America's EMT Shortage Has Communities Relying on Unpaid Volunteers
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- Опубліковано 4 бер 2020
- If you call 911 with a medical emergency in Oceana, West Virginia, chances are Nick Lawrence is the guy who’ll show up. He’s one of a handful of volunteer EMTs in Wyoming County who answers calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Obviously, we're not in it for the money, because there's no money. There's absolutely zero benefits whatsoever,” Lawrence told VICE News.
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“Obviously, we're not in it for the money, because there's no money. There's absolutely zero benefits whatsoever,” Lawrence told VICE News.
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Maybe if they paid us a wage above minimum we'd be more around. Also vollies make those that need to do it as a career get paid less. It's great 🙄
It took me almost 15 years to make a livable wage...... Maybe that’s why there’s a shortage.
@@redactedredacted1818 how do they man police cars?
@@redactedredacted1818 exactly! And county ran Fire/ems is the future for rural areas.
That's not as simple to say "there's not enough money". As a leader of a department with 150 full time members and over 300 retirees, I can assure you that if billed properly, fire departments can be ran for low cost and definately run cheaper than police departments. If charges are placed on insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, etc, areas can still afford to man th their needs properly.
Minimum wage job that’s mentally and physical draining with no union, benefits, or even respect from the community what do you expect ?
I wholeheartedly agree with your comment. I was about to say the samething.
Yep, that's why I left. How are general nurses and general docs paid so much more? I never understood it.
You also have to pay for an overpriced emt course.
I doubt they're not respected.
Exactly those people get paid $18 an hour in New York for all the stress and training you need that job isn't worth it I looked into it years ago and when I found out what it paid there's no way I would do that job for that money
Its funny how the entire idea of America is to get paid what your worth, but this guy is saving human lives and isnt worth being paid anything? Tells you all you need to know.
@Epic My boots dont even have straps goddamned it, but I spend 100$ every season for a new pair and their made by children at 2$ a day labour costs. WTF 2020.
@Epic
He stays by choice. There is something to be said for that.
However... he could pack his shit and get out of there and he can be an EMT/Paramedic making $40k/yr in dozens of places across the country. Thats bootstrapping. Sometimes you have to change your situation to make it happen..... sitting around waiting for someone else to fix the problems gets you nowhere.
He can pull himself up all day long, he is choosing to stay because he feels an obligation to his community.
VICE just out here trying to make a hit piece on tax cuts.... but Ill bet you can find any number of places across the country that are in similar situations where the state or county has wasted tons of money on bullshit projects.... or a Federal governement that has raised taxes over the years but never put money back into EMS.... Obama chose not to allot money for underserved EMS in the Affordable Care Act.... in fact, No one at all has made a peep about getting funding, etc to these organizations... Democrat or Republican.
They all have money for wars and fucking art projects....
OR the fact that most all EMT Training is not able to be taken under federal student aid. If you want EMT training you have to pay for it upfront, out of pocket. Thats is enough to keep many people from purusing it regardless of the pay or benefits they would get on the job.
@@shibbershabber I think you missed the point if the video if you think the solution is for this guy to leave the town and find a job somewhere.
What happens to the town if they lose one of their only emergency workers?
THAT'S the problem.
There's also the idea you get what you pay for. We refuse to pay for public goods and services while demanding they run perfectly.
@@Worthless1010
I was addressing another comment. I understand the video isnt just about this one guy's plight
Trillions of dollars on wars, but still no money for education and health-care
Abe E or the immigrants
@Abe E MUSLIMS MEXICANS AND MIGRANTS! they took our jobs.
That's why we are trying to end the war in Afghanistan...
Oh you mean the two most government regulated industries in the US?
Abe E No it’s definitely America’s fault
The reason why there’s a shortage is because these emts don’t get paid well enough for what they do. These ambulance companies screw these guys over, bad.
No. Its because Reagan passed a law that stopped paying for EMTs using federal funding. Thanks republicans. The cutting taxes for the rich while you take away assistance to the little guy worked, it worked at reducing the help the poor get. Well done.
Andrew Grandma regardless guy. These guys don’t get paid enough. Period. This is not a party debate, lol. One can easily state “well how many democrats have come into power after?”
had you see the price of ambulance?
Perhaps taxes should pay for them as they do police
Clarity sure why not.
Take a $1,200 EMT course, then a $70 state exam, all to become licensed for a $10-$12 an hour job.
Or spend $700,000 on an MD education and go make 6 figures. $1,200 is an insignificant investment. That's the monthly power bill for many small/medium businesses. Like it or not, being an EMT is an entry-level position that you can do before you even graduate high school in many states. It's a critical part of society, but that doesn't mean it does or should pay well. It's unfortunate, but it's reality.
DubQWST same with Fire
Sho Yu Weeni lol... where do you live where $12 an hour “isn’t bad”
@@idahomike in trucking school you pay around $4,000 for the course
And you can make 6 figures with experience, so.. :V
@@idahomike so if I then spend another $8000 to become a paramedic, and another $3000 to become a firefighter. I now have $12,200 in total tuition costs. Then finish all my classes for an associate's in fire science which is another $15,000 so now I'm upto $27,200 in total education costs. Wanna know what my average hour pay will be in my state? $16 an hour. That's if I work a 40 hour work week. EMS is grossly underfunded everywhere.
