emt_blazer

My first call was on my way home from church one Sunday. I had just joined my vol. fire. dept. and got paged when I was about 5 min. from the scene. My husband (fiance at the time) was already on scene with another FF when I arrived. Full Arrest!!! Everything went so differently than the AED station for my state test, but we never even got to shock! She was long gone, but I worked her with the ambulance crew all the way to the hospital for almost 20 minutes. It was AWFUL!!! Her family was standing around watching us and crying and begging us to save her. It was sort of rough, but they say there's no place to go with a code but up, so we tried really hard!

I too agree with CPR and hot-footing it to the hospital. As a basic, I don't have a monitor that shows me a rhythm, but as an AEMT student I have become acutely aware that people can be dead-dead (not ever gonna get 'em back, and in the case, the baby either), but people can also be kinda-sorta-maybe-a lil dead (maybe you'll get momma back, maybe not, but maybe they can salvage the baby). I was always taught to ere on the side of the patient and just because Mom is a goner doesn't mean the youngin' can't be saved! They're both your patients afterall!

Well, I'm not sure that 95% is entirely accurate. That's probably an exaggeration, but I'm pretty sure its high in EMS. It seems like there is also rumors flying about people getting booty they shouldn't be getting or giving out their own booty where it doesn't belong. If you all get what I mean. It has gotten so bad that I've seen partners (aka co-workers) split up (maybe they were, maybe they weren't ?!?) and I've even seen the volunteer firefighters keeping track of the soap opera-like EMS drauma (and that's mostly men!!!). I think, and this is in no way saying its ok, its because those who cheat may have spouses that aren't in "the business" so they naturally don't understand the stress or the hours. Plus, its easy to "become the job" and when you have a co-worker etc who is also "the job" you think you have some cosmic connection and BAM! Next thing you know you're getting freaky on your next 24! Is that too general? I don't know. I'm lucky I guess. My husband is also and EMT, but he only volunteers with the FD, but he understands that its all I've ever wanted to do, so he's understanding and supportive. I must point out though that there are just some real hotties working out there, sometimes it becomes a matter of will power. PLUS, SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST SKEEZY!!!

Okey-Dokey! This was a MVA rollover (significant MOI) and you didn't use a collar or board and the pt. was transported! I don't know what your protocols are or if you have any, and I understand that you're volunteer on a non-transport, so am I, but if I didn't take C-spine precautions, the duty crew would beat me senseless and then use C-spine precautions on me! My thoughts are when in doubt ere in favor of the pt. That means always assume and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best!

I'll be honest with you, I would not want an EMT coming to save me drinking, but if it was just him being a stupid teenager and he's handled his problem, then I don't think it would be a problem. Besides, that would be his juvey record. Tell him to be honest about it though. Its always better to be honest from the get go than have it drug up later. That would make it look like he's hiding it, and maybe that he still has a problem.

Hey, DON'T PANIC!!! I have been an EMT for just under a year, and I was the same way when I first started. I do not work as an EMT (for $$$), but I respond with the volunteer fire department where I live. I have learned to harness the terror! Also, you just has to know you can do it. Knowledge and Skill is a small fraction of what you actually need to do, confidence is HUGE!!! Also, when in doubt, fall back and punt. Go back to the basics and slow down and think. If you still feel like you're at a loss for what to do, practice with the equipment and with your skills. Are you nervous about the assessments and all? PassEMT (a video) is a great review! Just relax. I know its scary, but most importantly, you have to remember, it's not your emergency! Whoever called you needs your help, not the other way around. Also, don't worry too much about hurting tha patient! Often, there's no place to go but up.