Are you able to commit when you're not being paid?

"Considering staff as the biggest and most important assets of any organization is a phenomenon in recent decades that has attracted considerable attention.. .Because happy employees are more likely to be committed to the organization and, in turn, are proud to be a member of that organization and also believe the goals and values of the organization and thus show higher levels of performance and productivity." (Hayati, 2015)

Public service professionals (Paramedics/EMTs, Fire Fighters, Police Officers) will devote over 20+ years into their careers. Many medics that began as EMTs in their late teens/early twenties, will stay within a service or organization, and do not plan to leave until retirement. This displays a tremendous amount of organizational loyalty.

While fire and police have professional growth opportunities and upward mobility, often times EMS does not. Providers will remain EMTs their whole careers, some move on to Paramedics, very few will go on to become management or educators. While administrators are necessary for structure, and educators are necessary for teaching, operations (street medics) often do not receive the compensation to reflect the importance of their roles.

Operations staff are evaluated annually on three parameters: attendance, report compliance, and driving record. Attendance is determined by a simple point system, points can occur due to excessive call offs, showing up late for shifts, etc. Compliance is simply how fast run reports are closed and submitted. When providers fall under a 96% close rate, it is unsatisfactory and decreases their potential for a raise. Driving incidents are not clearly defined, points will occur from a small ding/scratch all the way to a crash. I understand the purpose of emphasizing driver safety, but accidents do happen. It is not lenient and any mistakes mistakes will affect their pay. Operations are held to a different standard, and therefore able to be scrutinized more when compared to office or support staff.

The average income for EMTs in the state of Indiana is 35,211/yr. (glassdoor.com , 2022)

( smartasset.com , 2022)

After rent, utilities, transportation, and food that is no longer a liveable wage. Many public service professionals will work substantial amounts of overtime, or a second, third job, in order to subsidize their income. It is a reality that many workers face.

Many organizations are experiencing high burnout and turnover rates like never before, particularly in EMS. There is a shift that needs to happen within these organizations if they want to retain their staff. Working in EMS is rewarding. There is a feeling of accomplishment and the impact that is made on those that have been serviced does not go unnoticed. These are wonderful attributes to the job, but the daily stress and low wage really makes people question; is it worth it?

Love,

K.

Resources:

Hayati, D., Charkhabi, M., Kalantari, D., & Paola, F. (2015). The effect of pay satisfaction on turnover intention: Mediating role of Job Satisfaction and organizational commitment. Journal of International Management Studies, 15(2), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.18374/jims-15-2.7

Indiana paycheck calculator. SmartAsset. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2022, from https://smartasset.com/taxes/indiana-paycheck-calculator#HGs1YJwGiR

Salary: Emergency medical technician in Indianapolis, IN. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2022, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/indianapolis-emergency-medical-technician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,12_IM407_KO13,41.htm