Quote:
Originally Posted by red tail
does belonging to a union make for a better ems??
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Of course not.
I have spent the last 20+ years training hundreds of volunteer EMS agencies and full time professional agencies. This is not a union issue.
One can do the research. Rural Metro is a country-wide for profit business headquartered in Arizona. There are literally hundreds of places in the country who have switched to them to save a few bucks and now regret it. They promise the world, then after they are the only game in town they downgrade. In many places they tell their Medics to take their rig and park in a parking lot and stage there for their 8 hour shift. Less overhead that way.
Bottom line is that when something is not broke, then do not fix it. I have seen first hand the quality care the Lake/Sumter EMS provided. They won awards for their quality. When I read the little amount they were going to save by switching I felt it was a bad move. Before I buy something I do some research, read reviews, etc. Rural Metro has a track record of bad reviews.
That being said, I'm sure they have some good medics. And perhaps in Sumter county they are great. I do not know.
I know where my Florida home is around one mile from a full time Fire dept with quality Advanced life support. When my neighbor was having a cardiac incident they were there fast. I watched and even helped a bit. As an instructor I was impressed. They did everything correct. The rescue truck got there first and within 2 minutes did a 12 lead EKG, spiked a bag and got a line in and pushed the first line drugs. Lake/Sumter EMS came just after and took over care transitioning well. It is my area of expertise, and I was impressed.
All I know is that I am getting older. I care about the quality of EMS where I live. I know that statistically I will need them someday. When that day comes and I'm having "The widowmaker" I will not care if I had to pay a couple of bucks extra in my taxes.........especially when my Florida taxes are nothing compared to what I pay in NY, but that is another story.
Look.....I'm not stirring the pot here. I did not start this thread. Let me see if I can get more positive here. Folks, do you know what to do if you had to call 911? Do you know CPR? Do you have a list of Medications handy? If you have advanced directives like a "Do Not Resuscitate" order can you put your hands on it QUICKLY? Is your house uncluttered enough so EMS can GET to a person with a gurney? Is your house number clearly posted on your house? All these things are suddenly important when you need emergency services. Hope this helps.
All I know is that if I'm moving to Paradise, I want to stay healthy there as long as possible. Enjoy!
Frank