When I was going through the application process for my current position, I was asked to present a short 5-10 overview on the topic of "Professionalism in EMS". Wow, what a great topic, right? When I initially received the topic I was excited, until I started to try and develop how this presentation was going to go.
There were several factors that were required in the development of this presentation. First, I had to decide for myself what professionalism in EMS looks like, or simply define it. I took the easy way out initially. I simply googled the definition of professionalism. Well, I thought it was going to be easy? Evidently the web authors of the world couldn't even define professionalism, so how was I going to define Professionalism in EMS.
Needless to say the presentation went pretty well, at least well enough to get the position. However, as we continue day by day, I continue to develop what I think is professionalism in EMS. Having served over a decade in the fire service, and having served on the ambulance and in the military, professionalism is a key in my daily operations. I continue to strive to make myself better, and more professional every day to ensure that those around me have a goal for a common passion. Now, as we look at our facebook timeline, our twitter feeds, and the stories sent to us through our RSS generator, do we all have the same common passion. Now, for the next part of the story I am going to pick on EMS; however, this is not just our profession. If we look at the stories that are published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services or Firehouse Magazine, we see stories about another firefighter, fire officer, or chief officer (comparable ranks in EMS) that has been terminated due to allegations of misconduct. I have just recently restarted my RSS feeds, and I am reestablishing those that I want to maintain on a professional aspect, and in the short time I have had those feeds active I have read where multiple chiefs have resigned or been asked to resign, firefighters that have resigned and homicide investigations occuring.
So where does professionalism start, and what can we do to ensure a level of professionalism that will eliminate these media stories. First, it is extemely difficult in the emergency services profession because we are actions are quick to be published in the print and television media. That is an excellent problem to have becuase it helps us develop our public education programs and disseminate them to the masses. It also helps in the times of emergency to have them available to get out vital instructions to the public for things such as evacuation routes, or routes to avoid. I had a boss before that his only real indicator for behavioral issues was for his employees not to have their names mentioned in the news. Now, this was before I joined the fire service and EMS communities so we weren't under the microscope as I am now, but that was his indicator...have fun as long as it doesn't get you on the news.
It is really difficult to give you a prescription and say hey, this is what you do and it will get all better. Take two of these and call me in the morning! All would be great it that could happen. Fire and EMS have a large population of Alpha Type personalities who are keyed up and ready to take on the next challenge. These individuals are always looking forward to the next call, the next training, the next what if. As an agency director/chief, you must ask yourself some conceptual questions just as I did when I started the presentation development. What is professionalism to you, and see where that takes you.
Take Care and Stay Safe
The ComboMedic
There were several factors that were required in the development of this presentation. First, I had to decide for myself what professionalism in EMS looks like, or simply define it. I took the easy way out initially. I simply googled the definition of professionalism. Well, I thought it was going to be easy? Evidently the web authors of the world couldn't even define professionalism, so how was I going to define Professionalism in EMS.
Needless to say the presentation went pretty well, at least well enough to get the position. However, as we continue day by day, I continue to develop what I think is professionalism in EMS. Having served over a decade in the fire service, and having served on the ambulance and in the military, professionalism is a key in my daily operations. I continue to strive to make myself better, and more professional every day to ensure that those around me have a goal for a common passion. Now, as we look at our facebook timeline, our twitter feeds, and the stories sent to us through our RSS generator, do we all have the same common passion. Now, for the next part of the story I am going to pick on EMS; however, this is not just our profession. If we look at the stories that are published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services or Firehouse Magazine, we see stories about another firefighter, fire officer, or chief officer (comparable ranks in EMS) that has been terminated due to allegations of misconduct. I have just recently restarted my RSS feeds, and I am reestablishing those that I want to maintain on a professional aspect, and in the short time I have had those feeds active I have read where multiple chiefs have resigned or been asked to resign, firefighters that have resigned and homicide investigations occuring.
So where does professionalism start, and what can we do to ensure a level of professionalism that will eliminate these media stories. First, it is extemely difficult in the emergency services profession because we are actions are quick to be published in the print and television media. That is an excellent problem to have becuase it helps us develop our public education programs and disseminate them to the masses. It also helps in the times of emergency to have them available to get out vital instructions to the public for things such as evacuation routes, or routes to avoid. I had a boss before that his only real indicator for behavioral issues was for his employees not to have their names mentioned in the news. Now, this was before I joined the fire service and EMS communities so we weren't under the microscope as I am now, but that was his indicator...have fun as long as it doesn't get you on the news.
It is really difficult to give you a prescription and say hey, this is what you do and it will get all better. Take two of these and call me in the morning! All would be great it that could happen. Fire and EMS have a large population of Alpha Type personalities who are keyed up and ready to take on the next challenge. These individuals are always looking forward to the next call, the next training, the next what if. As an agency director/chief, you must ask yourself some conceptual questions just as I did when I started the presentation development. What is professionalism to you, and see where that takes you.
Take Care and Stay Safe
The ComboMedic
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