Ever heard that phrase? If you work in EMS then you probably hear it every time to tell someone that you are an EMT or Paramedic. If you are anything like me, then you probably used to respond by explaining exactly what you do. After answering that question enough times, you have probably broken down and just say “yep” with hopes that the conversation doesn’t go the “what’s the worst thing you have ever seen?” route.

To this day, I am absolutely amazed at how everyone in the world seems to be completely clueless as to what we as EMS professionals do. It’s so bad that people who have been transported by ambulance still think that we just drive. While getting my hair cut a little while back, the lady cutting my hair told me that she had been transported to the hospital twice. She then went on to ask if we “just drive the ambulance”. Of course I asked her if the crew just showed up and gave her a ride, or if they treated her injuries.

Perhaps TV is to blame for this problem. It’s rare to flip through the channels and not see a show about cops. Shows and movies about firefighting are not as common, but still out there.  Shows that focus on EMS are far and few between and they typically flop. Hollywood hasn’t exactly done us any favors either. Sure, “Mother, Jugs and Speed” was a hit, but what else do we have? “Bringing out the Dead” just made us look like a bunch of burned out, delusional drug addicts. OK……maybe not far from the truth.

So how do we improve public awareness? I would hate to think that the only way to gain respect from the public is to make a TV drama series. I really wish I could end this post with some intelligent solution to the problem. Instead I’m asking for ideas. We really need to make the general public aware of what we do. We provide a valuable service to the community that deserves recognition. But more importantly, we need to make the elected officials that are making decisions truly aware of what we do. Perhaps doing so might change the way our legislators think when it comes time to cut funding for programs and reimbursement.

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.