WestSideBorderPatrol

I'm pretty sure I know what company you worked for, and I work for them too. I'm sorry that you've been through all of this. Unfortunately these injuries occur monthly at this company, and you're not the first one who has gotten thrown under the bus. Get yourself a new lawyer who will put this company in their place, and hopefully make it a better place for anyone else who ends up working for them!

Thanks for all the advice!

You all really just confirmed my choice to continue on with my education, because really, EMTB's are a dime a dozen and it would be really difficult to live on that salary, especially if I try to pay for school later.

Kate, I've been looking at Howard CC as well as Cecil CC. Howard has been really difficult in trying to contact someone about more information, and although they have a solid program, they are a good hour's drive from me not counting rush hour traffic.

What are your opinions on AAS programs vs certificate programs? My reasoning is that having an AAS on top of my Bachelors isn't going to make me much more marketable. The skills are the same for both programs. The only thing that the AAS has over the certificate is A&P and other science classes (All of which I already have).

Thoughts?

Hey all,

I've been on these boards for a few years now, mainly sitting back and learning from everyone, but now I have a question for you all. I've been an EMT-B for almost 4 years now; got my start volunteering doing 911, but since being in college my main area of EMS has been IFT. After much thought/debate/prayer, my heart is set on a career as a paramedic. It's the time of year where everyone at my University is lining up job interviews, going to job fairs, applying for grad school, but what should I do? Part of me just wants to be done with school for a while (K-12 and then 4 years of undergrad takes a lot out of you!) and jump right in as an EMT-B with the county fire department. While jumping right in as an EMT-B sounds good, I'm fearful that if I don't go back to school right away for my medic, then I will lose the motivation to do so.

This might sound bad, but as I'm looking around for schools to get my AA degree as a paramedic, I'm being turned off by some of the prerequisites that they want me to take...let me explain. As an undergrad I took a variety of science classes including A&P 1 and 2, and some of these paramedic programs will accept my A&P but want me to take the prerequisites for A&P even though I already have A&P! It just seems backwards to me. Why take the prerequisites when I already have the class?

So I guess my question can be summed up as this: Upon graduation, do I apply for classes in the Fall and begin my Paramedic studies? Or should I take some time off and work as an EMT-B? I feel like the answer is obvious, but any outside advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Westside

I disagree with all of the posts that say "Dock them the pay." Shit happens. People are going to bump curbs. It's a cost of doing business.

While I do agree that stuff happens, if you hop/rub a curb AND cause damage to the unit, as the driver of that unit, you are responsible for damages incurred while you operate it. If you get into some sort of collision that in no way/shape/form is your fault, then you shouldn't have to pay for any of the damage. Really, the only times that we hop a curb are when we simply aren't paying attention, are in a hurry, or just misjudge our turn. None of those are really "accidents", since they all can be avoided.

You break it, you buy it...or at least help pay for it.

That sounds an awful lot like Transcare. I've never done more the curb an ambulance so far, and thank goodness. We have an employee that hit a patient's house last year and he's still employed. When you break it down this employee was worth much more in service years, commitment, and work ethic then the damage he did when he crashed. He used a spotter, as per SOP, but apparently wasn't pay enough attention to him. Work made him pucker a few days because we are governed by a Board of Directors, so all firings are finalized by them, but in the end, he's still there. His name is the endearing term for hitting a stationary object.

I think in many instances the employer really needs to pull the files on their employees before just firing them for an infraction, or accident. If you never get in to trouble, have good attendance, do above and beyond, then firing them for a small crash seems like a colossal waste of money and resources.

Haha, no it's not Transcare. Similar private company though. I agree with you that the punishment should fit the crime, and that the person's employment file at the company should be looked at. If they are an exemplary employee, and this was their first infraction, then firing is totally out of line. Dock them the pay to fix the damage and call it a day.

I hit the curb at least once every month! I've never dented or scratched a rim, but I've definitely went up and over curbs before. Our company policy is that if you cause any damage to the unit, then it comes out of your paycheck. Not sure how much you pay, but I know of a few one co-worker who is still paying for a ding in the rear step that happened 6 months ago!

Just explain that you hit the curb and honestly didn't know that there was any damage caused.

