IAEP Showcases Organzing Strength with Victory in Florida
January 13, 2012
The International Association of EMTs and Paramedics has won an overwhelming victory in its recent effort to organize EMS professionals of EVAC Ambulance in Volusia County, Florida.
The new local consists of 145 EMTs and paramedics, who serve the 500,000 residents of the county. Volusia County includes the popular resort area of Daytona Beach, which hosts events such as Bike Week, the Daytona 500 race at the International Speedway, spring break and Biketober.
“We’re happy to have the professionals of EVAC on board,” said Phil Petit, IAEP national director. “They’re eager to have a say in their workplace so that they can deliver the best service possible to their patients. It’s exciting and empowering for the members, and a win-win situation for the residents of Volusia County.”
In September 2011, the county government took over the EMS service, which had been run by a nonprofit company as a quasi-governmental service. The transition has given workers there the opportunity to improve a number of conditions on the job, said Bryan Hamrick, IAEP’s organizing director.
“The EMS members in Volusia are on the front lines every day, so they know what’s working and what could work better,” said Hamrick. “Now they’ll get to put that experience to work in negotiations, where we can work together with the county to make EVAC Ambulance the best it can be.”