Pro_EMT

I will be honest I didnt read your whole post, but, I will tell you what I was told when I first got my license years back. An old timer said good you passed, now keep your mouth shut for the next three years and watch what others do, listen to many, trust few and if you dont know what to do... go by the book. And if the "Senior EMT" wants to talk sh*t, than she should have stepped in corrected the situation because she/he has more experience and should know better, second, if you look bad than she/he looks bad which in turns makes you, your partner, and your company look incompetent. Good luck and lay low for the next couple years..

I worked for several EMS agency for several towns and some private, however, one private company I recently joined doesnt offer nor mandate Tb testing. Is this legal in new jersey or anywere?

My grandmother was recently taken to the hospital by my squad and MONOC ALS unit. Upon arrival at the hospital the medic kindly asked my P.O.S. uncle to sign the HIPPA/Notice of Privacy Act. My POS uncle wanted to read the PCR before signing.

I explained to him there are rules and regulations reguarding obtaining the information on the PCR. He refused to sign the HIPPA/Notice of Privacy Act, due to the fact the medic refused to let him read the PCR. MY POS UNCLE is pissed at me telling me i dont know what im talking about.

My understanding of the HIPPA/Notice of Privacy Act states that the Pt. health information will only be disclosed for several reasons. First the Pt. health information or PHI will only be disclosed from one healthcare professional to another/ Treatment for the Pt. Second the PHI will be disclosed to insurance companies for billing purposes. THIRD (which i explain to him) the Notice of Privacy act states how you can get a copy of the PCR once it has been finalized. And that the MEDIC has the right to not disclose any of his findings until after the Notice of Privacy act was signed and he follows the companies policys.

Now my POS uncles argument is that he has the right to refuse to sign somthing that he cannot read. And i agree however I explained to him that he is not signing the PCR but the Notice of Privacy act/HIPPA explaining how the Pt. PHI will be used and if he wants to see this is how.

Than he further states he does not have the right to sign because he is not next in line. I explained that as long as my grandmother verbalizes to the medic he can sign than it is ok, and the medic will sign as a witness. I also explained that he didnt have to ask him to sign because he could right Unable to sign due to: and explain why example Pt. was too weak due to undiagnosed illness.

BY THE WAY POS stands for Peace of shit uncle! anybody who can give me some sort of documentation that confirms what i am saying will be appreciated. if i am wrong can sombody provide me with facts.

I am currently looking to get my New York EMT-B card. I am currently certified by NJ and would like to work in NY as an EMT. I was wondering if anybody has had any trouble achieving there NY EMT card? Any help is appreciated.

Awwww, you guys beat me to it.

ANyways, yes the question is what are you considering a save?

12 ROSC calls that survived to discharge is quite incredulous, especially at age 17 and on an all BLS possibly volunteer squad.

You have yet to answer the questions I posed to you earlier in this thread. Knowing those figures would help me appreciate your situation, especially # calls ran and units utilized.

There are members here who have been in EMS as long as you have been alive, I am almost there. I have worked in some very busy systems with very mixed demographics and a wide array of situations and I can not claim 12 saves to my name.

DO yourself a favor and look at the research, especially the stuff put out by the AHA and tell me what they say about "saves".

How often do they occur and how often does the person survive to discharge with all neuro intact and return to the same quality of life they had before the arrest.

Now all of this is a moot point if your definition of a save is they got a pulse back before you cleared the ER. Regardless, to list such a thing as an accomplishment is a profound display of immaturity and lack of professionalism.

SOmeone else said it earlier and I will repeat...your employer was probably being nice and was quietly thinking you are an idiot or very naieve. I will just assume the latter.

We are not here to destroy you or discredit you but please note you do not need to put the fluff in our nutter sandwiches or anyone elses for that matter.

***When applying for a job, let your education and presentation of character do the impressing and securing of the job.***

Clearly it comes down to what you think is a CPR save. Very rarely will a CPR save pt. not sustain the same quality life as they did before. I happen to work in an area were we have a high elderly population. Therefore we average roughly and this is a statistic by my captain 2 CPR jobs per month.

