Grant me the wisdom so that I may treat those of your children that lay at my feet.
Let my hands be gentle, sure and swift to impart to them your sacred gift. Let me see only a patient's need not their color, race or creed.
Help me always to be my best
even when it's on my hours rest.
Grant me the insight to understand why patients of mine are going to die. Let me remember that when they do there is a wonderful life in Heaven with You.
Lord, if in the time of duty I should fall help my family to hold their heads tall. For it was You who decided that I should be one of your chosen few,
an EMT.
Heaven's Angels
One September Morning
There was evil on our shores
In the hills and heartlands
It chilled us to our core
We watched it on our TVs
In a state of disbelief
So many have been taken
We all can feel the grief
Families lost loved ones
They feel so all alone
Their contrymen support them
A foundation made of stone
Nothing can we do
Nothing can we say
There's nothing in our power
To take their pain away
And from this moment on
We'll all rise and unite
With our brothers and our
sisters From the darkness,
there'll be light
And on this tragic day
When so many fell
They slipped the bonds
of earth Into heaven where they dwell
Lights flash, Sirens blare Into the deep, dark air. EOA, AED, life saving equipment against death, Even for the guy that OD'd on meth.
Saving lives is what we do, Our hearts are in their place, our care is true. Some live, some die, Most are afraid to ask why.
Sometimes we try, Sometimes they die, families find it hard to say goodbye.
Our hearts try to be strong through jokes and cold hearts,
Then reality hits and life, death parts.
We feel we must do what we can,
In those hospitals, in those big vans.
Who are we you ask?
Saving lives is our job, it is our task.
Never giving more than any less,
We are a team, we are E.M.S.
Because you have risen in the middle of the night, You understand what means to be needed is.
Because you have been stained with the blood of others, You understand the precious meaning of life.
Because you have delivered the newborn child You understand the need to go on. Because you have held the dying in your arms, You understand the meaning of human limitations. And, because of these understandings, You know why you try so hard.
IT DOESN'T SEEM POSSIBLE
THAT TIME WENT SO FAST. THE MEMORIES YOU LEFT HERE, WILL FOREVER LAST.
YOU WERE TAKEN AWAY, WITH NO CHANCE FOR A GOODBYE. YET NO MATTER HOW HARD IT IS, WE ARE NOT TO ASK WHY.
THE SEASON'S SHOW CHANGES, THE GOOD WITH THE BAD. THE SAMES TRUE WITH LIFE, THE HAPPY, THE SAD. SO LORD WATCH OVER US WITH A GUIDING HAND, WHEN OUR DUTIE'S ARE DONE.
Click headline for top content from Firehouse.Com The Web's Community & Resource for Fire, Rescue, EMS & Safety
MARCH 29, 2008
Dangers Faced by Emergency Medical Personnel
It never entered my mind when I began my career as a Paramedic, that my career would be shortened after becoming the victim of violence. But in fact my career was in fact shortened because I was assaulted by a patient who had overdosed on illegal narcotics and became violent. Scene safety was never discussed in the emergency medical education program. Today emergency medical services personnel wear bulletproof vests because of the increased violence against EMS workers.
A study conducted in 1999 concluded that during 12-years in EMS, those paramedics received an average of 9 assaults per paramedic. Assault injuries resulted in 170 cases of blunt trauma, 73 lacerations, 2 gun shot wounds, 10 stabbings, 1 burn, 8 fractures, 9 dislocations, 1 choking, and 56 cases of miscellaneous body injuries.” Emergency medical services personnel continue to face many dangers in the course of their profession and in the line of duty. The dangers faced begin upon receiving a call from their dispatcher for response to a medical or traumatic call. The emergency run poses a greater risk of becoming involved in an automobile accident causing injury or death then the chances of an EMT accidentally sustaining a needle stick and contracting HIV.
Once on the scene of a call the emergency medical technicians chances of becoming the victim of an act of aggression and violence. Danger can threaten EMS providers at any time and anywhere. There is no such thing as a "safe" neighborhood or a "safe" area of town. Emergency medical services personnel have been killed and or injured, in the line of duty. The causes and acts are becoming more and more random. They include injury and or fatal injuries resulting from motorists who have failed to yield the right away to the EMS vehicles equipped that are equipped with state of the art flashers, sirens, and intersection lights. Drivers do not pay attention to Emergency Vehicles, and are distracted by blasting stereos, driving while intoxicated, and talking on cell phones just to name a few.