All EMTs are professionals, just only some of them are paid. It's been that way my entire life here in NJ and it's bull. They should all be making $25-$30/hour to start.
No, paramedics deserve that pay. I’m an EMT-Basic and I can’t do shit compared to them.
@@superBAkid for the record $25/hr at 40 hours/week in NJ breaks you even on living expenses (rent, food, utilities, transportation). So uhhhh.... Yeah they absolutely should. Paramedics should be starting at $35-$40/hr
Matando not all emts are paramedics bruh. we have more of a crisis with lacking paramedics than basic emts
@@superBAkid I'm well aware of that. I have friends who volunteer and I used to hang out with them while they were on call. I've also seen the books upon books of studies and training material they have to go through just for their EMT-Basic certifications and the emotional distress they have after their calls. I've seen the old equipment they work with and I even know where they keep the "oh sh** bag"(I don't want my comment to be auto hidden so I censored it, lol) is kept on the rigs. They all deserve it, and these departments can not continue to be underfunded the way they are.
Matando I did an accelerated emt basic course in a month and a half it’s not hard at all. Paramedics take on much more of responsibility and they get all the blame when things go bad.
I work for a major health insurance company in Washington, D.C that holds huge equity stakes in multiple hospitals in Texas. The Chief Operation Officer drives a Lamborghini Huracan to work every day while we basically deny 75% of our members access to patient assistance programs because they don't meet the criteria. The rich people of this country are so out of touch with the average everyday person, it's almost pathetic. Guess what products the PA programs support, enteral nutritional feeding products for children who are malnourished. When we as a country and community can't provide the basic necessities to sustain and maintain life, we as a country and community have failed! But hey, the don himself Mr. Trump says the economy is great and everyone is living a fantastic life. 😔
Lies
Truth...every word!!!
Dime LIAR
The name of the chief operations officer please.
@thrillamore50 Yeah, That sounds about right. For -profit healthcare are two things that should never be in the same sentence!
An ambulance ride in this country can cost thousands of dollars, why can't the EMT get $50 of that?
I was wondering the same thing. They should get a percentage on each call.
It's a shame how much they charge for ONE ride i thought most of my life it went to the EMT that's just cruel and unfair to a person keeping someone alive until they get to the place they need
The cost of an ambulance ride goes back into upkeeping the firehouse, actually. After Reagan cut the taxes some agencies brought in the cost to fill the gap in funding. Truthfully, it is only supposed to be paid by insurance companies and if you lack insurance the charge is supposed to be dropped.
Alex Hamon where I live it’s 6 grand for an ambulance ride
Paramedics should get that EMTs are important, but medics deserve most of the credit for the shit they go through
This is how MOST of rural America operates.
It really and truly is. The only thing keeping rural America on it's feet, are the people. You will rarely find nicer and harder working people than you will in rural America. Politics aside, rural Americans are the real deal.....and deserve much much better.
hey at least we owned the libs! s/
Vice been dropping dimes lately
is that a good thing?
@@JogBird yes
@@JogBird not if you are going to prison.
When dropping dime used to be snitching...
No agendas just real issues💓👍🏾
I was on a 24 hr shift as an EMT getting a burger at in n out when I found out the guy making me the burger was making more and had benefits... I’m a bartender now
Uriel Pelaez dam and I was thinking about going for EMT nvm!
@@st3v3nb915 Don't I'm starting to regret getting in the process of it
@@st3v3nb915 I'd only do it if you're going for fire or if you want to work up to being a paramedic. If you were to go the paramedic route though there are courses you can take that don't require you to be an EMT first
@@morningstoke National prerequisites for a paramedic is first obtaining your EMT-B or EMT-I license. Some states may require you to have anatomy, physiology, biology, and math.
The worst part of the job is how it ages you horrifically. Youre out in the sun soaking up the UV and you are wearing down all your joints lifting obese people on gurneys and from their beds. You will age much faster than your money can grow
Start paying EMT's a decent wage and the issue might get solved. When you have that much responsibility with a life in your hands, but you can go make more as a mechanic, construction worker, or typing on a computer nobody is going to want someone else's life in their hands.... Speaking from experience.
did you even watch this video? That can't pay EMT workers because they have no government funding and can't collect enough taxes.
@Zach Sylvester "Typing on a computer"? You mean programming/ software engineering? I totally agree with what you're saying. I was going to become a firefighter after high school but nope they don't make shit. That's why I am becoming a software engineer. I am in high school right now and I make 30k a year, and that's part-time work!
Mark
well, you know the billionaire oligarch class needs their tax cuts afterall. why would we be funding EMTs when we can give giant tax cuts to billionaires?
@@nathanh3316 No you don't....and you should listen to Mark Cuban on the future of software engineers.
lol can barely pay teachers, or even protect health workers from getting sexually harassed on the job
He's such a blessing to many.
Greetings from an Australian paramedic. Scrolling through many of the comments regarding pay and so on is heartbreaking. Volunteers in EMS is rare in most Australian states, and basically assist paramedics in out of the way places. We don't have EMT level but being a paramedic with that mandatory University degree (Bachelor of Paramedicine) as a pre-requisite attracts a salary of $80k to $130k depending on years of service, location and rank/clinical skill level. Just like nursing, dentistry, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals, EMS is very much a career. I look forward to hearing about improvements in pay for American EMS workers.
