Let me start by saying I've had the opportunity and privilige of working with some of the best of the best EMT's and Paramedics over my almost 22 years in EMS. So it puzzles me as to how and why a field that has attracted such talented professionals, has also attracted the opposite. For every professional that has shown up to work on time, showered, shaven, in a CLEAN, PRESSED UNIFORM with their shirts tucked in and their boots shined (and I thank you for making us all look as professional as we strive to be seen as), there are sadly those that show up looking like they just rolled out of bed...with ill-fitting and wrinkled uniforms begging for the touch of an iron, boots that have never seen polish, and personal hygiene that rivals that of a five year old.
In a field where we are striving to be recognized as professionals, it seems that some can't even look the part. Remember that professionalism has nothing to do with the amount of your paycheck, and everything to do with your image, attitude, competance, and skills. The old adage "you only get one chance to make a first impression" apparently falls on deaf ears. And if an EMT or PARAMEDIC can't make a "professional" looking first impression...the battle for recognition as professionals will be that much more difficult, if not already lost.
Maybe those of us who strive for true professionalism, and care about this field (EMS) as less of a job, and treat it more as a career should start to exert some positive peer pressure on those that don't to "clean-up" their act.
Remember, regardless of your level of certification, or type of service affiliation (private, non-profit, municipal, paid fire dept., third-service, etc.), the public see's an ambulance and see's us and an image is formed. Here's to hoping it's one that will make us ALL proud!
Till Next Time...
