The producers of a documentary that aims to highlight the need for EMS to be designated as an essential service are seeking funds for their film and its advocacy mission.
“Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis” will explore the complex history of EMS, including the invaluable services it provides, “inherent problems with the current fractured system,” and “solutions some states are implementing to formally embrace and fund the third arm of our 911 emergency service,” said its fundraising page.
“All we’re doing with essential services is saying that this is a critical piece of public safety, much like fire and police,” said Bruce Evans, President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, in a promo reel for the documentary. “We want a bill to be able to make sure that this essential service gets funded appropriately and can deliver this service that the public expects.”
Rich Diefenbach, who has produced for CBS News, and Bryony Gilbey, who has produced for ABC News, were inspired to make the film after their personal and learned experiences of the hardships EMS workers face in their industry. Gilbey is the mother of 3 EMS professionals.
Gilbey and Diefenbach have set up a page for donations to support the production and release of the film, as well as “community outreach to support Emergency Medical Services.” Their fundraising goal is $200,000; at the time of publication of this article, they have raised just over $3,500.
The promo reel for the documentary can be viewed below.