I am a medic in the states and just started to work on my student visa to go to university in Australia. It is crazy this video popped up on my feed and I read your comment. I have been reading that in Australia you have an abundance of medics but no positions. Was it difficult for you to find a job? Is 80k a comfortable wage there? I don't need to buy 6 cars and a boat, just want to be able buy an extra dessert every once in a while kind of thing.
@@jason942335 I was quite lucky in that I joined in the mid 1990s when they had the "Student Ambulance Intake". Back then you did 8 weeks basic training then the next three years studying and working normal ambulance shifts. Then you became a qualified paramedic. Was it competitive? There were 2,600 applicants that year for 24 positions! You completed the application form, then sat a comprehensive spelling/maths/spacial relations exams and a psychological test. Then if you were in the top 100, you did a criminal and traffic history check and medical, followed by a physical and dexterity test. That was followed by an interview with three staff. As you can appreciate, with the tests the top 100 made the grade, which meant you had to score 99% in all areas to meet the cut off. In a nutshell, you had a .9% chance of getting in. Fast forward to about 2006 when the first university trained paramedics started hitting the road as part of their third-year practical placements. I was a clinical mentor, which meant I was their supervisor, and would sit down with them once a week and assessed and comment on their progress. Most were great, but some made me think they made a poor choice of career, and that paramedicine wasn't for them. Poor interpersonal skills, behind in their studies and knowledge, or a blatant disregard for our rules and chain of command were their nemesis. I must ask somebody what the success rate is of placements to graduates. The best states to work for are Queensland, then Victoria, then NSW. I believe ACT (Canberra) only accept experienced intensive/critical care paramedics from other states. Living in the major cities here is becoming more and more expensive. Rents are anywhere from US$250-US$400/week, but cheaper in regional areas. You pay 1% of your pay into Medicare which gives you free healthcare (all working Australian citizens pay the Medicare levy). We have superannuation (retirement fund). I think at the moment for every $1 you put in, the employer (state government) pays $2.50-don't quote me on that but it's ballpark correct. Easy for a young person to have over a $1 million when they retire at 65 (mandatory retirement age in the ambulance service). All uniforms and safety equipment are supplied, and nicer things like a decent pocket flashlight or Littmann stethoscope is 100% tax deductible. $US80k which is about $AU120k gives you comfort. You can salary sacrifice a new car through a novated lease rather than buy one, and can salary sacrifice ongoing study loans, childcare, cellphone. computer and a few other things. You generally work a 37.5-hour week, but realistically work more. You get 8 weeks and 2 days a year annual leave being a shift working paramedic. The average Australian wage is $AU90k a year or $US60k apparently. When you buy something here, 10% of the cost is tax (GST) but unlike the US, it's included in the price. So, a can of Pepsi might be $2.50, not $2.20 + state tax. We don't generally tip service staff here. Our culture can be a bit different, but Americans and Brits seem to adapt OK. Although originally a British colony, American influence has been here since Americans came here during our gold rush era of the late 1800s. As for comfort with wages, you'll be able to afford a holiday overseas every year and have dessert every night. I was lucky to spend two years in a small outback town. We lived in the house attached to the ambulance station, so rent was $100/week and no driving to and from work costs. I worked with an on-call volunteer who would drive for me. We'd work 8 days on, 2 off, 8 on, 5 off. You'd be lucky to do a job every second day. When you did though it was common to drive 130 miles on a corrugated dirt road to a chest pain that took three hours to get to. Then, as most properties have an airstrip, you'd get the flying doctor to take them to hospital, about an hour or 2 flight time away. Too far away from any helicopter base. Speaking of choppers, we have a fleet of choppers and if you decide to become a critical care paramedic, can later apply to become a Flight paramedic. To be a CCP, you need about minimum 3-4 years' experience, apply for the competitive course, and spend a year as a student CCP, spending a lot of class time. We also have high acuity paramedics (HARU) who can amongst other things perform blood infusions, field amputations and some minor on scene surgery. They are handpicked CCPs who spend about 6 months working in surgical theatres mentored by surgeons and classroom placements. If you feel burnt out you can become a low acuity paramedic, which is treating patients with minor medical procedures (suturing/prescribing meds etc.) Probably THE biggest difference between American EMS and ours-our philosophy is to bring the hospital to the patient. A hospital ER/Burns unit/Cath lab/Stroke unit is an adjunct to the chain of medical treatment. If you work in the cities, you'll typically work 12-hour shifts with little downtime for a feed or break. In a nutshell, it is extremely competitive, and can give you a comfortable life with many career advancement opportunities. Professional development is a big thing with paramedics here. On a trivial note, paramedics keep getting voted as Australia's most trusted profession. Best wishes with it all.
Where I live in the US (salaries can vary wildly between different areas), a paramedic makes an average of $45k-55k, with higher salaries available only to those that have risen to supervisory ranks. This was a critical factor in me deciding to pursue my nursing degree. Ironically, I can get my Registered Nurse certification and then use that to test for the paramedic exam. However, as an RN I'd command around $10k more per year (assuming I'm a Pre-Hospital RN).
