LAS VEGAS — Women are underrepresented in EMS, a field some still consider a male occupation. At EMS World Expo, Rihi Jain, BA, NREMT, MPH (candidate), examined the unique challenges and prejudices that women in EMS face, as well as what we can do to support and empower them in the workplace and beyond.
Memorable quotes
- “Show them that they have a place in EMS, from an early age, get them interested.”
- “Meaningful education, with activities, discussion that promote dialog is really important”
Top takeaways
Jain examined the unique factors at play when a female-identifying clinician shows up on their patient’s doorstep. Here are the top takeaways from the discussion.
1. Acknowledge and remove the barriers to women in EMS
Recent studies of registry data show that women only account for about 24% of the EMS workforce, and female leaders are rare.
Jain encouraged attendees to discuss and share the perceptions and barriers to women in EMS, raising the following points:
Women can be seen as “too weak,” “too sensitive,” or unlikely to commit to a career in EMS. Attendees shared they feel women in EMS:
- Need to work twice as hard to get half as far
- Are pigeonholed into the mom/caregiver role or are perceived as chilly
- Are not taken as seriously as male counterparts
- Seen as a diversity hire if they achieve a leadership role
- These perceptions effect women by:
- Reduced confidence
- Underrepresentation
- Microaggressions
- Lack of professional growth
- Mental health concerns
- Hostile work environment culture
- High turnover
- Missed opportunities
- Poor team dynamics, which leads to poor patient outcomes
Jain noted factors like race, ethnicity, nationality, age, etc. can compound these issues.
2. Stereotypes can be dangerous
Jain shared that male colleagues and even patients have worried that she is not strong enough to lift patients – a perception that can be dangerous. When a male colleague insists on lifting a stretcher alone (against policy), or tries to lift a patient in a stair chair alone, rather than rely on a female colleague – things that Jain has experienced in the field – it presents a danger to themselves and to the patient.
3. How can we empower women in EMS?
Jain’s organization is the rare example with 57% women and multiple female leaders. She shared the following strategies for recruiting women to join, stay and advance in EMS:
- Use social media to show your organization promotes females – Jain noted social media can be especially effective with recruiting Gen Z
- Networking and mentorship – a mentoring program can help female providers navigate and advance in the organization
- Provider education – Jain noted many organizations rely on ineffective online modules that people can quickly click through for topics like discrimination and harassment, and instead promoted meaningful education with activated and discussion to promote dialog
- Community outreach – Jain and some of her female colleagues have presented at Girl Scout meetings, demonstrating EMS equipment and techniques, to inspire them to consider EMS as a career path
Visit Lexipol and the EMS1 Grants team in booth 3107 in Las Vegas!