Yeah... and is this an EMS job, or an ambulance job? There is a difference, you know.

Hold your celebration until you actually punch the clock. Chances are, this guy was just being polite. The proof is in the callback.

I'm curious, if you already know it all, and already knew what you were going to do, why did you bother to come here asking questions? Your questions impressed me. Your responses did not.

I ask questions so i can get an in sight on what people think, and from people whom have obtained more experience than me. Im current awaiting scheduling- and its muncipal EMS 911 if that answers your questions.

I have heard of two deffinitions of a CPR save. Dont quote me on exact details. My squad adopts the Techinical CPR save deffinitions.

Technical CPR Save: Is CPR done in the pre-hospital environment. Were the patiant regains a pulse and can obtain a blood pressure by the time of ED arrival. The pt. has to also make it to be discharged out the the Emergency department whether to ICU, discharged or etc.

Real CPR Save: Pt. dead, CPR started Pt. some how makes discharge from hospital and continues a healthy and normal life.

LMAO!!

Excellent point, Deano!

This is what happens when somebody watches a couple years worth of Turd Watch episodes, and then thinks they now have two years worth of EMS experience.

Well i just went into my first interview and i listed my CPR saves. My employeer was actually impressed he said because he has hired people with more experience you havnt had half the CPR experience as i did.

I made my own- being I do computer graphics. You can PM me and I can design yours. Then you go to stapples and by the pre-cut bussiness cards (clean edge) the the design i give you into Microsoft word bussiness card lay out and copy and paste the design into the template and click print. Simple and easy.

I think they are great to staple along side your resume. Its great if you are trying to do sit ins at games and establish connections along the way. you dont really need them except its nice to have.

Are we talking survival to discharge or ROSC? Not that it matters, because CPR is not exactly brain surgery. Heck, I might as well put that I've never lost a patient as an EMT in my resume.

discharge.

It has everything to do with a few factors, namely

1.) Most transfer services are Medicare fraud mills.

2.) You will be asked to do unethical or illegal things in the name of profit.

3.) The management of these companies do not want EMTs, they want wheelchair van drivers who use oxygen and and take a blood pressure.

4.) Most transfer service protocols are very conservative, in the "please don't sue us" kind of way.

5.) You are basically dumped on by everyone, 911 crews hate you, nursing homes hate you and other medical professionals hate you.

I work transfer, and try damned hard to treat my patients and be a true EMS professional;But, at the end of the day, you go home and no one respects you for anything you did that day, it definitely affects your morale toward the job and willingness to continue.

As far as your resume, if you did something wonderfully amazing, say so. Otherwise, a brief synopsis of your position and a rough idea of the responsibilities you had in your position, will suffice.

I agree with you 100%

Yes, I am too good to do transfers, just like I am too good to clean toilets or dig ditches. You have a problem with that?

So anyhow, back to the original question, this presents a dilemma. As an employer, I and many others, do NOT want to see volunteer experience on your resume. Like it or not, being a volunteer says many unflattering things about your professionalism. But, on the other hand, having been certified two years without any experience doesn't look so hot on a resume either. Therin lies the dilemma. Of course, I realise that NJ is in it's own little world and tends to see things differently than the rest of the profession too. :?

What I would most like to see on a newbie's resume is education. Your willingness and ability to complete education (not training) indicates to me your willingness and ability to pay attention and learn new things. I want you to learn to work for ME, the way I want you to work. I do not want you to simply come to my agency and do the same thing you did for somebody else for free. Therefore, if you have any relevant education besides EMT school, you should certainly hilight this on your resume. Did you take Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, Psychology, Sociology, or advanced mathematics in high school? List them! Don't just list "high school" in general. Do you speak a foreign language fluently? List it! Did you serve as an athletic trainer in high school? List it! All these are things that I would look favourably upon as a potential employer.

Also realise that if you are applying for a non-EMS transport position, many of them also are not interested in volunteer EMS people because they usually don't stay long and do a half-arse job because they would rather be doing real EMS. And EMS experience isn't that relevant to the transfer business anyhow, so again, consider if your volunteer experience is really a relevant positive to your employer before you emphasise it on your resume.

