Ben Blankenship

The 2009 Legislature is now meeting, and issues that may soon be before them will impact our profession.

One of the issues, of course, is the Statewide Trauma System.  This issue was heavily supported in the last session but died without passage primarily due to the lack of an acceptable funding mechanism.  This session various funding mechanisms are being presented and this will probably be our best opportunity to get this critical system funded and at least started in our state.  We are working closely with the Arkansas Ambulance Association to get legislation passed for the system.  Continued

Ben Blankenship

What does it take to be a professional in our business?

The fact that a person may be paid to complete a task does not equate to professionalism.  Volunteers function at a professional level daily.  The term “Professional” has to many people equated career or paid.  To me, “Professional” has always meant someone who holds themselves accountable for their level of skill and actions.  Volunteers provide the vast majority of emergency medical services in our country.  In most of the rural and less populated areas in our country, emergency medical services would not exist without the dedication and commitment of volunteers.  Thanks to every one of you who give of yourselves and of your time away from family to take care of your neighbors, you do make a difference.
Continued

Ben Blankenship

I’ve had the privilege to be involved in EMS for more than thirty years, and it just keeps getting better. You all are what makes it better.

You, the seasoned veterans who have pretty well seen everything you can imagine. You, the new EMT, with the deer in the headlights look, not knowing what will happen on the next run but praying your training will kick in when needed and you, the experienced rock solid field provider who at times wonders what in the world am I doing in this field. Why don’t I go somewhere and make some real money instead of fighting to make it from paycheck to paycheck. Continued