Like all kids, my brothers and I regularly bugged our parents for stuff while growing up. We couldn’t figure out why instant gratification wasn’t ours. Whether it be for a toy, a milkshake or simply some money to go to the corner store, the answer was always the same: “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” That statement inevitably conjured images of a money tree growing in the back yard; a white glow surrounding the branches with the money leaves glimmering magically with light from an unidentified source. My younger brother would most likely break my trance with a tantrum soon after. As most kids do, with the vision over, we would move on.
I see a similar pattern at work. People do not understand why there isn’t an ambulance waiting on every corner ready to pounce from the trees onto the next emergency. They need an ambulance and why isn’t it already there? Doesn’t the ambulance fairy know? I’ve tried bibbity, bobbity, boo, but it hasn’t worked so far.
I’m being overly dramatic. But am I? Medical emergencies seem to cause a change in brain chemistry – no matter who it is that is having the emergency.
Our latest job action has made this situation worse. Some paramedics have taken to putting large “ON STRIKE” stickers on the sides of the ambulance. Delays chalked up to call volume 6 months ago are now, in the eyes of the public, due to a perceived refusal to attend - seemingly job action related.
If you read this blog (and I know at least 4 people do), get the word out. We have issues with the employer, not the public. We became paramedics, EMDs and EMCTs to help the people of our communities. Up until now, that help has been at the expense of our families and ourselves. The hope for job action outcome is that we can have a healthy family and community while being compensated appropriately.