Actually, you should consider that probably any EMS provider (as opposed to horizontal taxi service) who hires you before age 21 probably sucks and is probably not worth working for. Think about it, if they are that indiscriminate about who they hire, how much faith do you have in any of their other professional policies? Keep that in mind.

My squad pays four EMTs. Three out the the four are no good- the one is ok. So for sombody to say volunteers dont do nothing thats a big statement because half the NJ is volunteer EMS. I have 12 REAL CPR saves on my squad. Thats not volunteer expeirence to list?

Backboard and C-collar both- pad the voids- apply oxygen- do investigation on the abdomen because that warrents attention to internal injuries.

The KED has betters uses.

Imbobilizing a Child

Hip Injuries

I would never use the KED unless the car has allot of room the spare and time on my hands. As long as you took proper C-spinal protection hold the head and etc. your fine document well becasue it may be used in court

How did you arrive at your decision to use a 9-in roll for flutter valves?

Somedic

Roll it out to size cut with shears to square and tape.

In my jump kit i cary a roll of plastic wrap- I cut it at 3inches so i have a 3inch role and a 9inch roll. The 9 inch i cut down for a flutter valve and a severe arterial bleeding were all my other dressings fail- trauma pad on top and wrap it with a 9inch roll. However i have never used it on a burn Pt. nor do i treat many. I would assume you can use a trauma,abd, or etc with standard saline solution to wet it down and cover it with plastic wrap to make an oclusive dressing to prevent infection. But, stick to your training if it is within your scope to use an occlusive dressings- and indicated on a burn pt than go for it, ill check my books and get back to you.

NJ EMS is horrible, so is the healthcare system does not suprise me NJ EMT and Resident.

I have not been doing EMS my hole life but I have been volunteering at my squad for 2 years and certified. I currently ride about 150 to 160 hours a month including the time and effort i put into our bike unit. However im going into college and i cant volunteer forever i want to transition my talent into getting paid. However i do NOT want TO DO TRANSPORT. Therefore i need everyones advice into getting into a paid emergency ambulance corp.

What would a employer like to see?

I have no previous EMS employment.

I posted this in BLS care to but i got to many opinions and not enough facts

I am a volunteer EMT with 2 years experience and going to go paid once my school work lets up. However I was reading an article that explained why getting your own personal insurance is good. They explained that your squads insurance is going to look into the best interest or there company before the defend you.

Here is what i found for EMT insurance quotes (HPSO.COM)

1)

State: NJ

Profession: EMT-B & P

Employment Status: Employed Part Time

Limits of Liability: 1,000,000 / 3,000,000

Recent Graduate: No

Annual Premium: $100

Premium includes state surcharges & Tax: $101.75

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

2)

State: NJ

Profession: EMT-B & I

Employment Status: Employed Full Time

Limits of Liability: 1,000,000 / 3,000,000

Recent Graduate: No

Annual Premium: $145

Premium includes state surcharges & Tax: $147.54

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

3)

State: NJ

Profession: EMS-Student/Volunteer

Employment Status: Employed Part Time & Part Time

Limits of Liability: 1,000,000 / 3,000,000

Recent Graduate: No

Annual Premium: $75

Premium includes state surcharges & Tax: $76.31

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

The rates are cheap for volunteers however I may have to see the restriction and better off going with the Paid non volunteer EMT insurance due to the fact i would like to go paid.

Any input or advice would be help full

Recently when i dusted off my squad constitution book i was reading allot of crap but then i found something said rules about LOSAP (Length of service award program). I said to myself what the hell is that. I did some research and its a program for volunteers for so many hours you serve you get so many credits, these credit hours take working hours off your pension. I asked around and found out that my squad discontinued this service to us members, my question is why would they do something so impractical?

For or against- Explain why?

Pro_EMT, I suspect that many services choose not to use the LMA because the LMA has many pitfalls. They include:

-Easily dislodged: The LMA is easily dislodged and requires constant attention, something that is difficult to achieve at best in the pre-hospital environment.

