To the Editor:

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. Makes one wonder why they do it. One fellow, an EMT, when asked what he did (as a job) responded: “I help people.”

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-$21/hr. 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 oftentimes 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? In towns throughout the state and country, the majority of ambulance transports are on Medicare. The federal government, which regulates Medicare, doesn’t fully reimburse the cost of a trip. In addition, Connecticut statutes describe a statewide EMS Grant System, but apparently it has not been funded for decades.

Here are some resources for you to contact: The Office of Emergency Medical Services phone: 860-509-7975.

The Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Emergency Services (EMS).

Tell everyone you know on your “contacts” list. Ask them to post on their social media accounts. Contact all your state senators and representatives. This despicable pay situation is nationwide.

Let’s have Connecticut be the leader in getting our life-savers a life. Or must they unionize as have the police and fire departments?

Joan Pryor

Essex