new contest

[Dustdevil]

Ya know, education is, of course, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of ways to invest in the future of my organisation. But honestly, I don't think I would spend much money there. I believe that the best people to have are those who made the commitment on their own to get the best possible education, not those looking for somebody to do it for them. Consequently, I am more inclined to spend that money making my organisation a place that the very best people want to work and stay for a career. Make it a magnet for quality people. Offer benefits, equipment, professional management, and working conditions that create the foundation of a top notch employer, and the quality, educated employees will come. You won't have to create them from the dregs. Educating the people you already have is a recipe for failure. You've done nothing to improve their employer. Sooner or later, they're just going to take your education you paid for, and go elsewhere.

People come and go. And even the best equipment just has to be replaced again soon. This money is best spent creating a foundation for lasting quality by improving the organisational structure itself.

[CBEMT]

Our own station for the first time in our history. Currently we exist in the basement of a larger building, and our ambulance is parked outside, exposed to the Northeast elements. The past week has NOT been kind to our unit, and shoveling it and the driveway out sucks hardcore.

It would would be really great to include classroom space for our yearly EMT school, so we can stop paying for space and instead put that money back into the program.

Not looking for anything fancy. Dayroom, kitchen, Manager's office, Supervisor's office/bunkroom, crew bunkroom, classroom, separate training and supply closets like we have now, and a laundry room. Two-bay garage if we can afford it (might be able to get the administration to kick in some money if we can hand them a million to start with...) to allow for future expansion to a possible second vehicle.

Please.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Contest is over. I will be contacting the winner via pm sometime today or tomorrow at the latest.

Nice Job.

[spenac]

Yes I won. Ruff just PM'ed sorry losers. Just kidding. I was trying to put thought into it and forgot to get back and post.

Congrats to the winner. Some of you made good posts, most of you made more fun of the topic than I usually do.

Good idea Ruff.

[Just Plain Ruff]

ok, I have three finalists. Medic texas, brentoli and JP.

I'll keep the three of them posted.

[spenac]

I vote medictexas. Not just because he's from Texas. Part of me laughed because of him calling it rural, but I forget I grew up practicing frontier medicine. His plan would bring the greatest benefit to area served and was geared towards all areas of EMS. Brent and JP I liked your ideas but brent was focused on 1 project that is of great value but would have less direct EMS than medictexas. JP enjoyed yours just think medictexas edged you out, but I liked your focus on helping education.

Well best to all.

[Just Plain Ruff]

The winner of the contest is medic-texas. Pm as we speak

Excellent post.

honorable mentions go to Brentoli and JP as well as Eydawn based on a private conversation I had with her. She asked me a question in the thread and I never responded to her and I gave her an option of sending me a response and she did. Her heart is as big as texas if you ask me.

[spenac]

Thanks ruff for a great topic. Thanks to those that made serious thoughtful posts.

Congrats medictexas.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Look for the next contest in a few weeks. maybe sooner depends on what I have in my closet to get rid of.

[Dustdevil]

I too would go with medic_texas on this, as his was one of the only entries that addressed the issues comprehensively, with some focus on the future.

I was disappointed that many entries were just spending sprees, buying a lot of equipment that will just wear out and have to be replaced eventually anyhow. Spending down to the last penny, with no thought whatsoever about tomorrow. That kind of short-sightedness is a major factor in the stagnation of EMS.

Honorable mention to Dwayne for the foresight to understand that professional management makes all the difference, and just because we are medics doesn't mean we are necessarily best prepared to develop an organisation by ourselves. I see a lot of cities blow a whole lot of money on pointless studies and retarded consultants that contribute nothing of value to the equation in the long run. But the fact remains, we can learn a lot from those who have a proven track record of facilitating excellence in organisational growth and development. It is a sign of intelligence and professionalism to admit that we have much to learn from specialists in all fields, especially the non-medical fields.