ladyemt51_2000

Lol Phil, I meant the author of the newpaper article:)

Possibly the author of this story was also a patron?

So, if you don't want to be a professional EMT and you have plans of becoming a federal angent anyway, why are you wasting a slot on the class roster? Do you not understand these classes have a limited load capacity and you are taking someone's slot who actually wants this as a career? I am pretty sure that federal agents make a hell of a lot more money than even professional EMS. And by the time you acheive the federal agent gig, why are you going to want to run volunteer EMS out in BFE? I think not. You need to seriously look at reality and if you want to jump puddles of gasoline, be a gas station attendant, not an EMT.

If you stick around here long enough, and I sincerely hope you do, you will learn this site promotes the fundamentals of EMS as a profession. The "elders" here have copius amounts of knowledge and they are eager to share it with anyone who asks. EMS is more than stocked jump bags, POV lights and EMT stickers and patches. It's medicine and the art of practicing medicine. It's trading ideas, sharing knowledge and helping each other grow. We are about promoting EMS as a profession. Until we have mastered the core of EMS, all the best stocked jump kits in the world aren't going to make us professionals. Most of us were where you are now. Wanting to be prepared, being excited about EMS and wanting to help others. We have learned, though, that carrying 50lbs of equipment around in your POV doesn't make you any more prepared until you know when, where and why you are using the equipment in the first place. I am willing to bet that after you finish class and get some time in, you will see that traveling lightly is the way to go. Good luck to you in your studies and training. Even if you have so many hours to do ride time and clinicals, it isn't a crime to get more time in. Practice makes perfect! If you have any questions about class or need help with anything, there are people here who will be able to help you better understand what you are learning.

Seriously, you are not going to need all that stuff. I lived out in BFE for 10 years (and I was usually first on scene if anything happened) and never needed anything more than a steth, BP cuff and gloves and a cell phone to call 911. If nothing else, make sure you have gloves to protect yourself. Honestly, there is really nothing much you can do until the ambulance shows up. Put your money towards good quality education and at gas prices the way they are, spend the money on gas to get extra ride time and clinicals done. That, in itself is how you are going to effectively help your patient, not by carrying a fancy bagload of gauze and bandaids.

I wonder if the nylon wind pants with cargo pockets would work for you? The waist would be elastic and you would have the cargo pockets similiar to regular medic pants.

Nick, I have been swaying to and fro about continuing with my Paramedic. I had one semester under my belt and then I had to take a leave to bring in more money to the household. I also have some health issues which were getting me down enough to make me question my abilities and whether I could even do the work anymore. Your post has made me reconsider my options and make me more determined to go back to class next spring. Between now and then, I am going to lose the extra weight I need to so my knees don't feel like like they are going to give way (I have arthritis). I am going to take care of myself, and work hard to save some "cushion money" so I can focus on studying more and working a bit less. I am going to lose myself in my textbook. I am going to pick up where I left off. "Whatever your age, make it work for you" is my new mantra instead of "poor pitiful me". I have done EMS for over 10 years now and have loved every moment. I am good at it and desire to learn more. I thank you for giving me reasons to keep going. Good luck and the best of wishes in this career. We need more medics like you to keep this profession exactly what it is, a profession.

One of my preceptors was gay. Best damn medic I have ever worked with. Everyone respected him and he knew his stuff. I have also worked with lesbians and have never felt any indifference towards them. They are who they are and I am who I am. I am just like that though, I guess, from always being the outcast in school, I am more sensitive to others feelings that in itself has made me very open and in touch with others. I know what it feels like to not be liked and I don't treat people like I was treated. Do unto others.....

I recently attended a patient's visitation for the first time. She was a regular with us, as she had many health issues. We went as a group and wore our dept coats. We went in, paid our respects to her and her family and quietly left. It is acceptable, where I live, to go in uniform. I may add that many our patients are elderly with their family living in other cities and states. By going, it lets them know that we cared about their loved one and we care about those left behind. It gives us an opportunity to let the family know we are grieving with them and we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

I recently resigned with my dept because I am moving and I don't know whether I will continue "giving it out for free". I am a bartender, which I truly enjoy. It's good money and I like the challenge (yes, there is a certain challenge to my job, if performed correctly). I also have hopes of finishing Paramedic class, perhaps next year. I will say that the people on my previous dept had decent jobs, all very hard workers and I was extremely proud to be a part of the group.

I have been amazed at the different personalities I take on and how quick they change with each call. From the little kid with a scraped knee at the county fair, to the Alzheimer's patient who was once a nurse now unable to care for herself anymore, to the 40's something guy who's corneas and organs I watched being harvested after an MVA, and to his girlfriend who called his name from her cot while we watched on as the coroner pronounced him dead in the next bay. All of the calls important in their own way. I never knew I could be so versatile in so many different situations, and I have carried that into my personal life as well. The things that used to make me fall apart now challenge my mind and encourage me to think rationally and act effectively.

I have never worn a badge and probably never will. I see no reason for it for myself, personally. In fact, the only reason why most EMT/Firefighters carry wallet badges around here is to get in free to the strip joints.

