Paramedics’ Plight

Are the people of San Diego following the salary negotiations between Hartson and the union that now represents the paramedics who answer the call when we dial 911? The paramedics are asking for a 24% increase, while Hartson wants to give them 3.5%.

Many people are surprised when they learn what goes into becoming a paramedic and what rewards him when he is certified. The one I know was accepted at paramedic school only after working a year as an emergency medical technician. The course of study was so rigorous that UC San Diego advised students that those who attempted to work while attending school had a high failure rate. Most of the students had to be supported by parents or spouses; several were unable to complete the course, but received no refund. Tuition at that time was $4,000 in advance, and the course took eight months. Books were several hundred dollars more.

The paramedic I know has been working for Hartson long enough that he has received one raise. He now makes $6.70 an hour. Because he works 24-hour shifts he is able to hold down another full-time job on his days off. It is a menial job that requires no education, but it pays more than $6.70 an hour. He must do this in order to pay his rent. He has no dependents, so he is able to afford working as a paramedic, a job he dearly loves. He works Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year, but he knew that going in, and he doesn’t mind. Once in a while, he is able to save someone’s life, or comfort them before they die, so he is rewarded.

I remember when Eastern Airlines went on strike a chart appeared on my television screen showing the salary scales for baggage handlers at various airlines. I was a little taken aback to see that they made around $14 an hour.

Business travelers and frequent flyers of San Diego, please ask yourself this question. Does it make a lot of sense to you that the worker who takes your suitcase off the plane and puts it on a conveyor belt makes more than twice as much as the worker who restarts your heart for you when you have your heart attack?

Do you think that this standard is in keeping with the priorities of the people of San Diego? If it does not represent your priorities, let your City Council know.

DIANA STRAIN

San Diego