Good luck!

sacemt, I have the same problem. Online pants never fit right, and it's just not worth the hassle. I just go to Walmart and buy Dickies brand pants.

I am in an EMT class, and we're on the respiratory section. I have a few questions and I'd love some clarification.

1.) If someone is breathing, but they are breathing inadequately - say, shallow breaths, labored breathing, etc. - am I correct in assuming that I would use assisted ventilation (bag valve mask) rather than a nonrebreathing mask? The nonrebreathing mask would generally be used if breathing is adequate but hypoxia is suspected?

Our protocols say to use a BVM if the patient has a respiratory rate of less than 8 (adult), absent/diminished breath sounds, or cyanosis on 100% O2 by nonrebreather mask.

Also - once you start the assisted ventilations via BVM - do you continue with the BVM after breathing becomes adequate, or switch to a nonrebreathing mask? My guess is you would continue the assisted ventilations with the BVM until you arrive at the hospital and transfer care - is that right?

We were taught that if the patient "comes around" that we can still use the BVM but if they're breathing normally, to work with, not against, they're normal breathing.

2.) Scenario in book - you are called to the scene of a cardiac arrest and find that bystanders have initiated CPR. Patient was not breathing for about 3 minutes before they started CPR. Patient has occasional gasping breaths. You decide to open the patient's airway. You have no history of events leading up to the point of cardiac arrest. What is the preferred method of opening the airway? Head tilt chin lift, jaw thrust, nasal airway, none of the above.

I say jaw thrust because you don't know if there was any trauma - am I right?

I agree

2.) "Points to ponder" scenario in the EMTB book - You are dispatched to the local nursing home for an older man who is "difficult to wake". You arrive at the nursing home about five minutes after the initial call and find the patient to be lying supine in bed with oxygen flowing at 2 l/min via nasal cannula. THe nurse states that the patient was fine last evening but they were unable to wake him this morning. They state ha has a history of COPD and recent pneumonia. The patient has shallow gurgling respirations at a rate of about 8 breaths per minute. You also note cyanosis around the lips. WHile you are assembling your suction unit, your partner is placing the patient on a pulse oximeter.

Book question - How would you manage this patient's airway and breathing? Would you change the position of this patient?

My guess - insert oropharyngeal airway if he doesn't have a gag reflex (nasopharyngeal airway if he does), suction the patient for up to 15 seconds, then 100 percent high flow oxygen via bag valve mask, squeezing every 5 seconds. Ventilate for up to 2 minutes, then suction again if needed.

Change the position of the patient - I would try the head tilt chin lift maneuver to open the airway, since there is no indication of trauma/spinal injury.

Since he has a history of COPD, I would sit them up in a fowlers position.

How did I do? I didn't kill my imaginary patient, did I?

I don't think that you killed them...they might have died on their own, but I don't think that you killed them. It is important to remember that high concentrations of oxygen will reduce the respiratory drive in

some COPD patients. We give all Priority 1 and 2 patients with a history of COPD, high flow O2, but for Priority 3 patients, its best to stick with their Dr. prescribed dose.

Isn't Abu Dhabi part of the UAE?

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1050.html

Incidents of verbal and physical harassment as well as isolated cases involving assault of expatriate women have occurred, including some incidents of harassment by taxi drivers. On more than one occasion, expatriate females have been sexually assaulted while walking alone through underground pedestrian walkways near the Abu Dhabi corniche. Female travelers should keep in mind the cultural differences among the many people who coexist in the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions may invite unwanted attention. Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab and should be sensitive that "small talk" can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by some taxi drivers. Victims of harassment are encouraged to report such incidents to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.

While individuals are free to worship as they choose, and facilities are available for that purpose, religious proselytizing is not permitted in the UAE. Persons violating this law, even unknowingly, may be imprisoned or deported.

Codes of behavior and dress in the UAE reflect the country's Islamic traditions and are more conservative than those of the United States. Visitors to the UAE should be respectful of this conservative heritage, especially in the Emirate of Sharjah where rules of decency and public conduct are strictly enforced. Public decency and morality laws throughout the UAE are much stricter than in the United States. Penalties for public displays of affection or immodesty can be severe. Travelers have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms for kissing in public. Homosexual activity is illegal in the UAE and is punished by imprisonment. Sexual relations outside of marriage and adultery are illegal in the UAE and have been punished by lengthy jail sentences.

Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the UAE. According to the World Health Organization, the UAE has the highest rate of road fatalities in the Middle East and one of the highest rates in the world. Drivers often drive at high speeds. Unsafe driving practices are common, especially on inter-city highways. On highways, unmarked speed bumps and drifting sand create additional hazards. Pedestrians should also use great care on the roads of the UAE – over 25 percent of road fatalities are pedestrians.

In order to drive, UAE residents must obtain a UAE driver's license. Foreign driver's licenses are not recognized. However, American non-resident visitors to the UAE can drive using a valid driver’s license issued by his or her state. An international driver’s license is no longer required. The UAE recognizes driver's licenses issued by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states only if the bearer is driving a vehicle registered to the same GCC state. Under no circumstances should anyone drive without a valid license.

Sorry, I couldn't find anything on McDonald's!

I'm really good at hiding from Dispatch...I don't think they would ever find me!

But really, if we're on a call and they don't hear from us for a half hour, they'll key us up to check on us.

I wore this one from Target for 6 months until today:

ProSpirit® Fastwrap Digital Analog Sports Watch - Black $12.99

But soon after I bought it the second hand broke and just free-spun around. It wasn't a big deal since the digital seconds still worked. I go for a watch that has both analog and digital abilities. Analog is good for a quick glance at the time, and digital is good b/c I keep in in 24hr time to make report writing and telling time at work easier. Haha.

Then today I bought a similar looking one from Walmart that is hopefully a bit beefier and will hold up. I like Velcro bands, but they do have a tendency to collect some funky smells after awhile.

CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTER LINE OF DUTY DEATH: DIES FROM A "MYSTERY RASH" FOLLOWING AN EMS RUN

Thursday, December 17, 2009

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A Firefighter who died after responding to an EMS run, has died in the Line of Duty of a "deadly mystery rash" according to his FD, the Cosumnes CSD FD in California.

FF Richard Ibarra, 42, died Wednesday at the UC Davis Medical Center. BC John Michelini says Ibarra was very healthy and the rash "destroyed" him. It caused severe internal damage, and doctors have yet to diagnose what it was. FF Ibarra was surrounded by his immediate family and his firefighting family when he died, according to Michelini.

Ibarra has been with the Cosumnes Fire Department since 1999. He is survived by his wife and two young children. Memorial service plans are pending and we will keep you updated. As always, our most sincere condolences to all affected by the loss of Firefighter Ibarra.

---------------------------

Condolences to his family. I hope that they find out what this "mysterious rash" was...Has anyone ever encountered a situation like this? How can we prevent this from happening? Better BSI I suppose.

As a diver, this was an interesting scenario! Dive medicine is fascinating to me b/c strange and amazing things can happen at depth.

Hmm, well aside from turning and running away, it sounds like you gave good advice.

From what you described, I don't think that we have to worry about a AAA or anything, as it is too high up. I don't know if a sonogram would be of much help since the sternum is right there and there isn't much soft tissue. My BLS guess would be that it is either a vessel or something that she can now feel b/c of the weight loss, or she is just feeling her heart beat.

3 dead in medical helicopter crash north of Reno

4 hours ago

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-national/20091114/US.Medical.Helicopter.Crash/

RENO, Nev. — A medical helicopter crashed early Saturday north of Reno near the Nevada-California state line, killing three crew members aboard, officials said.

The helicopter, an Aerospatiale AS350, crashed about 29 miles northwest of Reno in Lassen County, Calif., around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor. All three people aboard were killed.

The helicopter had dropped off a patient at a Reno hospital and was returning to its base in Susanville, Calif., Gregor said. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash and fire. The cause of the crash wasn't known.

Gregor said the pilot was not communicating with air traffic controllers at the time of the accident. FAA and National Transportation Safety Board investigators will be on the scene Saturday.

The helicopter was operated by Mountain Lifeflight out of Susanville, Gregor said. The company issued a brief statement confirming the loss of all three crew members aboard the helicopter.

It was the second fatal crash of a Mountain Lifeflight helicopter returning to Susanville after dropping off a patient at Renown Medical Center in Reno.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, a Eurocopter AS-350B operated by the company crashed into Honey Lake, about 11 miles southeast of the company's Susanville base, on March 21, 2002. NTSB investigators determined the pilot failed to maintain altitude and said the smooth surface of the water contributed to pilot disorientation.

