I, for one, welcome the dialogue that this current situation has opened up. And for the record, I support the development of an EMS "chair at the table" so to speak.

What the dialogue in the matter will show is that EMS is a relative youngster going through growing pains, and that "everyone" knows what is best for us. This is evidenced by the fractionalized message coming from within the national associations that "support" us, the industry itself, and by the fire associations that want to keep us under their auspices.

Until we can deliver our message in a clear and united voice by the EMS industry, the bureacrats and politicians that have the ability to shape our future will treat this issue like the "hot potato" that is.