Developing a Voice

This article appeared anonymously in the November edition of EMS World as a sidebar to the cover story, Waiting for the Epiphany: Sexual Harassment in the Emergency Services. 

I go to work to earn an income, support my family, and experience personal fulfillment. No one goes to work for abuse, harassment, or to be demeaned. What I would like to talk about is something that should never occur at work and experiences no one should endure—yet they do and must be addressed. 

Discussion of sexual harassment, let alone choosing “speak up” or formally file a complaint, in my experience, is frankly taboo. Unfortunately EMS often has a culture where “it’s just the way it is” or “I was just joking” is the norm, making filing or addressing complaints a challenge. In my employment I have not seen sexual harassment addressed beyond provision of policies as part of a cursory first-day orientation. Addressing management of sexual harassment allegations for line staff, supervisors, and managers is rare beyond the onboarding process. 

I had a long route to understanding sexual harassment and learning how to handle it in an EMS career. As a provider, my learning curve was steep. I experienced quid pro quo requests, inappropriate gestures and comments, and unwanted physical contact. As a young provider, when I reached across a desk, a male employee pulled my duty shirt forward and commented upon my anatomy. Subsequently I faced an administration representative and peers who said, “He would never do that.” 

My buttocks have been grabbed and pinched more times than I can count. I am quite adept with a clipboard as a result. I have been propositioned for sexual favors. Male and female partners have suggested I would enjoy their company while inappropriately touching themselves. As a female supervisor, I have been publicly accused of dating male subordinates, providing sexual favors for male employees’ advancement, and favoring male employees. The list is not exhaustive. As an administrator I found myself having to respond to similar alleged behavior and amend policy and guidance documents to accurately meet regulatory requirements.

It wasn’t in my recipe of life learning to know how to deal with sexual harassment or, later, manage the process of handling an allegation. I had to learn to speak up. Being caught off-guard and stunned when experiencing an event is a real and valid reaction. It is also difficult, in any profession, to speak up to or against authority figures. These are well-known phenomenon in medicine and other professions. 

I changed my behavior to maintain a public image that was above reproach. My words carry weight, and I want to always be perceived and treated as a professional. This means leadership and professionalism have some social downsides: after-work social hour is never going to be on my calendar; comradery is always on the radar and mindfully bounded. It is a hard path to take. I did struggle to find a strong voice and eventually learned to effectively have difficult conversations as well as understand the nuances of regulation and policy. I sought out formal education, discussions with senior administrators, communications practice, and opportunities to work with leaders and professionals outside of EMS.

I am now a mentor and have a formal education in administration. It is my role to guide those who do not have the formal training or social competencies to develop strong, knowledgeable voices to effectively advocate for themselves. As a leader I support building systems that promote ethical behavior and cultures of accountability. It is not the onus of the individual subjected to sexual harassment to “solve the problem.” EMS leaders can change the culture—some already have. There are systems that actively promote cultures of accountability. They have strong human resources departments staffed by individuals with HR as a true expertise. Culture and expectations are set and exemplified by senior leadership and supported at all levels. It is time to replicate those successes.

I contribute to this issue to stimulate discussion in the fervent desire to see EMS continue to professionalize and realize the greatest autonomy for providers. My career has afforded me the opportunity to grow from a young EMT to a paramedic and into roles in EMS operations and administration. I acknowledge the changing social pressures and environment to which I contribute, including the #MeToo movement and its influence in the workplace for both men and women. It is with consideration and after deliberation with peers, mentors, and family, as well as reflecting on my experiences as provider and administrator, that I have requested this commentary be published anonymously. 

For additional information regarding sexual harassment, see www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/sexual_harassment.cfm. 

The author’s name has been withheld at her request. She has been in EMS for more than 15 years.