Once on the scene, emergency medical personnel often are faced with hysterical family members, sometime including verbal and physical assaults from bystanders. Additional risks faced by the EMS personnel include being struck by cars while treating patients at accident scenes that have resulted in both critical injuries and deaths. Motorist fails to slow down, or operate their cars dangerously and aggressively in accident zones. Over the years, paramedics have seen in an increase in responses to more dangerous situations that have resulted from both foreign and domestic terrorism.
EMS personnel have been targets during the Columbine school shootings, the bombing of the Oklahoma Federal building, the 1993 World Trade Center Attack, release of gas in the New York subways, and the most recent attacks on September 11, 2001 of the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon. Emergency medical services personnel who are trained to save lives and operate under the EMT Oath taken to preserve life, EMS Personnel now face the uncertainty that Police officers and Firefighters that there is no guarantee of returning home to their families at the end of their shift. Paramedics and Firefighters do not carry a firearm their only means of safety is a Law Enforcement presence and that's still not a safety guarantee.
Legislation is lacking in many states that provides strong legal consequences for causing injuries and or death of these dedicated men and women in Emergency Medical Services. As stated earlier the cost of a bullet proof vests is approximately $500.00 per vest, many private agencies as well as volunteer organizations do not provide these needed safety devices because of the cost, leaving the choice and expense of the EMT. Recently in my county a new policy was adopted by the Medical Control Director that states that EMS Personnel and Firefighters responding to violent and suicide calls must "stage," [park several blocks away from the scene until police units have arrived and secured the scene] although this protects the responding medical personnel it does create the danger of delaying rapid treatment for the patient. EMS Personnel should incorporate the following criteria in their response to Dangerous calls.
1.) Dispatchers need to obtain as much Information as possible, i.e. is there a violent situation for patient? Is this an attempted suicide and by what means, if this is a shooting and or stabbing is the perpetrator still on the scene? Is the patient in possession of any type of weapon?
2.) The responding EMS crew and Fire personnel must be given detailed dispatch information, including frequent updates regarding Law Enforcement's response as well as their estimated time of arrival. In addition, dispatch should update the crews as additional information becomes available.
3.) Upon EMS arrival, the EMS crew should overview the scene. i.e. is there any immediate danger, is law enforcement on the scene, and are there any visible dangers to the crew. Identify areas for a safe retreat.
4.) When on scene of a motor vehicle accident, survey the area before getting out of the rig is the scene secure. Are there any electrical lines down on or around the vehicle or vehicles, is there a vehicle fire, are there any vehicles involved there is transporting hazardous waste or chemicals? Is traffic congestion causing additional hazards? Place your Unit in a safe position that will protect you, the patients, and the scene.
5.) Do not put yourself in harm's way; Always have open communications with your dispatcher. If the scene becomes dangerous remove yourself and your partner from the scene until security is reestablished by law enforcement.
The potential for scene violence & violent patients exists for all types of EMS responses, do not become complacent you must always remain vigilant. Since the attack on September 11, 2001 police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel have had the publics renewed appreciation for the work that we do and the a unselfish sacrifices we make.
After a football game between Ohio State and the University of Michigan, Police Officers, Firefighters, and Paramedics were attacked by a large group of party revelers celebrating the game that had been played earlier that day. As a result of the violence that broke out, several Police Officers called in to restore order were attacked by individuals throwing bottles, rocks, and were subjected to physical attacks. Firefighters who also responded because of fires that had been started, found themselves attacked in the same way. Paramedics were also called to help the injured and became the targets of rioters who began throwing rocks and bottles. This is a strong example for us in the Emergency Profession to remain vigilant and safety conscious
More EMS providers die on the job than anyone suspected, making the occupation nearly as dangerous as police officer or firefighter, according to the first-ever national study of EMS fatalities. The study, "Occupational Fatalities in Emergency Medical Services: A Hidden Crisis," is detailed in the December issue ofAnnals of Emergency Medicine, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Between 1992 and 1997, the study finds 114 EMTs and paramedics were killed on the job, more than half of them in ambulance crashes. That's an estimated 12.7 fatalities per 100,000 EMS workers, making it close to the death rates for police (14.2) and firefighters (16.5) in the same time period, the study says. And it's more than twice the national average for all workers (5.0). "The profession is much more dangerous than most people realized," says Brian Maguire, MSA, EMT-P, chief researcher and study author. "I don't think people know this is almost as dangerous as firefighting or police work." He says even EMTs and paramedics who respond to emergencies every day don't realize the toll their job take's.
