September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This September, IAEP Local 20 recognizes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and stands with every member of our EMS family who has struggled, is struggling, or has supported someone through a mental health crisis.
Working in EMS means showing up for people on some of the worst days of their lives. We witness trauma, grief, loss, and tragedy while carrying the responsibility of caring for others. Too often, we become so accustomed to being the ones who help that we forget it is okay to need help ourselves.
You do not have to carry everything alone.
Checking in with a coworker, starting a conversation, asking for help, or simply saying “I’m not doing okay” can make a difference. Looking out for one another is part of what makes us a union and a family.
Throughout Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we encourage our members to:
- Check in on your coworkers — especially the ones who always seem “fine.”
- Take changes in behavior or concerning comments seriously.
- Make time for your own mental health and well-being.
- Reach out when the weight of the job — or life outside of it — becomes too much.
- Remind one another that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You Matter. Your Life Matters. Help Is Available.
Reach out to someone in Peer Support peersupport@iaeplocal20.org or a member of the executive board.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
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IAEP Local 20 stands together — on the job, off the job, and through the difficult moments in between.
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Check on your people.
Check on yourself.
Stay.
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IAEP Local 20
International Association of EMTs and Paramedics
Here is the list of the available benefits and information offered to employees who have benefits through Patient Care.
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Telehealth information is on here! You CAN use this for if you need a doctor's note for an absence!
Incomplete PCRs
Good Afternoon Local 20!
As you are aware, we created a flyer and QR code to streamline the process of notifying the required parties if and/or when you are unable to complete your charts prior to the end of your shift.
After speaking with Scott Holland, there have been some changes made and we ask that you only use the QR code on the flyer attached, or just simply email pcr@empressems.com.
This updated flyer will be posted at the stations and will be shared on social media and the IAEP website.
It is important to note, while the QR code generates a pre-written email template, you MUST add in the specific details of your situation (i.e. the server was down, PCR is locked under my partner, oncoming crew needed the tablet, error message on completion...etc.).