Many EMS providers moonlight as educators and consultants as a way to supplement their EMS salaries. But money is not the only motivator for starting an entrepreneurial career. For some, it’s another way to help, particularly with lay public classes. Just as important to many is that these extra activities let them expand their passion for EMS beyond their response borders. Another common reward is the fun that comes from making a difference.
After 19 years in the streets, paramedic Steve Berry needed to do something different, but he was not interested in management. He began his “I’m Not an Ambulance Driver” cartoon series and national speaking appearances to spread humor as a means of EMS survival to any responders who were willing to listen. This work has grown into his primary source of income.
Fire, EMS and Public Safety Consultant Greg Schaffer also believes that while money is important, in most cases it is not the primary motivation. He said, “The same people who are changing EMS across the country are not always listened to in their own department.” Through speaking, writing and consulting, people can have national impacts on organizations and, ultimately, patients.
John Mateus, program director for Less Stress Instructional Services, said corporate consulting and bystander emergency care is a great way to be in EMS and still pay the bills. Fields unrelated to healthcare are generally the most lucrative customers, so long as you teach to the appropriate level. It’s important to know the needs and capabilities of each audience so you don’t over- or under-teach.
Gaining exposure and establishing networks with other professionals in your field can increase your knowledge, workload and ability to make ends meet. A side benefit is the additional experience you’ll bring to the next patient you see.
Teaching and Business Tips
EMS entrepreneurs are people who can dream and see a window of opportunity bigger than what’s visible through their rig’s windshield. Successful entrepreneurs agree that you must be committed, disciplined and willing to risk what is familiar and safe to realize your dreams. Where do you begin?
A solid foundation of EMS skills and experience in the trenches is a must. Then, “Embrace every EMS option that comes your way,” said National Fire Academy/Emergency Management Institute Contract Instructor and East Olympia (WA) Fire Chief Ettore Castellente. Take every opportunity to be a patient, instructor, evaluator or author, and continually expand your field, clinical and teaching experience, he advised.
“EMS people are pretty passionate about what they do, and that is an excellent asset for teachers,” according to long-time educator and Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Quality Manager Beth Adams, MA, RN, NREMT-P. She has found that field personnel who underscore educational course content with real-life examples add a necessary touch of realism to training.
Mateus advised instructor wanna-bes to get instructor certifications from multiple accrediting agencies (see links, below) to help gain experience and increase your marketability. At the same time, don’t try to be all things to all audiences. Limit your topics to ones you have a great deal of knowledge and experience in.
It’s natural for EMS professionals to want to go into business for themselves. They’re used to prioritizing, making decisions, calling the shots and having their voices heard. Their best attribute is their people skills, honed through years of patient and colleague interactions.
However, EMS people can lack the patience for long-term planning, research and repetitive management tasks. Take care to balance your intensity and passion with recognition that the rest of the world does not move at the same adrenalin-fed pace as EMS.
Reprinted with permission from MERGINET.com. January 2004.