Unsung Heroes do it because it is the right thing to do.
OUR NUMBER IS:
AMBULANCE HAZARDS
ALWAYS THINK
BE ALERT
Click on Pictures to Enlarge
Anatomy of Ambulance Accident Sequence
Is Heaven in the Yellow Pages?
Daddy went to Heaven, but I need him here today, My tummy hurts and I fell down, I need him right away.
Operator can you tell me how to find him in this book? Is heaven in the yellow part, I don't know where to look. I think my mommy needs him too, at night I hear him cry.
I hear her call his name sometimes, but I really don't know why.
Maybe if I call him, he will hurry home to me. Is Heaven very far away, is it across the sea? he's been gone a long, long time he needs to come home now! I really need to reach him, but I simply don't know how.
Help me find the number please, is it listed under "Heaven"? I can't read these big big words, I am only seven.
I'm sorry operator; I didn't mean to make you cry, Is your tummy hurting too, or is there something in your eye?
If I call my church maybe they will know.
Daddy said when we need help that's where we should go.
I found the number to my church tacked up on the wall. Thank you operator, I'll give them a call.
TELEPHONE NUMBER TO HEAVEN PLEASE
Study Finds EMS is a Risky Occupation
Little has been known about the occupational risks for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, but a new study finds it is a far more hazardous profession than previously believed. Only four previous studies have evaluated EMS injuries, but most provided limited data. (Occupational Fatalities in Emergency Medical Services: A Hidden Crisis, p. 625) In the most comprehensive study to date, the EMS occupational fatality rate from 1992 to 1997 was estimated at 12.7 fatalities per 100,000 EMS workers, more than twice the national average for workers and comparable with rates for police (14.2) and firefighters (16.5) during the same period. Ambulance crashes appear to be the most likely cause of death for EMS workers. The study’s authors examined three independent databases, including the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service (NEMSMS), to help develop the most comprehensive picture to date of the occupational hazards for EMS workers. According to the study, EMS personnel, which include emergency medical technicians and paramedics, are exposed to a wide variety of occupational hazards, including ambulance crashes, assaults, infectious disease, hearing loss, lower back injury, hazardous materials exposure, stress, extended work hours, and exposure to extreme temperature.
Bullet Proof Vests usually worn by police Officers, are fast becoming standard issue for EMS Peronnel due to the violence being encountered out in the field.
The Emergency Run Today Poses One Of The Greatest Hazards in Emergency Medical Services Today. In fact Emergency Medical Services Personnel are more likely to be killed, injured and disabled during the course of an Emergency Run, Than contracting AIDS during direct patient care.
"In Valor there is Hope"
EMS Working Conditions:
EMTs and paramedics work both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. They are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. These workers risk noise-induced hearing loss from sirens and back injuries from lifting patients. In addition, EMTs and paramedics may be exposed to diseases such as Hepatitis-B and AIDS, as well as violence from drug overdose victims or mentally unstable patients. The work is not only physically strenuous, but also stressful, involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others.
EMTs and paramedics employed by fire departments work about 50 hours a week. Those employed by hospitals frequently work between 45 and 60 hours a week, and those in private ambulance services, between 45 and 50 hours. Some of these workers, especially those in police and fire departments, are on call for extended periods. Because emergency services function 24 hours a day, EMTs and paramedics have irregular working hours that add to job stress.
DAVES EMS HEADQUARTERS
EMS HAZARDS & DANGERS
SAFETY
STAY SAFE
Violence toward EMS providers is a concept that, on the surface, seems absurd. After all, EMS is there to help. It doesn't judge, doesn't condemn (or at least it shouldn't), and is certainly not the police, there to lock somebody up or put an end to their good times. All EMS wants to do is assist those in need, to help the hurt. Who could object, much less respond violently, to a person doing that? Yet some do, and probably more than most people realize.
Almost everyone experiences acute back pain at some time in their adult life. Back-related complaints are second only to the common cold as a reason for office visits to primary care physicians. How can EMS providers avoid becoming part of this staggering statistic? By reviewing the anatomy of the back and descriptions of specific injuries, you will understand the complexity of an injury. The end result is to share with you how to avoid the harmful effects of an acute back episode--a situation that can change the direction of your life.
Principles of Lifting
•Prepare for the lift mentally. Visualize how the lift will occur and what the end result will be.
•Plant your feet firmly with a wide base of support.
