We support the National Association of State EMS Officials in their statement of Unity & Equity by sharing their sentiments, and creating actions to assist in the movement of anti-bias training and equity for those in our industry.
We have modified the NASEMSO statement to be more inclusive of LGBT, people of color, and gender based violence.
The National Association of State EMS Officials, as an association representing emergency medical care across all the states and territories, and whose membership is itself a diverse community of leaders from numerous gender, race, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, recognizes and accepts our responsibility to help renounce and eradicate racism and bias of any type and manifestation. We must assure that each facet of the emergency medical system is inclusive, informed, and committed to end gender and racial inequality and racism. We must identify any biases within ourselves, and have the courage and empathy to fully commit our platform and resources to create an inclusive, diverse society with the cornerstone of equality for all.
The last several weeks have illustrated, in vivid detail, the brutality endured by black and brown people of color simply because of their race. Our society’s progress towards racial equality is clearly and appallingly inadequate, and far from the ideal espoused under the Constitution of the United States that all persons are created equal.
We have witnessed violent acts inflicted on LGBT folks and people of color that have completely disregarded the basic tenets of humanity, security, ethics, and justice that we tell ourselves we and our country value. The tragedy does not end there. Racial minorities have suffered far worse from the COVID-19 pandemic than the white population. According to the Atlantic’s COVID Racial Data Tracker, “Black people are dying at a rate nearly two times higher than their population share.” Similarly, Native American and Hispanic populations have seen infection rates that are among the highest in the country.
The National Association of State EMS Officials unequivocally asserts:
- That racial bias exists, and permeates the very fabric of our society;
- That bias inevitably influences the way we interact with other people to include, but not limited to, the provision of emergency medical care and access to health care; and
- That bias cannot exist in a society truly striving toward equality.
To that end, the National Association of State EMS Officials commits to:
- Consistently stand and speak against racial injustice;
- The use of our resources to identify racial disparities, not only nationally, but in each of our member states and territories; and
- The identification and implementation of actionable steps that eliminate racism and bias.
To that end, the EMS Leadership Academy commits to:
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training for EMS providers.
- Raising awareness for the inequities that EMS faces compared to other branches of public safety.
- Assisting domestically and internationally when called upon to help facilitate difficult conversations that can lead to more understanding.
Furthermore, we call upon our colleagues and other associations involved with the provision of emergency care to stand with us, as we ally with the movements across the world in support of those that are speaking for themselves now, whose voices had fallen on the deafened ears of biased persons with closed minds and uncaring hearts.
We are a beautiful nation, comprised of an endless array of gender, races, ethnic backgrounds, and cultures. It is who we are as a nation, and who we will always be. When one race is not allowed to be as healthy as another and is actively suppressed and oppressed, then we do not have health-care in this country.
We see you, we believe you, we hear you and join you on our journey to unity and equity.
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An Introduction to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for Leaders with the Courage to Change the Things They Can
Rebecca Murphy, MPA
A culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is fundamental to creating and sustaining a thriving organization and yet it has mostly been overlooked. In this presentation you will learn what DEI is and how it will benefit your EMS organization especially in the areas of recruitment, engagement and retention.
“I am always struck by what an act of courage it is for leaders and organizations to take on the work of DEI.” -Rebecca Murphy
Race in EMS: How Real Leaders Can Make Change
End Workplace Bullying: Creating an Emotionally & Psychologically Safe Organization By Being An Upstander, Not A Bystander
I. David Daniels, MSHRD
In EMS bullying and harassment are frequently misunderstood. Too often the behaviors of the bully are mistaken for teasing or joking, and the target of the bullying is seen as overly sensitive or thin-skinned. This misunderstanding and lack of action leads to a toxic culture that drives people out the door feeling psychologically and emotionally injured. In this presentation you will learn how to create a culture of civility and to eliminate bullying in all its forms from your organization.
"Strive to be an upstander not a bystander. An upstander stands up for the target in the moment at the 1st incident of unkindness. A bystander witnesses the incident(s), pacifies the perpetrator, consoles the target and makes excuses for the situation." -David Daniels
Unconscious Bias & Microaggressions In the Workplace
Kathleen McLean, MSW, MBA
There are hundreds of ways we make decisions every day in favor of one group, and to the detriment of others, without even realizing we’re doing it. Creating a just and safe organizational culture requires that we become aware of and question our most deeply held beliefs. This presentation explores the impact of Unconscious Bias and Microaggressions in the workplace.
“As a society, we don’t play, pray or live together. In order to become acquainted with each other, we need to become friends.” - Kathleen McClean, MSW, MBA
White Allies Co-Conspirators: The Conversation White People Need to Have With White People
Join Racial Justice Ministries at Scarritt Bennett Center for part 1 of our 2-part series, “White Co-Conspirators: The Conversation White People Need to Have With White People.” This all-white panel will feature expertise in anti-racism work and will engage the audience on the courageous conversations white people need to have with other white people about racism. The panel will also lift up the role and responsibility of white people in dismantling racism and share the difference between being a white ally and being a white co-conspirator.