When I left security contracting, I immediately wanted to go into EMS since I have my EMT and TCCC certifications. I applied to an ambulance company and was offered $16.25 per hour. I could go and work at McDonald's (this is no joke) on the closing shift and make $18.50. It is a seriously messed up world when the guy flipping your Big Mac makes more money than the guy who you're counting on to keep you alive if you have an MI or other emergency event.
@@aesirgaming1014 Your comment made for a very interesting read. Quite a few university paramedicine students are doing a double degree (Paramedicine/nursing). Basically, to give them more flexibility and options. Having said that from what I hear Registered Paramedics make more or similar money to RNs. $16.25 per hour is just an insult to you, your skills and credentials and EMS in general. That's about half what a paramedic makes here when converting US$ to AUS$, and that's not including our rolled-up rate and other shift allowances typically made. I think some Americans are surprised at our allowances and annual leave entitlements.
So I am a volunteer firefighter in the United States and most states offer a incentive program where you can make 25-30$ per call depending on the call type and nature also we can get up to 1000$ off our property or car tax per each certification we have and there’s allot of certifications you can get so $$$ but I am glad to hear people still care enjoy your holidays everyone
As a former EMT this all hits home so hard. The aspect of being under appreciated and under paid for what we go through is insane. This job should have the same pay and benefits as any other emergency responder no matter how poor or unequipped your county is.
Being an EMT is a hard enough job as it is, I couldn't imagine not even getting a paycheck. Good on you brother.. stay in the fight as long as you can. You're a better man than I am.
2 years later and we still havent fixed EMS pay
Nope, the pay is still terrible and nothing is being done about it. I don’t expect any major changes until EMS become an essential service in all 50 states. And who knows when that will be.
As a former EMT from two ambulance companies and multiple volunteer fire departments, as long as private ambulance companies treat their employees like shit it will continue to operate like a McDonald's and nobody will want to work there long. Matter fact they pay the same here too.
Lies
Keyword: Private
Corporations are designed to make as much money as possible and give it to the top they could care less about there workers to be honest
@@dime4026 the absolute truth
McDonalds pays more. Don't insult them.
"That's three hundred to four hundred times that someone called 911 expecting us to show up and we showed up"
That's what it means to be a volunteer and why I'm a volunteer firefighter. Massive respect for this guy!
My mom was an EMT and Fire Fighter for 20 years, pure volunteer. Dad was a fire fighter at another station. They both meet each other through a friend.
My earliest memories is the pager going off in their room and one would jump up and fly out the front door while the other would send me back to bed with a hug and a kiss.
What volunteers do is a tough gig. You are done of the most giving and loving people in the world. I just want you to know that.
Thanks man
Not just rural areas lol, 15 minutes outside NYC is served by volunteers.
I bet they're red states too...
@@on2wheels378 Um no, Northern New Jersey. I trust Republicans to pay me better much than the money grubbing democrats.
@@TheModernSnipez I didn't say Iw as a dem or a republican but republicans are the worst if you want to get healthy, educate your kids or provide basic services to the population. YET, the reddest states have the highest use of those same services, lack of education, and pooresst healthcare. Oh yes, highest crime.. Check it out, the red states never disappoint in that lacking aspect.
TheModernSnipez not a Democrat or Republican issue.
Red states .... Blue states... Why can't we have a purple America
Working as a paid EMT is almost the same as being a volunteer. Poverty level monetary compensation.
When I started as an EMT in 2013 working in Southern California. I was making 8.05 an hour on a 24 hour shift and 10.51 If I worked a 12-hour shift. My biggest raises came when minimum wage increased. As Paramedic now in SoCal we start out around 17 an hour. Just to compare a cable repair technician with zero experience will start off at 25-30 an hour. Last time I checked you can call back a cable repair tech to fix the cable you can't call back a medic to save your loved one.
Its because we need a union
move to canada bruh. our emts make like 35to 40$ and we'd love to have you.
charles norris Fantastic news Sir.
When I left work as a security contractor, my first thought was to go work as an EMT since I already had my EMT and TCCC certifications. I applied to a local ambulance company and was offered a job. The pay they offered was $16.50 per hour. For comparison, you can throw freight at Target and make $18 or work the closing shift at McDonald's and make $18.50 in my area. In addition, the employer had my CV, where they could see my background working very good mid-tier security contracts, as well as my previous income which was six figures per year. I was clear that I wasn't asking for six figures, but that my 'low-point' would be $20.00 as that would cover my rent, car and other expenses while I was finishing up Nursing school. They told me that "$16.50 is a lot around here, we normally offered $15.50 or $16.00 for new employees'. Obviously, I did not take that job.
You want to know why we are short on EMT's? It's because you can make more money tossing boxes around at Target or flipping burgers at McDonald's for far less training, stress and responsibility. It's a seriously messed up world when the guy handing you your Big Mac makes more than the guy you'll call to keep you alive after said Big Mac gives your a heart-attack. A lot of guys, myself included, gave up on EMS and instead have gone to work as ED Tech and Med Assistants in the hospital ED's because the pay is better and benefits better. Ambulance companies in the US are god-awful to work for.
That’s sad, we used to have people say if you don’t do well in school or life you’ll be flipping burgers at McDonald’s, but in this day and age flipping burgers pays more than saving lives!