•Bend your knees.
•Grasp the load firmly, keeping it close to the center of your body.
•Keep the spine upright.
•Lift with your legs.
•Don't twist with your body. While lifting, shift your feet.
EMS providers must quickly assess threats and restrain patients in a manner that will prevent injury to the Medic, as well as bystanders.
Employmentof Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Population growth and urbanization will increase the demand for full-time paid EMTs and paramedics rather than for volunteers. In addition, a large segment of the population—the aging baby boomers—will further spur demand for EMT services, as they become more likely to have medical emergencies. There will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas. In addition to job growth, openings will occur because of replacement needs; some workers leave because of stressful working conditions, limited advancement potential, and the modest pay and benefits in the private sector.
Most opportunities for EMTs and Paramedics are expected to arise in hospitals and private ambulance services. Competition will be greater for jobs in local government, including fire, police, and independent third service rescue squad departments, where salaries and benefits tend to be slightly better. Opportunities will be best for those who have advanced certifications, such as EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic, as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital.
The income of EMT's & Paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual's training and experience. Median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics were $22,460 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $17,930 and $29,270. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $37,760. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of EMTs and paramedics in 2000 were:
Local Government $24,800
Hospitals $23,590
Local and Suburban Transportation $20,950
Additional information can be found at Daves Site Page "EMS Issues"
While the causes of such Attacks on EMS Personnel have not been comprehensively studied, some evidence points to a few common factors, whether the attacker is a patient or a bystander. A major contributor to EMS assaults is intoxication.
Patients, in almost every studied case, were found to be under the influence of some type of substance. In addition the EMS uniforms can resemble those of police officers, in most cases both have badges, patches, even similar color schemes. This has led to EMS personnel being mistaken for police officers and thereby having received misdirected violence.
Another cause towards assaults on EMS Personnel is mental illness. Any Medical or Trauma event that causes an altered level of consciousness, including head trauma and diabetes, may lead to a violent patient. EMS personnel have also been assaulted from a domestic violence that is still taking place when EMS arrives on scene while emotions are still at a boil.
Weak laws and Punishments; Continue to contribute to the increased violence against Emergency Medical Personnel. Violent attacks have caused injuries, disabilities, and death to Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. It’s long past time for Federal, State, and Local lawmakers to create and strengthen laws to help stop the violence that EMT’s and Paramedics are facing daily. Elected officials must protect EMS Personnel with new laws and legislation that will make it a felony to assault EMS Personnel. Once stronger laws are passed and implemented prosecutors must not plea bargain down the charges. Judges must hand down firm decisions as they dispense stern sentencing, and not handing out a community service sentence. Both EMT’s and Paramedics must be protected from assaults that cause injury, disabilities and death. It is time to send a message that attacks against EMS Personnel will not be tolerated!!
BULLET PROOF VESTS ARE FAST BECOMING NEW STANDARD EMS EQUIPMENT
SCENE VIOLENCE AGAINST EMS
EMS IS A DANGEROUS PROFESSION
BE ALERT
Risk Factors which contibute to Back Injuries
•Lifting with your back bowed out.
•Bending and reaching with your back bowed out.
•Slouched sitting
•Jerking or twisted.
•Lack of proper rest
•Obesity
•Loss of strength and flexibility
•Stressful living and working habits
•Smoking
•Poor nutrition.
Proper posture and body mechanics can help to protect your body, especially your back, from pain and injury. Back pain is usually the result of a number of contributory factors. Poor posture and faulty body mechanics are generally involved.
Is Heaven in the Yellow Pages?
Mommy went to Heaven, but I need her here today, My tummy hurts and I fell down, I need her right away.
Operator can you tell me how to find him in this book? Is heaven in the yellow part, I don't know where to look. I think my Daddy needs her too, at night I hear him cry. I hear him call her name sometimes, but I really don't know why.
Maybe if I call her, she will hurry home to me. Is Heaven very far away, is it across the sea? She's been gone a long, long time she needs to come home now! I really need to reach her, but I simply don't know how.
Help me find the number please, is it listed under "Heaven"? I can't read these big big words, I am only seven.
I'm sorry operator; I didn't mean to make you cry, Is your tummy hurting too, or is there something in your eye?
If I call my church maybe they will know. Mommy said when we need help that's where we should go.
I found the number to my church tacked up on the wall. Thank you operator, I'll give them a call.
