EMS System Review - State of New Jersey

State of New Jersey, DHSS, OEMSConsulting Services: EMS System Reviewproviders. In June of 2007, New Jersey EMS providers were sadly reminded of this when aparamedic treating a patient, died of sudden cardiac arrest. There were no line of duty deathbenefits, no funeral benefits, no pension benefits for a surviving spouse or children, no access toscholarships for his children or no other benefits that police officers of firefighters wouldreceive. EMS providers who suffer on the job injuries are also not covered by a line-of-dutydisability benefit.Firefighters and police officers are part of the State Police Fire Pension System. After 25years of service or at age 50, with 20 years of service, they can retire with a lucrative pension ofat least 50-60 percent of their final salary, with medical benefits. EMT-Bs who work for publicsafety agencies but are not firefighters or police officers, are eligible for retirement from thePERS program. This pension program takes longer to qualify for and pays out lower benefits.Hospital-based paramedics can usually contribute to a 401K, but have no guaranteed pensionplan. In summary, EMS providers are clearly second class citizens in regards to pension anddisability benefits.Unfortunately, the timing of this is poor. Public pension systems are under publicscrutiny, with some experiencing under funding. Pension funding has been a particularlysensitive issue in New Jersey resulting in significant media coverage. The Fire and PolicePension System contributors are reluctant to let new people into their pension system. An option,albeit a less than desirable plan, is to create a special classification in the PERS system thatallows paramedics to have similar benefits to firefighters and police officers. This is similar to abenefit granted to fire investigators, who are not classified as firefighters.Recommendation 50: Allow non-firefighter paramedics and EMT-Bs into the Fire andPolice Pension System. Alternatively, create a special section in PERS for paramedics andEMT-Bs.Medical Cross-Training and Advancement – Career advancement is anotherimportant issue for EMS providers. Currently, EMS providers who work for fire and policedepartments may have the opportunity to promote into management positions. Non-public safetyproviders have fewer opportunities. To increase salary and benefits, many providers havebecome nurses or other mid-level health care providers (physician assistants, respiratorytherapists, nurse anesthetists, etc.). Others have become health system administrators working invarious aspects of health care. This should not be viewed as negative, but these options usuallyinvolve an experienced provider having to leave EMS. Often, these providers are forced to repeatbasic training programs that they may have recently completed.In contrast, there are many technician and mid-level healthcare providers who havebecome EMS providers. This is a positive step that should be encouraged. Unfortunately, theTriData, a Division of 122September 2007System Planning Corporation