If you have read a blog about EMS, you’ve probably read several posts about what’s wrong with EMS. If you have read a blog in EMS of any notoriety, you’ve probably read several posts proposing how we can fix EMS. One recurring theme in these posts is that EMS is not a “true profession,” which is supposed to be the driving force behind our lower salaries and perceived lack of respect as a field. So, what would make us a true profession?
“A profession has been defined as an occupation that requires extensive education or a calling that requires special knowledge, skill, and preparation. A profession is generally distinguished from other kinds of occupations by (a) its requirement of prolonged, specialized training to acquire a body of knowledge pertinent to the role to be performed; (b) an orientation of the individual toward service, either to a community or to an organization; (c) ongoing research; (d) a code of ethics; (e) autonomy; and (f) a professional organization.”
–Berman, A., & Snyder, S. J. (Eds.). (2012). The nature of nursing. In Kozier & Erb’s fundamentals of nursing concepts, process, and practice (9th ed., p. 17). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
I encourage you to pick any of the points above and write a post about how EMS does or does not satisfy that element required to be called “a profession.” Or, maybe you have your own ideas as to what is necessary to be deemed “a profession.”
When time allows, I hope to be able to address all of these myself, but I’m very curious as to what you think. If you do write something, post the link in the comments so we can read!
FWIW, nursing still kicks this one around, as in nurses continue to try to justify the professional status of nursing. So, what level of EMT are you looking at with this question? I think it would be hard to justify calling EMT-B a profession. Paramedic level is definitely getting closer. Without EMS (not including the ER physicians) doing independent research, it’s going to be a tough go. Ditto with most providers not being degree holders.