EMS on Hill Day a Go Even as Snow Predicted

A nor’easter is barreling down on the nation’s capital, and EMS personnel from across the country are on the way to town as well.

Even if the federal government gives its workers liberal leave on Wednesday – when more than five inches of snow are predicted -- people participating in EMS on the Hill will be making their way to meet--with legislators and staffers, explained Pam Lane, NAEMT executive director.

“We have 190 people registered to participate,” she said in a telephone interview Monday afternoon. “Some are already here, others are on the way.”

Lane said NAEMT officials are pleased that the registration is running the same as last year. “We were worried it may drop, but it didn’t.”

She added that participants will dress accordingly, and will make their way to their pre-arranged appointments with their legislators.

In addition to educating officials about EMS and the challenges they face, providers will be lobbying for three specific items this year – the EMS field bill, military transition act and recruiting members for the EMS caucus.

Lane added that people who aren’t registered shouldn’t simply show up to go along with fellow delegates from their states. “We call the Congressman’s office ahead of time telling them who is coming. Some of these offices are really small so we can’t have 15 or 20 show up,” she explained, adding that states with many participants are divided into groups.

NAEMT President Don Lundy, who landed at a local airport on a sunny Monday afternoon, said EMS folks are tough, and a few inches of snow won’t hold them back.

“We’re going if there’s only one staffer to talk to,” he joked.