EMT001

Having not read all of the posts, I am assuming that the last page and a half stems around the argument of whether or not an EMT/Paramedic can search a patient, and whether or not they can be punished for their action. The simple answer, is that you CANNOT LEGALLY put your hands inside of their pockets. Doing so would be a violation of their Constitutional right against an unreasonable search. These individuals are not under arrest, and, therefore, we have no right to place our hands into their pockets. If you suspect that your patient may have weapons, and do not feel safe transporting them, you have two options. First, you can call the police. Like we all know, if the patient is an immediate danger to the safety of themselves or others, we can have the police place them in protective custody. At that point, the police are legally allowed to search the patient. Your second option is to refuse to transport the patient due to safety concerns. At this point you must call your supervisor to handle the issue. Most departments have a contingency for this type of event written into their SOPS, so, depending on your department, you shouldn't fear disciplinary action for your choice. Any other search of an individual is considered illegal, and you would have to face the consequences of that choice.

Our decison should be getting the patient to a true source of definitive care, the hospital. What if the intervention you thought was going to help the patient failed? Now, you've wasted even more time getting them to a physician. If you load the patient, and then begin your interventions, not only does the patient gain the positive benefits of correct treatment, but also the peace of mind that their access to a more definitive source of care has not been delayed. Obviously this has its exceptions, i.e. a hypoglycemic emergency, but in most cases, I feel it still applies. (Disclaimer: If this is not well articulated, I appoligize; I have been flooded with exams and have not slept in awhile. I will reread this tomorrow, and if needed, try to make it flow better.)

I agree with the above with one exception. Depending on the estimated extrication time, proximity to the trauma center, and availability of medavac, I would have considered a helicopter for patient 1.

For a stable patient: If the house is well lit, and relatively insect free, I tend to stay and play a little longer. For a non-stable patient: ABC's and roll. I have no problem getting everything else done in the ambulance, so why delay arrival at the hospital?

I still cannot believe that this thread has continued on for four pages. WHO CARES what someone else calls you? You know what you do, and the impact that you have on the lives of others, and that is all that matters. Plus, at the end of the day, whether I am a medic or an "ambulance driver", I still take home the same paycheck.

I say let the mother-to-be work until they no longer feel comfortable doing so, or until they can no longer perform the necessary functions of the job.

Our PD is automatically dispatched to any scene involving an EDP or ETOH. They search all EDP, and, upon request, and individual under the influence of ETOH. Personally, I am not overly concernced about what my patients have in their pockets, but that is probably because I am only 19 and have absolutely no obligations to anyone but myself.

I do not have an exact number, but I have used more NPA's than OPA's. I am a firm believer that anyone who is unconsious, but breathing, gets an airway. More times than not, this results in me placing an NPA, for obvious reasons.

Didn't know that... Something I'll have to get them to look into.

They use the Phillips HeartStart AED's. As far as I know, they do not make adapters between that model AED and the LP12's. Additionally the medics are hospital based and respond to the various towns in chase vehicles. There is no continuity among the towns regarding the type of AED's used; therefore, it would be a little impractical for ALS to try a buy adapters for all the various towns.

Just a pointer for those who might not have realized what was happening: Remember the SLUGDEM acronym, it will get you pointed in the right direction... And for bonus points, what commonly used chemical can induce OPP?

The medics in my area use the LP12 with pads. Interestingly enough, the pads that we use on our AED's are not compatible with their monitor. Everytime we work a code we have to rip our pads off when the medics get there.....

Well.... I like candy and I also like narcotics. You don't happen to have any, do you?

So what about an individuals right to decide not to take a course to help another person? We shouldn't have that right? Why should I have to care about anyone else but myself? And, who has the right to make me have to?

I am awfully surprised that so many of you are suggesting making CPR certification mandatory. What if someone doesn't want to get certified? Are we going to make them? Or, going along with some suggestions, not allow them to graduate from high school? Personally, I feel that the choice to become CPR certified should remain just that, a choice. If someone does not feel comfortable performing CPR, or just flat out doesn't want to get certified, they shouldn't have to.

Jeb Bush would never get out of the 08' republican primaries.... But, if it were between the two of them, I would vote for Clinton.

That's why I just keep driving whenever I pass an MVA. I will call 911 as I am passing to make sure the local PD knows about the accident, but that is all.

If it is not an everyday occurrence, I will normally ask them if they want to leave. If I cannot persuade them to leave on their own, then I would call the supervisor and let them deal with it.

I will give it a shot.

I agree with Craig, the only way she is going to take the initiative is if you just stand back. She obviously has the skills, but she is unsure of her abilities. Let her take charge and build up her confidence.

The protocols in New Jersey only allow us to assist with a MDI. I think the author of the post was referring to nebulized albuterol, which we cannot administer. Just curious, where in New Jersey do you work?

I do not respond to calls when I am off duty, and therefore, I have no need for a jump kit. The jump kit in our rigs includes the following item(s): - Adult (Lrg. and Regular), Child, and Infant BP cuffs. - Three Adult NRB's and Three Adult Nasal Cannula's - Three tubes of oral glucose - Bite Sticks - OPA's and NPA's - Sharp Shuttles - Ammonia Nitrate Inhalants (never know when you're going to have that cyanide poisoning) - Sting Swabs - Adult BVM - Two C-Collars - Sterile Saline - Triage Tags - Bandages/Dressings We keep an extra bag, in case we have to split up. The ambulance is also fully stocked.

I work for as a paid employee for a 911 responding service during the summer. During the winter, I am a full-time undergraduate student...

Thought so. So, after you've debated it in class, what do you think? Who should you save?

It is a philosophical paradox. An argument can be made either way. Are you taking introduction to western philosophy?