EMT
Photography and Text by Ryan Scherb
hotoshelter:
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics provide care to the sick and injured until the patients are in the care of a doctor at a hospital. From car crashes to heart attacks, EMTs and paramedics must be prepared to handle any situation in which someone's health and safety may be compromised. The work can be physically demanding and stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations.
In the United States, all EMTs and paramedics must be licensed. Most states require technicians to be certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, but some offer their own certifications. EMT training is offered at progressive levels, paramedic being the most advanced level.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTS and paramedics held 210,700 jobs in 2008. Many EMTs and paramedics work on a volunteer basis for fire departments, emergency medical services and hospitals. Those who are paid usually work for ambulance services, local governments and hospitals. In May 2008, the median wage for paid EMTs and paramedics was $14.10, according to the bureau.
For this essay, photographer Ryan Scherb documented the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad in Charlottesville, Va., and the former St. Vincent's Hospital Ambulance Corps in New York City. “EMT” is an ongoing project.
Although Ryan Scherb is a lifestyle photographer based in New York City, his passion for his craft drives him far from Manhattan’s bustling streets. Any given week, Ryan might be found documenting a whitewater canoe trip down the St. Croix River, working on an advertising campaign along the famed Champs-Elysees in Paris or hooking up with an ambulance crew to respond to emergency calls. [Full Bio Here]|
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[...] lot of time with Emergency Medical Technicians for his work-in-progress that is being showcased on American-Journal.org. There are many great images that give an intimate look into the work of these [...]
Great work Ryan! Certainly an under appreciated vocation.
Keep it up brother!
Nice essay, although would’ve liked to see captions. Seems a little irresponsible to publish these sorts of images without giving a bit more context.
Loved this!! Lots of EMS agencies are afraid of ride alongs with photographers due to HIPPA. I did one once but I had the advantage because I am an EMT and a freelance photographer !! Again great work and I am sure my FB pals will agree!
Thanks Brian, see you when you get back from Oz!
Ron, As with all my photo stories I hope that the images tell enough of a story to speak for themselves. Also, I am interested in the viewer interpreting for themselves what they think they should be seeing… something that would lead a viewer to attach their own experience to what they are looking at.
As far as being irresponsible, it depends on the the context to which you are referring. Do you think it is unfair to the patient? For that I would have to disagree. These patients are not victims who need a voice. To say that putting in a caption may in some way prevent these emergencies from happening or make the need for EMTs any less would be ineffectual. The EMT’s are already there to help them, so for all of these situations their case is the same. My advocation here is for the EMT and my images are meant for you to see what they encounter from day to day on their jobs and how they contribute to society at large. I want you to make your own decisions about the EMT and their importance based on the images that I am able to provide. If you have not come away with a better understanding of what it might be like to be an EMT, then in this essay I have not done my job.
Devin, Thank you! Even as an EMT myself it has taken a lot of work, presentation and convincing to be able to do the ride alongs. Gone are the days of Rescue 911! It would be hard to imagine being able to get this type of clearance without this unique combination of credentials. If I can get final approvals I will continue EMT in Chicago this winter. Thank you for your support!!