Hear that siren? It tells you someone is having trouble. You? Suffering a sudden trauma? Heart? Stroke? Baby? Blood spurting? A quick phone call to 911 and help arrives in the form of an EMT who may well have to make a life/death treatment decision. On your LIFE? Now picture yourself in the above scenario with no EMS responders.

There are fewer and fewer of them because they cannot earn a living wage. Many have two jobs. You will be shocked to learn how much those lifesavers are paid: about $21/hour ($45,760/yr.). My yardman charges $35/hr. See these want ads: warehouse associate $18 to $20/hr; delivery driver $19.75-$21hr. I hope you find all this shocking, shocking enough to voice your dismay at such a situation. The EMT pay rate is antiquated, stuck in the days when an ambulance was merely a “taxi” ride to the hospital (and that oftentimes in a hearse for lack of other transport).

Nowadays, the “taxi” is an emergency room on wheels with trained technicians who can even deliver a baby! Why this ridiculous pay rate?

Joan Pryor

Essex