medicKristina

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is a super interesting concept! I wonder if it works as they hope it does...similar to induced hypothermia worked for a spinal cord injury. In theory, it makes sense. But I have to agree - studies would be super interesting and the results would be captivating....

WOW! That is such a great, simple idea, it's a miracle it hasn't been thought of and implemented throughout the country! How much time, money and effort would this simple system save. Mind you, not the ideal job, for any medical staff. However, possibly rotating through one shift per work week to lessen the demand and patient load for your "home" hospital seems very "do-able". I know that Vegas could REALLY use a similar system. Most "party" cities could certaintly benefit from this. Shame it isn't more common....da*n shame....

This is an iffy topic for me, a Columbus resident. I also have my EMT-P license. I have had no luck on finding a 911 career here because all 911 emergency calls are handled by Fire/EMS... I do believe that a tiered system (Medics, Squads, first responders, etc) is an excellent way to allow individuals like me, who excel and have a passion for EMS, to focus on patient care, while freeing up those who truly want to be Firefighters... I think that if the system is correctly mapped out and integrated, incorporating the surronding townships and areas, that it could be succesfull. Thoughts from anyone in Cleveland or a similar system? Thanks!

Ummmm....hello! I have to agree - reading labels is IMPERATIVE! Who gave them an insulin bottle anyway - seems like it's not just the nurse who couldn't read....

Hi Wendy, I happened to see the same video on NBC (can't remember if it was Today Show or Dateline...) and was AMAZED! As I watched the story develop I felt certain that the diagnosis would be a brain tumor and was so surprised to hear encephalitis.... When the woman talks about not remembering ANYTHING of the time before her treatment took effect is mind blowing and numbing - how many "Legals" "Crazies" or "Drunks" have we picked up, strapped down and dumped on a hospital bed? God bless her family for keeping tabs on what was going on and for not resting with the simple answer "Your loved one has had a psychotic break". I can only hope that if I'm in a similar situation that my family stands behind me and the responders (both EMS and Hospital) have an open mind. On a side note, I believe that the article brought up a good point - how many people, especially young ones that we don't expect to have psychotic episodes, have been committed and not fully evaluated simply for lack of having a family that is insisting for a true diagnosis... Thanks for bringing this to the attention of EMT City Kristina EMT-P

So so so very true Phil! BTW Love your posts!

LOVING IT!

I have been taught from Basic level through to Paramedic - Palpate the abdomen for rigidity and tenderness. In this case, obviously it was tender. However, rigidity would have led you to suspect internal bleeding. I'm curious, what was your diagnostic impression of this patient? Are there additional S/S that you didn't post? Also, what were his vital signs?

I have to totally agree - I'm passing on this one, and not because of the not work/kid safe warning - I'm good with just imagining it with the reply posts!

Let's see - today is the 7th, so 7 days ago, I lost my NR licensure and it was a very sad day. I can't blame anyone for it but muself. I procrastinated and ended up not having my ITLS. I benefited from having my Registry initially. My school was in Ohio and I decided I'd like to work in Las Vegas. I was grateful I had my NR! You have to have your registry to sit for the protocol test and even ride. However, when I moved back to Ohio, I wasn't on the ball with my CEUs and classes. And for my own fault and lack of foresight, I now would have to retest the practical and written portions. Although I initially passed each with flying colors, I can't lie - I'm scared that I'll blank on pedi intubation or the combi tube. What if I forget to add dressings to a wound before elevating? What if my backboard straps aren't tight enough for the proctor (god forbid it's the KED I have to do). I plan on getting my Registry back, but I also plan on studying my butt of so I pass with flying colors again. Go for it, get your Registry cert - If nothing else, but for the pride of knowing you are certified at that level. It's not easy, but it's not supposed to be! You'll feel so accomplished when you're done that it'll be worth every penny invested into testing!

I am SO glad to hear that everyone escaped major injury. There may be some mental trauma, but hopefully that can be overcome! Of course, it is also a good thing that something like this happens at a Level I trauma center - at least they could handle the situation if serious injuries occurred (assuming that their area wasn't damaged as well) God Bless!

I worked with AMR in Vegas and they run a dual response system too. I left for the same macho bru ha ha that was mentioned in another post....you get tired of it and yes, frequestly the driving was not within safe limits with some of my partners and those nights, I was always happy when the shift ended. AMR, in my personal opinion, isn't the best company and staff...I was happy to leave and come back to Ohio.

Thsoe were some funny stories...I remember the one about the pic of the car, pic of money, pic of handcuffs...In fact, I've thought about doing that if I get a ticket from one of those!!