@@mikedawolf95 exactly!!
How about you demand that EMS gets paid more by the government and private hospitals instead of hating on others in the working class?
@@rubykdc9829 where do you see any hate?
@@TheWoodland12 the second paragraph
Nothing honestly seems to work in this country anymore, unless you're rich.
Yup
That's the case not only in the usa sadly
This country is disgustingly sad. Why aren't we ashamed of this?
cause all republicans want is to own the libs and stop immigration, no other issue matters to them.
Because we’ve lost our way, I think Americans were pretty full of themselves and we thought for a long time that we are just the best country around but there’s a lot of ugliness to this country that people don’t really stop and consider. Everyone keeps voting in Republicans and they could give two shits about some poor people in a West Virginia town. They’re using trillions of taxpayer dollars to fund massive wars in the Middle East instead of building good schools, infrastructure, public resources.
@@daveh2612 Because Obama did boat loads for these people /s
The word all of you are looking for is neo-liberalism. The belief that the free market can fill all of societies need.
we are.
EMT'S get paid peanuts. I wonder why there is a shortage?
I don't get paid AT ALL.
cuz they don't add the occasional chocolate chip to the mix! duh!
This is what we get with healthcare as a private business and not a public service.
Yup.
Yes 🇺🇸 vote blue
Pay or die. That is how it works
@@lovely-mk4rt Bernie's the only one seriously addressing this stuff
Bernie 2020
I actually wanted to be an EMT to help people until I learned how much they made, I make more now working security.
And security pays shit... and less than zero respect.
The Rouge Chipmunk cool you’re a cop wanna be. Even better.
@@fredflintstone6338 I don't care about respect, I care about money and I currently make 20 dollars an hour doing almost nothing. While using that time to do online schooling. I see this as a total win win.
@@therougechipmunk8058 sounds good to me
Yeah, I just transported someone with potential COVID-19 for $15.68/hr. With mediorce personal protective equipment, no pre-emptive protocols, and with basically no medical direction. That's adjusted for the time and a half I receive for the last 4 hours of the shift. Here in SoCal, most people only view us as Taxi drivers and are shocked when we ask medical questions or try to help them. Its only when Fire arrives on scene do we start to get *some* respect. I've only been with this company four years and I'm considered a "veteran EMT" thats how high our turn over rate is. Job blows and I'd be a lot happier about it if I were paid better.
You are the miracle of that city, boy. Keep your spirit up!
When you say the word "boy", especially to an American Southern, it csn easily be taken as condescending. Someone says "boy" to someone who's younger to them, like a dad calling his son "boy"
!? I thought it was just fine.. I assume someone would have to think hard to extract negative meaning to the praise given
@@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934
Its just because they called him "boy" instead of "man" or "dude". (Also on a somewhat pedantic note, it's county of many small towns. It's not a city.)
There is no city there "boy", it clearly says that he takes care of a rural area.
I actually live in North Myrtle Beach, SC now. Threw in the towel. But thanks
give that man therapy and a check
I was a volunteer for 8 years
And id never do that again
Total waste of time
Ungrateful people
It was a waste of time helping people?
@@Pocko213 Yes
@@Pocko213 he or she said ungrateful people
@@fbyi2940 therefore every single person was an asshole?
The vice video and the interviewee discussed the impactful cases. When the majority of cases are actually fraud or drug ods from chronic abusers it’s pretty soul killing.
I'm graduating from my EMT class next week. Just finished my clinical ride-alongs and my partners were making around $650 every two weeks, they are criminally under paid. I only plan on doing EMT for about a year until nursing school starts.
@Braxton's Basketball Diaries I believe it! There are fast food workers making more money than this.
@Braxton's Basketball Diaries Appreciate it buddy, and thank you for your service. I'm doing it for the vital medical experience. I'm working my way towards becoming a Registered Nurse in the ER. Investing is definitely on my to-do list, but this fulfills me in ways no amount of money could ever. we bring a certain kind of value to the community, and I feel honored to do it. But EMTs still need a living wage.
I’m a Capt in the fire service , licensed paramedic , and a registered Nurse. I went into a hospital and walked right out. It’s not the profession. Pack your bags and go to where they pay well. This will make a demand and guess what , this will increase the pay!
Yeah I’m in the same boat will be finished this coming Saturday and can’t wait to start working, but am already looking at A school because you don’t make much as a basic at all, lucky for me I don’t have that many bills
Take this advice from a medic and move on to somthing else. Your relationships family ties and life will be saved. Its a fun job but that fun wares off quick. Honestly its not the pay thats the worst part also its the time away from others. You will never get that time back. Good luck.
Can you do a piece on private ambulance companies?
JakeOhT yes
I work as an EMT in PA. You can’t making a living off it unless you’re working multiple jobs.
Quarter2Doom it’s BS and I’m sorry that it’s like that right now, just know that there are lots of people who really appreciate what you do and at least you’ve actually made a difference in the world when all is said and done
Start paying EMTs what they deserve
Sorry for your lost and thank you for volunteering from Florida.
Nick is a honorable person. But he needs a professional to talk about the things he has seen in the line of duty or they are going to eat him up. All the best to you Nick from a former EMT from Austria.