I was in an MVA several years ago where I had a compression fx to my t-5 vertebra. One of the EMT's was a minister and he sat in the back with me and held my hand during transport. He asked if I believed in God and I told him yes. He then offered to pray with me and we did. He also went one step further and visited me in the hospital a few times while I was a patient there after the accident. I was grateful for the offering of prayer and felt a certain calmness during one of the most terrifying times of my life. I would certainly pray with my patient if that was their desire. Almost during any call, I say a little private something to God to guide my hands and help me through the call. I use prayer frequently whether it is said aloud or kept in my mind.

In my case, it was my husband (he was not in EMS) who cheated on me and eventually left me to be with the other gal (he is no longer with her either). I guess overtime, 3rd shift and working a 2nd job were a bit too much so he bailed. I am one of those who does what I have to do to pay bills and have a better life, even if that includes working crazy hours and I got kicked in the face for it.

Hey Vcfd, I have my job interview tomorrow so I feel your pain. I am in the middle of pressing a shirt and dress slacks right now. :shock: I would definintely go with the suit you feel the best in. Both colors are professional and so I would say pay attention to details then. Pick a tie that is understated but says you mean business. Make sure your shirt is pressed and shoes shined and free of scuffs. Check the heels to make sure they aren't worn down. As always, leave your cell phone off and your pager on mute, if you wear one and keep both out of sight. Much of this is just common sense but I am already checking myself for anything I might have overlooked. Good luck in your interview and let us know how it goes!

Thought this might be interesting as I was prompted to post this after the threads about EMS related wedding items. We have a nice collection of Code 3, a few Vanguard and Red Hats of Courage figurines. We also have some beautiful Christmas ornaments that are collectors items which were gifts to my husband. We have a couple of throw blankets and just different things like that. We try to contain our "whackerism" to home stuff only but I do wear a small gold star of life necklace as a part of everyday jewelry.

I took me almost two hours to download this (I have dialup out here inthe sticks) so I could see it but it was worth every second. I am taking a different view by saying if this tragedy moves just one person into making an escape plan, buying a smoke detector, ect. and arming themselves with as much information as they can in order to spare themselves or a loved one after seeing this, then it was worth the effort to post it on youtube. Thanks Asys for offering the link to us. My thoughts go out to the victims, their families and the firefighters/EMT's at this time.

I was suprised myself! But great idea, as long as they are tastfully done. I have seen the ones where they are split in two and thought they were kinda neat. Now come on, Rid, don't you have a small little trinket of EMS in your house?

This may sound silly but what about a very nice first aid kit, either one you put together yourself (maybe use a tackle box or something with compartments) or buy one already stocked. I know they aren't firefighters but also maybe a fire extinguisher, a smoke alarm, CO2 detector and a fire alarm (dont forget batteries!). I actually did a basket like this for my daughter who's slumlord/landlord wouldn't provide her with the fire stuff and she loved it. I also put a hot water bottle in along with a vaporizer and heating pad. She has used everything thus far (except for the fire extinguisher). You could put everything in a basket maybe wrapped with a cozy throw blanket. I'm big on theme baskets and they go over quite well with my family and friends.

http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/search.php?m...d3de75d2d9b1147 There are three threads in the middle of this page. Total search time: 2 seconds

I had trouble balancing studying and work. I also had problems with disciplining myself and forcing myself to just sit down and study. I kept thinking of all the things I had to do, housework, ect. I soon realized those things will be there after I get done. I prioritized and made it work. I also found that class teaches you the basics and not much more. I often felt the need to seek out additional info and further investigate it to really get the true meaning. Class was a foundation, anything more was my responsibility to learn.

I was on a dept like that as well. You can get a pretty hefty check at the end of the year (that's when we got paid) if you are an active member. We also were paid a set amount for every certification we held and that amount was added to our check.

This is when you take advantage of those times you are sitting around at the station with nothing to do between calls. Grab your partner or manniquinn and start going over your assessments. Know them like you know your own name. Make a few notes on your clipboard if you must but there will come a time when you will have to pop off your assessment and you won't be afforded the time to look for your notes. Practice, practice, practice....it's the only way to get them down cold. And while you are doing your practice assessments, take that time to perfect how you are talking with your patient. You will be suprised as you go on calls, how easily this will come to you. The first several times, I was scared beyond belief. It's healthy to be nervous and I would be worried if you weren't. If you are on a service that isn't very busy, get yourself on one that is or do ride time with another service who has a high call volume just to get the experience. Good luck and let us know how things go for you!

Wow, you have more of a plan put together than some adults I know! Get with a guidance counselor, kick some thoughts around and fine tune that plan. Like Rid said, get good marks, keep your nose clean and don't forget to have fun as well. I remember well....... being 15....you got the world by the tail......and it only gets better when you can make your own way in this world and be the type of person you can be proud of being. Please stop back and let us know what's up and if you have questions, please ask. You will get a lot of key advice from seasoned medics who know their stuff. Many good thoughts and wishes go with you as you continue your journey.

I am very careful about what information I put out on the www. When I created a myspace account, I kept in mind that a possible employer might be seeing my page and I was diligent in taking care in adding the contents. It just makes good sense to be more careful nowadays in so many aspects, be it personally or likewise. I don't agree with posting departments pics for the reasons stated by the above posters. There are so many implications and the possibility of the pictures being veiwed by family members is just a place I don't want to go. As a side note, at a place where I work, which is non-EMS related, I recently found the Yahoo profile and myspace account of my new supervisor. Had my employer taken the time to investigate before hiring her.....well, her credibility would have been shot before she even got in the door.