Changes in Emergency Medical Services
Caveat: I no longer work at the company outlined below and have no idea of their current scheduling. I am currently working in a mostly routine transport company in Philadelphia PA while attending college. The ability to schedule classes was more important to me so I gave up 911 work in favor of something with more routine and ease of scheduling. Transport or Private companies are a booming business here in Philly, with lots of older folks on Dialysis and other routine treatments such as radiation/chemo. Its not overly exciting but it pays better than 911 work (which is disgraceful to me...911 companies should pay better!) and I get to leave when I need to get to my classes. End of Caveat.
Well, In answer to the needs of an ever changing world, EMS (Emergency Medical Services) has found it too needs to change. We've started the process at my current company in the past few years with many changes and updates. These including switching to the MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit-One EMT-Basic and one Paramedic), staffing with career or compensated staff 24/7, Wheelchair and Recumbent Van transports (need a litter but not a whole ambulance. An example would be a bedbound patient needing to get to a Doctor's office.) We have found ourselves in various stations around our area including local Fire Companies, and even "staging" (waiting on stand-by basically) in various parking lots when one unit is out on a call to keep our coverage as centrally located as possible.
Our schedules have changed from 12 hour shifts to 8 or 16 hours with another change in the works to move at least some of us to 24 hours on and 48 hours off. (yes, the rumor is we will get to sleep so don't worry about us not getting enough sleep!) Actually, we end up with a somewhat better pay scale with the 24 hour shifts I'm told so I'm not against the idea.
Another thing we have started to do is become more proactive in educating the public about when to call 911 and what to do until we get there. Also we have been running blood drives in conjunction with a blood bank in the area, baby safety seat check points and blood pressure screenings. All in all, most of this is a positive step in EMS and hopefully our communities will profit from all the new changes!