To all EMT's, volunteers, and NICK!! Thank you for making the world a better place ^_^ Salute!
As a third world citizen, I can relate to that. In my country, the gov also spends heavily in the military and zero in education and healthcare. USA is starting to look very familiar to me.
What world?
The US actually spends more per capita on healthcare that most countries that have universal healthcare like the UK. But I guess facts dont matter anymore...
Diego The United States is becoming exactly like a third world. There’s only two classes in a third world the rich and poor
@@Pocko213 Just because you throw a bunch of money at it, don't make it any good.
@@dankdizzl3546 I never said it was. Im just pointing it out bc op made out that the US spends more money on the military than healthcare which is incorrect.
I was an EMT fresh out of the Army. They don't pay shit.
Pay them what they are worth.
This man is a hero.
As a volunteer emt/firefighter I totally feel what the volunteer in West Virginia feels. We see so much bad it eventually gets to you.
Totally agree. Message me if you ever need someone to talk to. My cell number is in the video (unfortunately 😂)
I made $9/hr as an EMT. IN CALIFORNIA!
And a guy who throws a ball just right could make 9 million/yr.
aaronsbraga how long ago was that? 5 years ago they were paid $15.50 an hr.
Republican administrations sure do like their tax cut
Unfortunately it’s for the corporations and millionaires
Why didn't the Democratic Administration fix this when they had the chance? Pelosi, Schumer, Biden have been in Congress for literally decades, where were they?
Odin31b because republicans and establishment democrats they’re all the same. #BERNIE2020
Odin31b I am sure they are all at fault but you can thank first and foremost the lovely Reaganomics for all the massive cuts and the belief that you should pay low taxes. This is what you end up with creating such policies. A hard working guy going the extra mile because if he doesn’t, who will?
@@Odin31b they passed the affordable health act. the republicans have been trying their hardest to destroy and weaken it. yet many of these communities keep electing republican politicians that are trying to destroy it and offering absolutely fucking nothing to replace it.
I started off as an EMT and now a paramedic. I used to have the 2nd busiest shift in California while making $12 an hr. I'd average between 22-24 calls a shift while continuously risking my life. I did this for 2 years. I ended up doing the same or most of the work compared to the firefighter/paramedics. I ended up quitting and going to nursing school because I had enough. The sad part is so many many people I know are now being sued or personally sued because everyone is so sue happy. My point is, people don't value a medic here in the states till you need one.
-Im dying!
-Well.....idk what Im doing but I got some drugs Im authorized to put in ya.
I'm a disabled vet. We don't get much help, but they'll give us more drugs than we can take.
@@MaccDaKnife I know man its shameful. So many kinds of treatments and procedures and programs but they require time and money to administer and actually fix people, so they go with drugs and its just a special club of people with the insurance to satisfy the lust of the pharmaceutical industry.
@@MrLoobu yep. I was getting 90 pills of 10 milligram valium a month. 45 minutes of therapy 4 times a year. It's bull.
@@MaccDaKnife And if eating them doesnt work its a quick drug dealer starter package. More acceptable if you are already addicted yourself.
@@MrLoobu truth
My respects for this man.
0:19 the car blocking the fire truck lol wtf.
Also, this is the vice I want to see. Hitting threes from the logo the last few months.
Idk if you will ever read this but Nick Lawrence, you are 10 times the man I am for doing this. You are a true hero and I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. May he rest in peace.
President Reagan. The man who keeps on giving.
Sheep shocked the wolves they elected keep eating them.
U should have said my name
Yup, the president from 40 years ago is the problem. Not the non stop bickering from all politicians, technology is moving faster than law because our politicians don't actually work, just argue with each other. I understand the funding cuts, but that was 40 years ago, how many politicians have done nothing since?
@Apple Tree I agree with you 100%, personal responsibility is lacking, we all know smoking a lot can lead to lung disease, drinking too much, liver failure, unprotected sex with multiple partners, STD, spend all your money on drugs, homeless, eat cheeseburgers everyday, heart disease. I see it, there's people with preexisting conditions they can't help, but I definitely see the majority of people are just irresponsible with their own lives, then want to blame the government for their irresponsibility and expect them to magically fix them, while seemingly trying to make irresponsibility the norm. A lot of them can't even cook themselves a meal. Independence, we have a day to celebrate it lol, too many people claim they are independent, yet have no idea of the meaning.
@@Themightyfrogg politicians arent looking out for us anymore they just want a fancy title under their name like Trump and Hillary.
me:...I am dying....
Govt....show me your income tax return
Sadly, the EMS provider shortage is not just an issue within local communities. It's a worldwide issue now. Provider numbers were dropping for years prior to the current pandemic, and now those numbers are in a free fall. We've all been in crisis mode for the last 2.5 years, and unless something happens on a federal level soon, the 911 EMS system is going to collapse nationwide.
My insurance only covered $300 of a $1200 ambulance bill once. Why wasn’t most of that money redirected to the people actually answering the call?
Zasman The ems company got all the money
Zasman because by the time the insurance gets the invoice and the price is negotiated the Ambulance service and EMS will do good to see half of that 1,200.
