EMS Week | PULSE

“I didn’t become an EMT to get a front-row seat to other people’s tragedies. I did it because I knew the world was bleeding and so was I, and somewhere inside I knew the only way to stop my own bleeding was to learn how to stop someone else’s.”
-Daniel José Older

We can improve outcomes, Together

Using our voices to make meaningful changes in the field improves not only working conditions, but patient wellbeing and ultimately patient outcomes. Here are the big five issues we want to address this EMS Week.

Essential Service

EMS is critical to public safety but often lacks consistent funding and recognition. Treating EMS as essential ensures reliable care for every community.

Worker Protections

EMS workers deserve the ability to advocate for safe conditions, fair schedules, and proper benefits without fear of retaliation.

Safe Staffing

Long shifts and understaffing increase risk for both patients and providers. Safe staffing leads to faster responses and better outcomes.

Mental Health

Repeated exposure to trauma impacts EMS workers every day. Access to confidential mental health support protects providers and the care they deliver.

Fair Pay

EMS workers provide lifesaving care, yet many are underpaid. Fair wages help retain experienced providers and strengthen emergency response systems.

EMS Pay Crisis

Many EMTs earn around $15 to $20 per hour, with some making less than a living wage. Low pay drives turnover and weakens emergency response systems.

Paycheck to Paycheck

A significant number of EMS workers rely on Medicaid or food assistance to get by. Essential workers should not have to depend on assistance to survive.

Mental Health Crisis

EMS providers face significantly higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide compared to the general population. The job saves lives, but it also takes a toll.

Burnout and Staffing

Burnout rates in EMS are extremely high, driven by long hours, forced overtime, and understaffing. Fewer providers means slower response times and worse outcomes.

These are not just workforce issues. They are patient care issues.

Take Action this EMS Week

Improving outcomes starts with action. In just a few minutes, you can contact your representatives and push for meaningful change in EMS.

Use 5 Calls to call your elected officials, follow the scripts below, and make your voice heard.

5calls.org

“Hi, my name is ___ and I’m a constituent from [ZIP]. I’m calling during EMS Week to ask Representative or Senator ___ to support legislation that raises wages for EMS workers. EMTs and paramedics provide lifesaving care but are often underpaid. Recognition is not enough. We need fair pay and sustainable funding. Thank you.”

“Hi, my name is ___ and I’m a constituent from [ZIP]. I’m calling during EMS Week to ask Representative or Senator ___ to support expanded mental health resources for EMS workers. EMTs and paramedics face repeated trauma and need definitive access to confidential counseling and PTSD care. Please support policies that protect their mental health. Thank you.”

“Hi, my name is ___ and I’m a constituent from [ZIP]. I’m calling during EMS Week to ask Representative or Senator ___ to support safe staffing standards and fatigue protections for EMS workers. Long shifts and understaffing put both providers and patients at risk. We need policies that ensure safe working conditions. Thank you.”

“Hi, my name is ___ and I’m a constituent from [ZIP]. I’m calling during EMS Week to urge Representative or Senator ___ to protect the right of EMS workers to organize and collectively bargain. EMS workers deserve a voice in their working conditions without fear of retaliation. Thank you.”

“Hi, my name is ___ and I’m a constituent from [ZIP]. I’m calling during EMS Week to ask Representative or Senator ___ to support recognizing EMS as an essential service. Our communities rely on EMS, and it needs stable funding and proper support. Thank you.”