In Their Own Words: EMS Providers Share What They Need for a Long-Term EMS Career [2024 EMS Trend Survey]

Editor's Note: In August 2024, EMS1 and Fitch & Associates released their annual EMS trend survey, What Paramedics Want, proudly sponsored by Pulsara. Because the articles and advice found within contain such critical subject matter, we've elected to publish each segment one at a time here on our blog. Read, enjoy, share, and take to heart the following information brought to you by the most prestigious thought leaders in EMS. Today's entry is written by Rachel Engel, senior editor of EMS1.com and FireRescue1.com. 

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What's the #1 thing your organization could do to help you develop a rewarding, long-term career in EMS? 

Based on the responses to the question, “What is the No. 1 thing your organization could do to help you develop a rewarding, long-term career in EMS,” several key trends and common requests have emerged. Here are the top requests from the EMS Trend Survey and quotes from respondents:

1. Increased pay and benefits 

• Higher wages to ensure financial stability and reduce the need for multiple jobs
• Better benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans and pensions

"Better pay and benefits with good retirement."

"Better pay for my time spent away from home."

"Pay paramedics the same as nurses for the same job."

"Increase the pay so that providers could earn a stable income with one job."

"Increase pay. My job is wonderful and the people are great, it’s just the money."

2. Career advancement and development 

• Defined career ladders and advancement opportunities
• Paid time off for training and education
• Support for continuing education, certifications and advanced degrees
• Leadership and mentorship programs

"We need a true career ladder that leads to jobs not as physically demanding."

"Develop a career ladder to mimic fire service."

"Financially incentivize progress in education and career."

3. Work-life balance

• Reduced mandatory overtime and more predictable schedules

• Adequate staffing to prevent burnout and ensure time off

• Moving away from 24-hour shifts

"Improve staffing. Be it by improving pay, offering educational incentives for new hires or other methods, doing the job of two people consistently should not be a thing."

"We need less hours worked without sacrifice of a livable wage and benefits."

"Reduce/eliminate egregious mandatory overtime shifts."

4. Leadership and management improvements

• Stronger, more transparent leadership
• Leadership training for current and future leaders
• Reduction in favoritism and politics within the organization

"Train leadership on how to lead and guide rather than have favorites and ridicule."

"Leadership transparency, end buddy club."

"Teach me to be a better leader."

"Provide genuine support and leadership and a level of confidence that they have your back. Eliminate self-serving leaders and poor leadership in general by correcting poor promotional selection processes."

5. Professional recognition and respect

• Recognition of EMS professionals as a critical part of the healthcare system
• Treating EMS professionals with respect and valuing their contributions
• Encouraging a positive and supportive work culture

"Show more support and recognize and reward personnel for the work they do."

"Create a better working environment that focuses on the employees."

"Recognizing and rewarding the contributions of EMS professionals through incentives, awards, and public acknowledgment. This could help boost morale and motivation, fostering a sense of pride and satisfaction in the work they do."

6. Health and wellness support

• Mental health resources and support
• Programs to reduce physical and emotional stress

"Initial mental health support needs to be a major focus early on so providers can develop healthy coping strategies and stay mentally and physically fit for their career."

"Be aware of the needs of the personnel. We are all burnt out and keep getting pushed. We are expected to work when injured, and ill, and beat down. It never stops and it never will because no one in the world above street level medics care enough to make a change." 

"Ask employees if they are OK instead of punishing them when problems boil. Be proactive in helping them manage stress."

7. Improved training and resources

• More hands-on, realistic training
• Access to updated and adequate equipment and resources

"Incentivize degrees and offer more outside training opportunities."

Have an actual career development path that includes coursework and travel where one can meet peer professionals from other agencies across the nation, like the National Fire Academy."

"Realistic training with motivating and encouraging educators/ leaders."

8. Organizational stability and support

• Consistent policies and stability within the administration
• Better communication between leadership and staff
• Support for work-life balance and family needs

"Do not punish us for our honest mistakes."

"Have a more open communication line between ranks."

"Engagement. Just care about your people. Prioritize your presence as you would for your children. Invest in your employees. Get to know them as more than a number."

Download the full digital edition: What Paramedics Want 2024

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