Fun fact if the go out on a call for a patient that has overdosed give them narcan (sometimes more than one dose) the patient can refuse to go to the hospital to get set up with a treatment facility. Just free to go as they please, have as many overdoses a day with first responders called out in an ambulance every time. A young man overdosed and was administered evaluated and treated with narcan 3 different times in one day just a few weeks ago. That’s ridiculous. The first responders should not have to get in an ambulance and administer over 5 doses of narcan to the same idiot every much less in one day. Why would the patient care or the person that called care because they won’t be held responsible for operation or medication cost.
About time someone talked about this
2 years later and this problem is worse now
And also in many rural areas hospitals are closing because people can't afford healthcare. This is capitalism at all it's glory.
mindelo23 it’s socialism that’s killing our medical care and government capitalism is the solution idiot
@@Walk_Off_0311 how so?
What a fine man he is. If only more people asked themselves that question if I don’t do it who would ?
I tried to renew my EMT certification right before the lockdown occurred. I took my refresher class and renewed my CPR. Then California imposed the lockdown and now too much time has passed and the state will now require me to take the whole program again. Even though I could test out and pass all of my skills. I needed only 12 more hours of CE time and I would have been golden. The state still requires me to take the whole program again and redo the National Registry test. EMTs in California get paid minimum wage. So it’s really not worth all the time and money it would take for me to get re-certified. Too bad they won’t expedite the process.
Huge respect ✊🏼
Why have the training of a nurse with acls essentially but make a lot less as a paramedic when you can just goto school a little longer and make a lot more as a nurse. It’s insulting what paramedics make.
A city over from mine is run completely by volunteers. They're only 15 mins away. It got so bad that the chief committed suicide from all the stress and things he'd seen just this passed weekend. Emergency services is really as bad as vice is showing you in this video.
I am a volunteer firefighter and EMT and I've never been in it for the money I knew going in I wasn't going to get paid but being in rural setting that is what emergency medicine looks like. To those who ask why doesn't the hospital run the ambulance our rural hospitals can't afford to staff and run a station full of ambulances. I also work on my hospitals ambulance and do long interfacility transports but it doesn't make sense to staff it 24 7 for 911 at one time our county did that and they eventually had to stop. Do EMTS get paid lower then they should yes do paramedics yes but no matter paid or volunteer we are professionals we see people on their worst days and are there to make it better hopefully. I am an EMT and will continue to be one with no pay.
It's kinda hard to believe something like this happen in the so-called USA. I mean, this is something you would expect from an underdeveloped country.
And bunch of racist people yk what I'm saying
I wanted to be an EMT. I’ve taken every civilian med cert I can find. EMT payrates made me realize I need to find something better if I ever want to move out.
Well considering it's a one semester course, that's why it pays. The training can be done in less than 2 months.
@@TheModernSnipez And? Coal Mining requires zero education and makes 50k
@Julian How? Explain rather than just saying a blanket statement.
@Julian You realize I'm an EMT right? No, I would request ALS people who have went through 2 years of education and can actually assist with a STEMI. All the EMT's are going to do is give asprin and transport. Maybe learn a little more first.
@@mofo888 Harder labor than an EMT LOL. I sleep a quarter of my shifts away.
i'm amazed at how many smart people there are working for the betterment of west virginia. that first lady really impressed me with her data collection. is kinda weird to see people with that accent who aren't wearing a cape.
Thank you sir for doing this work.
My mom volunteered for years in small town Oregon. Fire and EMT.
I don't live in that hemisphere but would say this guy is what a real hero actually looks like.
This guy is an absolute Angel! Poor guy has seen so much already but can’t quit.
As a former Medic and Firefighter Brother Thank You! God Bless You and your family!
it take a certain type of person to do these jobs . goodpeople
Richest country on earth, everyone. Enough for endless wars fo make defense contractors millions but not enough for essential emergency services :)
Richest country on earth? Trillions in debt more like it.
In an extremely important and necessary field I went to school over a year ago because I wanted to volunteer and help my local rural community. Made good grades, passed all required written and skilled tests, passed NREMT certification and became state licensed. Was getting ready to join my local EMS Dept when just before joining was chosen for jury duty on a local murder case where the local Sheriff and Texas Ranger did a real botched up investigation and immediately tried to pin the murder on one individual without really trying to investigate other possibilities or suspects. When the Sheriff tried to convince us as jurors about certain medical situations and conditions that would try to prove the suspect as guilty, as a medic I knew better and during deliberations I shared my medical opinion as to why I could not send a person to prison because I had reasonable doubt. Ultimately it was a hung jury. When I went back to return my signed EMS Handbook, I was vaguely given some strange comments like we have to watch each other’s backs as first responders, I suppose that includes law enforcement. I guess I basically pissed off our local sheriff so the corrupt EMS Director would not allow me to join our volunteer EMS Department. What a waste when especially now during this health crisis my community really needs medics. No one should ever be discriminated against for being called to serve on a jury!
What sucks is, it’s a very tough job and only way to get people to do it is to pay and without it it’s almost impossible to find volunteers to do so. Good on him. Rest his Friends soul.
Where the hell is ALS or at least a 12 lead at for that electrocuted patient? *Rage Intensifies*
Sometimes you gotta work with what you have, u gotta understand this is a poor rural county in a poor state they aren't gonna be well equipped. Something is better then nothing
@@AA-bs3iy They were standing around having a casual conversation. I've seen people who've been electrocuted and feel fine then drop dead minutes later from some crazy abnormal rhythm.
