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Wow...it's been a while since I was around these parts other than a quick lurk at a post that floated across facebook. I am not even sure how many of the folks around here now will even remember me other than Admin, if he is even still around. I truly miss this place and will try to make a more concerted effort to come around more often and see you guys. Now a little update, I am working a wonderful large non profit that many are familiar with after I left medic school I went back to College and completed an AA in Technical theatre as well as working on all of the prerequisite classes that the late Dustdevil and the great AKFlightmedic ordered me to take and yes I am still a EMT B although I am toying with the idea of going for my medic even though I am currently working on a degree in Emergency Management focusing on Disaster Relief. I moonlight from time to time around the great state of CA and look forward to reconnecting with old friend (if any are left) and meeting new ones.

I understand that police officers as first responders need to have some basic first aid knowledge but this doesn't even seem legal. Chest decompression is an ALS skill which even in EMS and performed by educated paramedics requires medical direction (usually by standing protocol). I don't see how an average police officer can legally perform the skill without a physician director to practice under. I would also be wary becuase although, the skill can most likely be taught in a very short amount of time, the reasoning behind it may be more complex. Sure a person could probably learn how to locate a landmark and poke a needle till they hear a pop, but without assessment equipment and experience in assessing patients, I would be concerned with the procedure being used when it is not indicated. I agree that this is a disturbing thought. Afterthought: I do remember seeing at least one place where LEOs are paramedics as well. If he is talking about a case like this I could see it as reasonable.

Just admit the voices have stopped, or merged into one, and go with the flow. They'll be much happier that way.

It would be nice if more of the public was aware of our role, but only in the context of increasing their awareness of what is appropriate and what is not appropriate in emergency situations. The public thanks or glory means less than nothing. It embarrasses and confuses me. More important to me is the look of relief in the eyes of patients and their loved ones when I show up and do my job. The scared patient that relaxes in my rig, cries tears of relief and grabs my hand means more to me than any freaking stupid EMS day. The respect of knowledgeable peers is more meaningful than any publicity mill bullshit. I am quite OK being the bastard stepchild. It allows me to do my job out of the glare of the spotlight and protects my already ego driven soul from a slippery slope.