Re: Licensure Solely by Experience

[Guest guest]

Maybe we should come up with a new patch.

1) EMT-ELP EMT-Earned Licensed Paramedic

2) EMT-GLP EMT-Given Licensed Paramedic

J.

[texasems-L] Licensure Solely by Experience

I was re-reading a column the other day and would like to post some of the more interesting excerpts:

" We support the creation of a licensed paramedic as a means of upgrading the education of paramedics in Texas. "

" This will be a historic move for Texas EMS as this is the first time that college training will be required for EMS certification. "

" ...probably most important, the fact that we have a licensed paramedic will not affect any other level of certification, including the current paramedic. "

" The only purpose for establishing a licensed paramedic, from our perspective, is to recognize and encourage college education for paramedics. In the future we predict that the licensed paramedic will become the standard for many EMS organizations. "

" If EMS personnel are to be looked upon as professionals, then a formal education is essential. "

Does any of this sound familiar? Probably not to most of you. They were written by Chief Weatherall in the November/December 1998 Texas EMS magazine.

I was really excited about the prospect of licensure. I even drove to Austin last October to speak out for licensure and against re-testing every 4 years. (I don't recall seeing any of the complainers there). My license was dated 8 days after the rule went into effect. I was, and still am, proud of it.

This new legislation will make a mockery of licensure. This was never about who is a better medic, or who has made more calls. It was about EDUCATION. I agree that experience should have been part of the original rule, but how do you measure experience?

I will hand it to you all. In less than 90 days after licensure was available, you've duped your representatives into passing a piece of crap legislation that will do nothing to advance EMS in this state. By having a 'how can I get a license' attitude, you have totally ignored the 'us,' and the future of EMS.

You say that all you wanted was the recognition you deserve for being a 'pioneer in EMS' or for being a 'been there, done that' medic? How about a new stripe below your patch every 4 years. (DPS does it; Trooper I, II, III, IV, etc.) That would be recognition - a new stripe for every recert you've done. (I'll take 4 stripes myself)

Some of the worst medics I've seen had an Associate Degree in EMS and National Registry. Some of the best I've worked with had a patch, period, nothing else. Big deal.

I've heard people complain on this server, and in person that licensure doesn't mean anything. Sure, now it means little, but it was a starting point for the future growth of Texas paramedicine. Now? Licensure is totally degraded and worthless. After the new rule goes into effect, whenever someone shows me their new patch, I'll gauge its worthiness on if they 'got it' or 'earned it,' not on the basis of its color. Sure, you worked, but you did not work for a license. (I guess you'll save yourself the $5 transcript fee now.)

So, pat yourself on the back when you get your license for doing nothing, and thank you for taking EMS back to where it was when I started.

Sorry for ranting, but this has me PO'd, and I did cut it way short. Please, everyone, before you post, use Spell-check.

Joe K. Overstreet, BS, LP

1 license by education. 4 by years.

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