I always told myself that when I left EMS I wanted to give back “something” to all those people who gave so much of themselves in their field of expertise… EMTs and Paramedics.

I will always remember the faces and names of those I know and have known. Anyone who has ever done these jobs knows what a totally “unique” group of people they belong to. They run on nothing but adrenaline when exhaustion is all they have left. They go into situations and places where other people will not go. And they do a job most wouldn’t dream of doing.

Those who are the most fortunate, (and it depends on who you ask!) are the ones who find themselves under the “blanket”, if you will, of the Fire Department. They are part of the fire department. And that is why, so often, (as was the case on September 11th 2001), that EMTs & Paramedics are not mentioned among the dead or injured except as under that fire department blanket. That is why this site is primarily dedicated to EMTs and Paramedics who belong to those private “mom & pop” services that are all over this country and are not a part of the more recognized groups. They are the ones who are more often behind the scenes, underpaid, overworked, and finding themselves without the advantages of the larger companies or the county, city or state-run systems. This, by no means, is to say that the others are not important. It is simply an “advocate” for the small guys.

Often these smaller companies have very low wages, and little or no benefits. How many of them have decent health and life insurance benefits at an affordable rate? How many have retirement benefits? And how often have you seen a funeral for an EMT or Paramedic that has an honor guard consisting of their peers? Are there any benefits in your area for an EMT or Paramedic killed in the line of duty? Will anyone step forward to help take care of their families at such a crucial time? Could this website provide an avenue for a conglomerate of EMS personnel, to perhaps reach the goal of obtaining these “luxuries” for it’s members?

I have found myself awake at night trying to “word” what I wanted to say here. Many times I have thought of topics for the site, but couldn’t stop what I was doing long enough to write them down. I will make that attempt now…

1. Provide a site with a “forum” or “chat” page for EMS personnel to talk, or “vent”, anything pertaining to or about their job/field. Access would be allowed after registering with the site administrator (possibly by providing proof of EMS certification, etc.) in order to assure “membership” with a screen name and password. The member would be allowed to post his/her own photo, info, profile, etc.
   
2. Provide a page for links to sites for acquiring Continuous Education Units or, perhaps, providing that education ON this site (or both). Allow those members who instruct to offer their services, links to websites, or their fees charged for such.
   
3. Have an “announcements” page where members could share information on events, parties, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
   
4. A page for the “ARTS” where EMS personnel offer up their own songs, poetry, paintings, etc. for all to enjoy. There they could offer links to their own websites, etc.
   
5. A “suggestion box” page to allow for ideas for content on this site as well as what other issues/concerns are of interest within the EMS community.
   
6. Provide a page for pictures, etc.
   
7. A humor page that could house “jokes”, stories, anything of interest that the member wishes to share.
   
8. Provide a more formal arena for the discussion of job-related information, medical comparisons/questions/new techniques, gear, etc. ("HIPPA" guidelines would be a must here.)
   
9. A “Partner Tribute” page where members can offer thanks, at-a-boy comments, etc. in relation to that special bond of partnership in EMS. This could also involve retirement wishes or just “saying good-bye” to someone who’s leaving.
   
10. An EMS related “Store” where things pertaining to the field/job could be sold and links to websites that offer the same type items.
    
11. The possibility of obtaining insurances for members at an affordable rate provided by the numbers of members registered with the site.
    
12. A Memorial page for those who have passed on who we wish to remember.

Regards,
CrazyGrannyEMT
(A.K A - JYR, A.K.A. - EMT #25254, A.K.A. - CT # 1814 - Certified, Georgia State Board of Medical Examiners 1993/1994, AKA - L.O.L.!!!)