Hello and good morning! I'd like to discuss just one of the numerous issues present in our emergency medical system. You might argue that the US education system also plays a role in this particular problem. To provide context, I will need to share some details about my professional background and journey, so please bear with me.
I have devoted over two decades of my life to EMS. At the age of 16, I began as a volunteer in disaster response in Germany, where I knew early on that I wanted to be a paramedic. Since I graduated high school at 16 and the minimum age requirement for paramedic school in Germany is 18, I initially attended Heilerziehungs Pflege School, which focuses on a blend of nursing and occupational therapy for individuals with disabilities. Little did I know that I would one day have a disability myself. My father has worked in this field his entire life. Upon turning 18, I enrolled in a weekend class for Rettungsanitäter, equivalent to an EMT-I in the US. After two years of dedicating my days off to this training, my father recognized my passion for EMS and agreed to pay for paramedic school. After moving to the US with my ex-husband, an Air Force member, I worked at Walmart for six months while attending an EMT class at a local college. Shortly after that, I began experiencing medical issues that eventually led to an Ehlers-Danlos diagnosis. Despite these challenges, I pursued my paramedic education and license in the US, working in EMS for several years.
However, as EMS work and EDS proved to be somewhat incompatible, I enrolled in college to obtain a bachelor's degree. Despite the fact that my German paramedic education is equivalent to a US bachelor's degree, it did not hold the same weight in the US job market. I struggled to find non-EMS jobs, often being considered "entry-level" and treated as if I had just graduated from high school. I even faced issues with my German high school diploma not being accepted, resulting in me taking a GED/HiSET while enrolled in college. For the past three years, I have been trying to balance working limited hours in EMS, attending evening college classes, and applying for jobs outside of EMS. Despite my extensive experience, I am often told that I do not have the necessary qualifications or certifications for positions in nursing homes or medical offices. My skills and knowledge as a paramedic are not recognized or appreciated outside of the EMS field.
Most people are unaware of the extensive training and capabilities of paramedics, viewing us as mere ambulance drivers. I am certified and trained to handle mass casualty events and have several FEMA certifications, yet my qualifications are deemed insufficient for management roles due to my lack of a bachelor's degree. The lack of awareness surrounding paramedics is disheartening, and it's even more discouraging for disabled paramedics who struggle to find suitable employment outside of EMS. On a side note, I have been approved for vocational rehab, but that's a topic for another time.
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