The pilot died in the crash and two crew members were seriously injured.

It's possible.

In our bunk rooms we have the lights wired to turn on when we get a fire or EMS call. The ceiling has both fluorescent lighting and recessed halogen bulbs, and what they did was get colored bulbs to put in the halogen lights. They somehow have it wired so that the red and blue (as the colors happen to be) lights flash when we get a call. Its actually quite annoying and I feel adds undo stress to the already stressful process of being woken up at night by a loud alarm, and now flashing seizure lights.

Best of luck though

Today I:

Lifted a 275 pound patient up 2 steps on the stretcher.

That's the extent of my workout!

Don't worry, you'll be fine. Like others have said, focus on your core and lift properly!

I agree with JPINFV. I DON'T see a collar, but I do see an ET tube holder.

As for movement of the vehicle, I suspect you would get a poor image due to all the vibrations. Usually when ultrasounds are done in the hospital, from what I have seen, you are asked to hold your breath to minimize movement. Not sure if this is for other reasons though.

When they ask you to hold your breath, it has to do with the position of the diaphragm and how it moves the other organs into a better viewing position. I asked that question when I had a US on my kidney.

Cake icing spatula with pumpkin carving blade.

Thanks everyone!

Crotchity, I think that the problem is with me, and with the teacher. The way it worked out, I ended up taking the same teacher both times because he was the only one who taught it during that semester. However, I know that there is a serious disconnect between me and chemistry. Its just one of those things that just doesn't "click". Also, the way the University works is that you can't attempt to take a class here, and then take it somewhere else. You won't receive credit. You attempt it here, you have to complete it here.

I think that this summer I am going to shadow an RT at the hospital, I also have been talking to the paramedics I know. I have flown with the Medevac team once before for a shift and it was the most fun/interesting experience I've ever had.

Kate, I'm on the eastern shore right now and the 2 school I'm looking at are CCBC Essex, and UMBC.

I still have a lot of "soul searching" to do and I'll keep ya'll updated on the situation.

I think that as of right now, I'm going to to continue at my current school to finish out my prereqs and then make a decision on transferring sometime in the Fall.

Thanks so much guys!

Hey all,

I've been a member on here for quite some time, mainly lurking and reading (and sometimes learning!). However, I need some advice.

I've been an EMT-B for about 2 years and work both 911 and private service part time, and I am also a full-time student (sophomore) at a University where I'm studying Respiratory Therapy. I know that I am meant to have a job in the Healthcare profession, doing what exactly, I don't know. I am strong in A&P and the "biology" type classes, however chemistry is kicking my butt! I took general chemistry once, and failed. I took general chemistry twice, and failed. This is the only thing that is holding me back from getting into the Respiratory Therapy program. However, because I failed general chemistry twice, I cannot take it a third time and expect admission to the program.

I'm starting to think that well maybe I'm not supposed to be a RT.

There really isn't anything else at this University that even slightly interests me academic wise, so I'm considering transferring out to a community college paramedic program (It is accredited). I would obtain a A.A.S in Emergency Medical Technology.

In a perfect, "dream-world", my ideal career would to be a flight paramedic with the State Police.

There is also a 4-year University near me that offers a B.S in Emergency Health Management.

My question for you all is this:

If you were in my shoes, which option would you chose? Would you try to get into the 4 year program? Or would you go for the A.A.S degree?

And finally, as an employer, would having a B.S as opposed to an A.A.S be a big deciding factor in hiring an individual?

Thanks everyone, this is such a stressful time for me and any bit of advice is appreciated

Lets not forget about the magnesium engine blocks that used to be in VW's and Ford Exploders! Magnesium reacts violently with water, and it took awhile for the fire departments around here to figure out why the fire just wouldn't go out with a hand line. Eventually someone figured it out and tried using a class "D" extinguisher, it worked perfectly.

Seat belts save lives. Period. They save your life, and they protect the other occupants in the vehicle from your body being thrown all over the place. Are there instances where not wearing a seat belt as contributed to someone not dying? Sure. But those instances are few and far between, I'll take my chances by wearing my seat belt.