
that could seriously help people. The answer is the EMT's who are
just getting passed through the system. They ruin it for all of us
who take what we do seriously. We read JEMS and stay up to date on
the latest procedures, and try to better our skills for our
patients.

I do not know if these procedures are being blocked by paramedics
because we would be infringeing on their turf or what, but we need to
get over it. Just my 2 cents. Let me know what you think.

Tom