Emergency medical professionals are the unsung heroes of the medical field. Because they are not as highly paid as doctors and less visible than nurses are, people tend to undervalue them. However, attitudes change during an emergency. The people who come to a person’s home and save a child from choking or resuscitate loved ones after their hearts stop reveal themselves as the professionals they really are. To get the recognition they deserve outside of life-or-death situations, EMS workers can promote a positive image at work every day.
Bedside Manner
The public may not know the difference between a first responder, EMT, and paramedic, but they always remember how they felt when interacting with one. No matter the job title, the goal of all EMS staff should be to act in a professional manner that makes people feel respected and cared for.
Patients in the midst of a frightening situation sometimes act irrationally and lash out at anyone trying to help them, including EMS workers. A rule of thumb to help remain professional in these situations is to treat every patient the way they would want someone else to treat their own grandmothers or children, no matter how unreasonably that patient may behave.
Professional Pride
It is no secret that EMS technicians earn less than doctors and nurses do, so people assume they also are not as knowledgeable. Just because a job in EMS does not require a college degree does not mean that technicians do not have specialized knowledge. They should be proud of the training they receive and speak confidently to patients about what they know.
Another way EMS professionals can improve public perception is by being lifelong learners. Like employees in other fields, they can enroll in continuing education courses, attend conferences, and join professional societies. These activities help them to connect with and learn from others in the industry and to foster a culture of professionalism that spills over and becomes obvious in their dealings with the public.
Personal Appearance
EMS personnel are notorious for working odd hours. Some work 24 hours on and 48-hours off, while others work 12-hour shifts that rotate between day and night. Even when expecting to work a regular, 40-hour week, they sometimes must instead work unexpected overtime hours during which they may not have time to eat, sleep, or change clothes.
Under these strenuous working conditions, it is hard for many EMS workers to devote much attention to their personal appearances while on the job. Nevertheless, doing so will promote a more positive image to the public. They should keep their uniforms as clean as possible and maintain good personal hygiene, even when their jobs are physically demanding.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.