Who you gonna call?

America is in a crisis. A 911 crisis. It is the number we all call to get vital emergency services but what do you do since 57 million Americans face an emergency services shortage? In small towns across America there is no one to come to save your life in an emergency since there is a shortage of even the volunteer emergency ambulances. Some small towns don't even have a doctor and they rely on the 911 ambulance services to take them elsewhere. Now close to one third of all emergency medical services are in immediate danger of closing according to the National Rural Health Association Policy Brief in 2018. 

As many as 70% of EMT's in rural America are volunteers. What happens when there aren't any folks to have the time to volunteer? Trump is proud that his jobs report says that everyone has a job but at what price? The folks are working 2-3 low paying jobs just to make ends meet. There is no time left in their day or money left in their wallet to volunteer for anything in their day. Even as a volunteer every year you must be certified and trained. One can have a 12 hour volunteer shift that includes time in training. 

Most states DON'T fund EMS. WHY? It is an essential service that we all need. Don't go off on the dreaded socialism word. We already have roads, bridges, Police, Military and Firemen funded by our tax dollars that benefit us all why not state funded EMS services? We can't just rely on a random relative, friend or stranger to help us in an emergency.

In 39 states EMS is not considered an essential service. 60% are paid for by community fundraising. A spaghetti dinner at a local church should not be the source of funding for an emergency care. In Washington we need to stop with Trump's personal dramas and have our lawmakers focus on the needs that All Americans Need. Some lawmakers are pushing for benefits to be granted to volunteer workers. The system that is supposed to save Americans is in need of a rescue itself. At least make sure there are emergency services available in your town.