Proffesional Appearence!!

[911wacker]

Before I get started, READ THIS CAREFULLY!!

It had occurred to me that in the last 3-4 years the paid ambulance services have slacked off with regards to uniforms and policy regarding them as a whole in the area. It used to be the crew that showed up at your scene was neat, clean and wearing a nice proffesional looking button down shirt patches. Oh, did I forget to mention that they bothed looked the same too. Its seems that anymore when I go to work we are all wearing different styles of shirts, this to me reflects on the agency that we are representing.

Well folks, I want to here from EVERYONE on this one. Please answer the questions below:

1 - Do you feel that EMS providers working for a "uniformed" service thall be dressed neatly and proffesionally in a manner that reflects pride in their service?

2 - Do you feel a wore out, faded t-shirt is acceptible at any time for a "uniform" shirt while on duty?

In my opinion there are 3 forms of acceptible shirts, a blue button down shirt with patches attached per departmental standards, a neatly embroidered polo shirt or a "job shirt" embroidered with the appropriate company logo. In my opinion crew members should wear identical shirts, so they portray a ORGANIZED image.

WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHTS??

[GVEMS30]

Looking professional is part of acting professional and being professional and uniform ceases to be a uniform if you are the only one who is in uniform.

However….

Looking the same?

Not all providers may have access to the same uniform, do veterans of an agency toss out their old shirts when the department changes styles? Before you answer that, consider if you have to buy your own uniform or does the department provide them? What about agency that has more then one style of uniform in current service?

How should we dress when we respond from home for that second or third due call? Flip-flops and cut offs would be inappropriate. What about a casual shirt and jeans?

Are t-shirts appropriate for duty crews when it is 90 degrees out? How about long sleeves worn under a short sleeve duty uniform when the weather is cooler? What about the comfort of the duty crew?

Yes, it would be nice to look “the same” but we should consider the practical side of this as well.

[9Wacker1]

What a great can of worms!

Honestly, though, whether paid or volunteer, I believe we have a responsibility to look professional in our appearance. Identical?? No - probably not. But at the very least when I respond from home (which is most of the time unless I happen to be driving around), I want to have on something that identifies me as an EMS provider. Ideally, I want a shirt with my company name on it, because yes it does reflect on the organization.
I think every company should have minimum uniform standards (flip-flops are definitely a nono) because it shows we have pride in our job and it sends the message of confidence and control to our patients. Besides - I want to know what ALS is working beside me on a call without having to find their rig!

[911wacker]

Well, I wasn't really looking for what people wear or what people think they should wear during a "call in" like volunteer services and 2nd due calls. It would be hard to ask anyone to wear much of anything when they come from home.

What I was looking for is an opinion on uniform policy issues of a service who wears them. Any more thoughts?

[GVEMS30]

In my opinion the uniform should be appropriate to the profession, climate and yes uniform. Agencies that issue all uniform parts to their personnel have the best chance of getting that uniform look, agencies that provide general guidelines, requiring personnel to acquire their own uniforms, get less of a cookie cutter uniform image. In the end the uniform policy is set by the agency, we can have an opinion but it is our agency that decides on what the policy is.