New Orleans EMS Debuts Pride Badges

PRESS RELEASE

The City of New Orleans’ Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) embraces human dignity and diversity. The city also recognizes the importance of consistently living those values. It has been challenged to do so, especially in the face of homophobia and transphobia. New Orleans has committed to educate its citizens moving forward so they can be better stewards of public safety for all of their residents. They strive to not only be tolerant but also accepting, including referring to their patients and colleagues by the identity they know themselves to be.

In anticipation of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, NOEMS is proud to wear commemorative badges and support all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who “Serve with Pride.” These badges represent their commitment to:

• Educate providers on LGBTQ+ related emergency health conditions, healthcare disparities, and respectful practices when caring for homosexual and transgender patients
   
• Conduct LGBTQ+ related sensitivity training for all staff, including teaching management and support for transitioning employees
   
• Develop policies and nondiscrimination protections that include gender identity and sexual orientation
   
• Develop transparent complaint-handling procedures (both internally and externally) that deal with concerns the same way regardless of age, race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, or ability
   
• Appoint an LGBTQ+ individual to serve as liaison between community members and NOEMS regarding LGBTQ+ matters; and
   
• Work with local partners to ensure that LGBTQ+ patients have positive pre-hospital healthcare experiences in the City of New Orleans.

The key to eliminating misinformation is through open communication. Please engage as the people of New Orleans build their community together.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the press release above belong solely to the company/vendor/author and do not necessarily reflect those of EMS World or HMP.