JOB STRESS
Job stress is common among EMT's and Paramedic's due to the hours they work, low pay and the number of life-and-death situations they face each shift they work.
Paramedic Killed
Paramedic Shot
On February 23, 2004, A female Paramedic was shot by a sniper, according to Metropolitan Ambulance Services Trust, spokesman Eric Dooley. The paramedic's name has not been released, but Dooley stated she has been with MAST for more than 15 years. Her injuries were classified as serious, but she was reported to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery at a hospital. The paramedic was with police, fire and other ambulance personnel who came under gun fire, striking the paramedic after they arrived to fight the blaze, said Capt. Ron Fletcher, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. Only the paramedic, a 15-year veteran of the Metropolitan Ambulance Service Trust was shot.
On aFriday afternoon, the 13th of February 2004, Lt. Brenda Cowan, a 12 year veteran of the Division of Fire & Emergency Services, was slain on duty. Lt. Cowan was hit by gunfire while responding to an emergency medical assistance call on Adams Lane in rural Fayette County. Lt. Cowan's promotion was just celebrated at the Fire Training Center Tuesday, the 10th of February 2004. This was her first duty day following the promotion ceremony. Her years of service with the Division of Fire have been marked by her kindness, her ready smile and cheerful demeanor, and her eagerness to help her fellow man. She has consistently set an example of the high standards of service expected of - and delivered by - her peers. Lt. Cowan is sorely missed.
People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics—EMTs with additional advanced training to perform more difficult prehospital medical procedures. Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, drownings, childbirth, and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. EMTs and Paramedics provide this vital attention as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility. Care cannot be provided when the EMT--Paramedics become victims.
Dangerous EMS Working Conditions:
EMTs and Paramedics work both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. They are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. These workers risk noise-induced hearing loss from sirens and back injuries from lifting patients.
In addition, EMTs and paramedics may be exposed to diseases such as hepatitis-B and AIDS, as well as violence from drug overdose victims or mentally unstable patients. The work is not only physically strenuous, but also stressful, involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others.
EMS STAGE'S FOR VIOLENT SCENES
Many EMS Agencies have established “staging” policies. Which in essence, when an Ambulance is dispatched to a violent-crime scene involving any form of assault need to stage away from the incident until the police have secured the scene. Remember the difference between “police being on the scene” and “securing the scene” are two different things. It is possible to have the police on the scene and the situation is still voiltale. Remember that a secure scene means the assailant is gone or has been arrested and Law Enforcement gives the okay to enter the perimeter.
CURRENT HOMELAND SECURITY THREAT LEVEL
Guidelines for the Role of EMS Personnel in Domestic Violence
SCENE SAFETY:Police officers state that scenes of domestic violence are one of the most dangerous calls to which they respond. This is no less true for EMS personnel. If it is known from dispatch information that the scene is one of domestic violence, law enforcement should be summoned and EMS personnel should not enter the scene until it has been "secured" by the police. If domestic violence is not suspected until after arrival, the victim should be removed from the scene as quickly as possible. The victim and the perpetrator should be treated in a neutral and non-judgmental manner. No questions regarding possible violence, and no display of sympathy should be made until after the victim is in the ambulance and away from the perpetrator. Violence may be directed toward the EMS personnel, particularly if the perpetrator perceives that too much empathy is being directed toward the victim. It should be remembered that there is no safety in numbers, that no scene is ever "secure", and that removal of the victim is the surest way to provide safety for all. Training is essential for EMS Personnel and is needed in dealing with aspects of domestic violence, These educational programs should include scene assessment, management of violence, management of the scene and self-defense techniques for the EMS Personnel. The Federal Goverment and Several States have and continue to enact "PROTECTIVE," Legislation establishing harsher penalties for any assault on a Emergency Medical Technician.
THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO SUPPORT AND PUSH FOR MORE TOUGHER LAWS.
Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions and EMS personnel will be called upon to evaluate and manage victims. EMS personnel must be educated in the cycle of domestic violence, special aspects of care, scene and medic safety as well as documentation requirements.
This should be part of initial and continuing educational programs.
Attacks on Paramedics in the U.S. have risen four fold in the past three years according to ambulance stats.
The number of assaults on Emergency Medical Personnel that have been reported to the NHTSA Administration shows that assaults against EMT/Paramedics have dramatically risen from April to October each year since 2001. In the past two months there have been several aggressive attacks against Emergency Medical personnel while on duty.