-Low pressure seal around the glottic opening: The LMA provides little aspiration protection.

-Low airway pressures: With peak pressures above 20 cm/H20, air will bypass the seal and enter the gut. This further increases the risk of aspiration.

The design of the Combitube seems to be a little more favorable in the pre-hospital environment because you can ventilate with slightly higher airway pressures, it provides additional aspiration protection, and the self seating action of the proximal cuff makes the ETC less prone to dislodgment. While I actually like the LMA and agree that it has definite advantages in the controlled setting of the OR where you have a fasting patient, I would urge you to do a little more research and consider some of the pitfalls of using the LMA.

Take care,

chbare.

Im not disagreeing with the LMA has its fault- its primary use was for in hospital use to put people to sleep for surgury- HOWEVER as an EMT-B were limited with out training specially with the bullshit in NJ. They dont even want us to check blood sugar because its "too invasive"? The LMA does not take a brain surgion to insert- like everything its practice and perfecting. Ive used them serveral times in the hospital under doc's orders and they are very quick and efficient the key is to get them in on a code before the person vomits because i would assume it would be very hard to get a seal. Ive done the research on it and spoke about it with my doctor (my uncle). The problem with EMS is that every state is on a different page and they have to unify the EMS system across the nation. What do you think?

I've carried that companies policy for many years. As stated above I don't advertise that I'm covered, BUT it's there just in case the need should ever arise. I don't plan to allow anyone to take my home or anything else I've worked for. The price of the premium will barely keep your car filled with gas for a week these days.

Which policy do you reccomend from the insurance company? Because i read they three one is EMS Volunteer? That makes no sense and then one is EMS Basic why dont they say EMT?

I had coverage with that company for 4 years. I let it lapse, only because I forgot. I've been meaning to do it again.

Here's the catch though :

I agree you should purchase it.

HOWEVER,

Sorry for cyber shouting : DON'T ADVERTISE IT!

You don't have to disclose it unless you are SUCCESSFULLY sued.

And if you think you employer's got your back, you're sadly mistaken. If you get sued and it's over whatever your employer coverage is, guess who foots the bill? Most likely, they will go after your employer since they usually have more to pay out. But if you get stuck with a sum, now you've got a cushion. Not that I ever plan on needing it, but it's cheap enough to help ensure your house doesn't get taken away!!

I agree i never want to get sued nor am i asking for it, but I volunteer & am going paid and I dont get along with my president at my squad- so i dont think they would back me. However, i provide service to a fairly wealthy nieghborhood and they look to get easy money at a vollys expense. I appreciate your input.

EMS and back pain go hand in hand. I have been doing this for 2 years- completing my 3rd i go the a chiropractor every other day and currently have trouble sleeping due to the intense pain i sometimes get. If you wanna do EMS wear a back brace- I wish i did.

The reason I would like to stress is not so much of loosing the law suit rather, I wonder where people would come up te money for attorney fees... this is my main reason for the liability insurance. Attorneys, fees costs more than most people make yearly..

R/r 911

I agree with you completly I just wanted to make sure im not the only person who thinks Insurance is worth it.

Do any other deparments (bls) use LMAs. I like the combi-tube but it is what I was taught. We can only use them in code situations. Although I have not used one in the field, it just doesn't feal right?? I can't explain why.

What do you think?

The use of NJ EMT using LMA is prohibited however i did much research and have inserted them in when i vollunteered at the hospital. The think the use of LMA are quick and easy and require no scoping were the ET tube does.

I feel BLS should be able to make a smooth transfer of care in the prehospital setting. The use the LMA's inserted by BLS prior to ALS arrival would be great due to the fact that once the LMA is inserted you have a secure airway and the ALS provider does not need to remove the LMA nor does he have to scope the airway it gets inserted through the LMA WHICH IS QUICKER!

So as BLS, and BLS in NJ i feel we should have the use of them i think the USE of LMA by BLS in the systems its used in should continue to do so.