смиренный where is the $20,000 monitor and paramedic for the county that can’t afford to pay an EMT! Answered your own question my friend... smh
He's an emt? He wrapped the guys burnt fingers....together
There’s an endless supply of money for wars and weapons but no money to pay emergency responders what a joke !!!
It’s an embarrassment
great piece vice seriously!!
I have been a volunteer firefigher in Rural Minnesota for 9 years and our tiny department is facing staffing shortages that are probably the worst in the county, if not the state. Our chief just took a leave of absense even. We had an RV fire in April during the day and I was the only member on my department to show up, and it was a fatality. Our department is finally "paid" but last year I didn't even make $300, but it's not about the money.
If you have time and live in the range of a volunteer department, I suggest you apply. They need you
This guy is a hero. Respect.
Why is ambulance part of the Fire department in the USA not the Hospital
It depends on the area. Some hospitals have their own ambulance service, some are third party contractors. Many, if not most departments cross train firefighters as emergency medicine since the firefighters do the actual vehicle extrication and rescues.
On a typical scene, I as a firefighter will usually be the second on scene (after police) and begin stabilizing the patient while getting them ready for transport by the ambulance who is usually last on scene. The ambulance then takes over treatment once the patient is out to safety
A lot of fire departments use their EMS program as a way to justify their staffing and funding. Every area in the US is different. Some places are volunteer (most only have EMTs with paid medics available as back up, either in a separate ambulance or a pickup truck/suburban type fly truck) or based off of dispatch), some paid, some mixed. Some are run by fire (some of which firefighters are cross trained others in which they hire medics and EMTs solely to work EMS) some run by hospital, some are third services, some places will have components even run by PD. Some are non-profits some are for profit some are run paid by taxes. Some agencies have a tiered system, EMTs dispatched to most types of general minor trauma, medicals, etc with the ability to call for medics as back up and medics only dispatched to high priority calls where their additional skills and training will make the most benefit for the patient, some will have medic first response systems with an EMT ambulance to transport. Some run an EMT and medic. And this only covers 911 based EMS, not critical care (really sick patients between hospitals) and interfacility transports (patients from nurse homes to dialysis appointments or doctors appointment, etc) Any combination you can think probably exists.
People like him should been carried on hands. Respect.
EMS stole my heart 7 years ago. A life serving is a life well spent. If you can make a horrible day for someone more pleasant then its all worth it. I'm in nursing school now, but everyday as I sit in class I wish I was a paramedic. EMS is a career that grinds you physically and emotionally. 24 hr shifts 2-4 times a week to make the bills, people get burnt out. Care, compassion, and empathy is a finite resource and you can only get so much out without giving anything back. Bless you sir for fighting the good fight, and VICE for visiting the issue. Speaking about careers that take more than they give try talking to a teacher. They spend 5+ years in school to get credentials, to spend their own money on class supplies and not get pay overtime.
These towns are too risky. One business leaving can send a chain reaction of unemployment and poverty. American-born teachers prefer not to teach in towns when cities offer more 💰 and more festivals & events to everyone.
Damn Sad
Just F Sad
God bless you sir for what you do for these people!
You are the exact person that the world needs Nick!
To do this for free, you are the most selfless, kind, loving person in the world!
The world needs more NIck Lawrence's!
This is disgusting, these first responders are in many cases the first people that we rely on when we are having a medical emergency, and they need to be well trained, well paid, and well taken care of. Not only should every municipality have someone on staff to do this crucial work, that person should not be living in poverty, as I believe the majority of American EMTs do.Also, they all need access to a regular therapist, PTSD is endemic in their profession with good reason, and too many suffer alone.
Too busy giving all the money to some plump billionaire to spoil himself with.
"It will go to the rich and trickle down to the working class as they buy more things!"
0:29 Crazy thing is you dont know what you're getting into. Lol in my experience its basically get the Narcan out or an elderly has difficulty breathing.
Wow! Our country really is falling apart by the day. Very sad times we live in.
God bless them for volunteering 👏🏽👏🏽
Seeing this tempts me to renew my EMT license.
@Julian It's true what you say. But when you get to resuscitate someone who's clinically dead and bring them back to their family friends is an experience that I miss having. I would do it again but I cannot survive on the EMT salary here in Los Angeles.
This is your country on Trump, but hey, those tax returns look good, right?
But Trump is very strong! He is very very strong! He puts balls before brain!
False. I was an emt in Atlanta under bush and Obama. Pay never changed. Never an increase in incentives. Keep your political mindset to yourself. If not grab a stethoscope and stand the post
Literally said that Reagan is the one who signed the federal tax cuts for first responders... lmao
Not a Trump fam in the slightest but this has been like this before Trump.
I was in EMT 7 years ago. I quit due to the low income and high demand with high hours. I knew this would happen. This was expected many years ago.
Total disgrace. That guy is a hero. Heartbreaking. Do better America
Damn smh 😡 the sickest nation sad how they have to live
Living in America is like running a marathon, where someone breaks your legs, and then stands by and claps for how hard you're working crawling towards the finish line
Smh this just breaks me.
So much respect for this guy.