This include three Paramedics gunned down, also in this time frame EMT’s/Paramedics have been attacked by patients, and families armed with knitting needles, another was threatened with a knife after challenging a man who was searching his ambulance, and a medic whose vehicle was stoned as he traveled to an emergency call.
Some EMS Service’s are now providing training to train EMS Personnel in dealing with dangerous situations.
Several times a month EMS Personnel must deal with both verbal as well as physical assaults.
Even with defensive training with various techniques to defuse dangerous situations and the use of staging, physical attacks against EMS Personnel remain unpredictable, as well as unexpected and come from unlikely situations.
EMS PRAYER
As I perform my duty Lord
Whatever be the call
Help to guide and keep me safe
From dangers big and small
I want to serve and do my best
No matter what the scene
I pledge to keep my skills refined
My judgment quick and keen
This calling to give of myself
Most do not understand
But I stand ready all the time
To help my fellow man
To have the chance to help a child
Restore his laugh with glee
A word of thanks I might not hear
But knowing is enough for me
The praise of men is fine for some
But I feel truly blessed
That you oh Lord have chosen me
To serve in EMS!!
GOD ... Grant me the ability to give emergency care.
With skillful hands, knowledgeable mind, and tender loving care.
Help me deal with everything, when lives are on the line.
To see the worst, administer aid, and ease a worried mind.
So help me as I go today, accept what fate may be.
Touch these hands, use this mind, and help this E.M.T.
Amen
This page is dedicated to all our fallen EMS Heroes
Professional status as an Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic is maintained and enriched by the willingness of the individual practitioner to accept and fulfill obligations to society, other medical professionals, and the profession of Emergency Medical Technician. As an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, I solemnly pledge myself to the following code of professional ethics:
A fundamental responsibility of the Emergency Medical Technician is to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, to promote health, to do no harm, and to encourage the quality and equal availability of emergency medical care.
The Emergency Medical Technician provides services based on human need, with respect for human dignity, unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race creed, color, or status.
The Emergency Medical Technician does not use professional knowledge and skills in any enterprise detrimental to the public well being.
The Emergency Medical Technician respects and holds in confidence all information of a confidential nature obtained in the course of professional work unless required by law to divulge such information.
The Emergency Medical Technician, as a citizen, understands and upholds the law and performs the duties of citizenship; as a professional, the Emergency Medical Technician has the never-ending responsibility to work with concerned citizens and other health care professionals in promoting a high standard of emergency medical care to all people.
The Emergency Medical Technician shall maintain professional competence and demonstrate concern for the competence of other members of the Emergency Medical Services health care team.
An Emergency Medical Technician assumes responsibility in defining and upholding standards of professional practice and education.
The Emergency Medical Technician assumes responsibility for individual professional actions and judgment, both in dependent and independent emergency functions, and knows and upholds the laws which affect the practice of the Emergency Medical Technician.
An Emergency Medical Technician has the responsibility to be aware of and participate in matters of legislation affecting the Emergency Medical Service System.
The Emergency Medical Technician, or groups of Emergency Medical Technicians, who advertise professional service, do so in conformity with the dignity of the profession.
The Emergency Medical Technician has an obligation to protect the public by not delegating to a person less qualified, any service which requires the professional competence of an Emergency Medical Technician
The Emergency Medical Technician will work harmoniously with and sustain confidence in Emergency Medical Technician associates, the nurses, the physicians, and other members of the Emergency Medical Services health care team.
The Emergency Medical Technician refuses to participate in unethical procedures, and assumes the responsibility to expose incompetence or unethical conduct of others to the appropriate authority in a proper and professional manner.
Written by: Charles Gillespie M.D. Adopted by: The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, 1978
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CODE OF ETHICS
SOMEONE SAVED A LIFE TODAY
The brave fearless 'Fighters' that step out into the night, working under extreme conditions, for which we have no insight.Their continued schooling is never ending, for to them, your life is only just beginning. Crawling through pieces of what used to be a car, to find a person lying there in need of CPR.
They are called Paramedics, a link between life and death, all give a priceless gift, the gift of breath. The equipment they must carry, you may not understand, but one kneels beside you, as another takes your hand. They feel the Angel standing there, but refuse to let you go, searching their deepest thoughts of knowledge that they know.
Until such time their job complete, and you return to them, only then will they place you in a physician's hand. They no sooner leave the hospital, another call comes through, lights flashing, sirens screaming, fighting traffic to get to you.
Dangers Faced by Emergency Medical Personnel 
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