Why wont the goverment pay paramedics a wage we deserve?

Answer 1

Basically because they can get away with it. The government exploits those with ethical, moral and caring minds. They have managed this with Nurses for years. For those of you who are slagging off these people, I have to say as a Nurse I have a great deal of respect for their skills and dedication both professionally a personally. They save many lives each year by providing early treatment, following proper protocols. Yes they should be paid much more for what they do. Especially when they have to deal with drunk, violent and ungrateful individuals without prejudice. Bet you couldn't do what they do.

Answer 2

What kind of a problem does Andy S have? First off, I've been to school for two years to become a paramedic (same as registered nurses). I know that I don't know as much as doctors, but I try to use the most conservative treatment possible, and I DO understand the physiology behind what I do (that's what I went to school for!). Paramedics are equal to nurses; the difference is they are trained to do different functions; it's like comparing apples to oranges. I'm proud of what I do (and besides, I get to intubate, which is a skill few nurses are allowed to do...LOL).

As far as the answer to your question, it's because the government does not regulate our pay. You'll find that the government based services such as municipal or county run EMS, or fire departments, pay very well, while the privately run EMS companies pay horribly. It's a matter of supply and demand; there are lots of paramedics who are happy to work for $10 a hour, and as long as they are out there, there will be employers who will pay only that.
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Because they have you over a barrel knowing full well you won't walk away from the people who need your help, I do not envy you your job and would never do it myself in a million years, living in the area I do I have seen what you have to put up with from the crack headed druggies alone, you are abused and treat like dirt on the soul of their shoes, you save life's on a daily basis, see things most humans would never want to see, get a bit of counselling if things are really bad, sorry but I thought doing your job most of the time was really bad these days, they say it is your choice of profession but would they have the guts or the commitment to do it themselves, I doubt that very much, guess you will have to stand up and be counted and not sit down until you are, it really is about time you were paid your worth and listened to, good luck.

Answer 4

I think Paramedics are very undervalued-
they have to deal with unknown situations- I should imagine some aspects are very traumatic- I know they are now under attack in certain areas from the public they are trying to help- they have to make life saving decisions- who do you think deserves £100,000 a week a footballer or a paramedic?-
no i'm not a paramedic-

Answer 5

I can't believe people are posting answers trashing paramedics.
Every paramedic I've met has been professional, hard working and committed to helping people, often in dangerous and/grotty circumstances.

With regards to pay, there is no good answer especially while people are lining up to join the job under the current conditions.

Answer 6

Its criminal isn't it?

In 1998, Paramedics, ambulance crews, doctors and HEMS savd my life in an RTA. Nurses too played a part in my recovery. You're all DIAMONDS in my eyes and I can not, for the "life" of me, understand why your wages aren't much, much higher than they are. Hang in there, because without people like you this world would be a far worse place.

Answer 7

get in line we all got the bait and switch deals,
deserve something and getting it can't be your focus or you'll burn out. be Happy that you know how many are in line hope ing you drop dead so they can get yours now and if you don't like that the rest of us are doing job Americans don't want and are being undermined by industrial & commercial venture capital embarrassing problems of who guards the guards, our town looks like a refugee center and they took me out of lawn mowing services snow plowing and everything in between and I'm deaf when deaf people get screwed we don't even know how to address it and I'm the son of a 2 star general and i don't want to speck to amigo's, I'm back in Illinois and my home is California and you need a paramedic and a body guard there, get your skill up to the top and go for the better placement

Answer 8

I have always thought that necessary and dedicated work such as yours should be paid much better, but alas! ppl seem to only get paid well when they are ACTUALLY making a good deal of money for their employer, any sort of community care is viewed as a vocation.

Answer 9

I used to be one and the answer is ,The government blackmail you because if your in that sort of job you must have a conscience and you wont let ppl who rely on you down.Its a simple as that,Keep up the good work.

Answer 10

for the same reason women make less money then men do... things are unfair... so we can either complain about it or do something about it... the choice is up to you my friend. My father once told me, "unfortunately we don't get what we deserve in this life, only what we negotiate for"