Career Emergency Services Providers are grossly underpaid for their services. In most areas (of the US) these individuals are paid though municipal governments that use your tax dollars to pay for salaries and equipment. If you want to do something, make your voices heard by contacting your local officials and making a strong clear point that you support these providers and want to make sure they are appropriately compensated for their labors and risk to their lives.

In addition, most of the Emergency Providers in the US, at least outside the larger cities and towns are volunteers, who receive no pay. You can help these individuals by providing finical support through their fund raising activities (bingo, pancake breakfasts, dinners, carnivals, etc.) and by the giving of yourself. Join up, obtain the training and support your community by sharing the load. Even if you are reluctant or unable to become active as an operational member, there are many jobs, such fund raining, bookkeeping, rehab and hundreds of other essential duties that must be performed to keep the organization vital.

Many are involved because of family tradition, the social structure of their communities, the desire for community involvement and while it is likely none of them are in it to be heralded as “heroes”, they are and remain the first line of defense in times of trouble. Everyone benefits and appreciates an occasional “pat on the back” so say “Hi” and a big smiley “Thanks” the next time you run into them, it will make their day and didn’t cost you a dime.


Pete