gt3454

At Grady EMS back in the 90's the residents did a month with EMS (some ridealong as well as CQA review work). New Hire RN's did a couple of shifts. Helped the communication and understanding between the ER and EMS a ton. Should be done at most if not all ED's. One shift an an ALS truck with their busiest serving EMS unit would illuminate a lot of the differences for new ER staff.

I'm new to posting on this site, but I've been a paramedic since 1991. I've worked in rural and suburban EMS as well as metro-urban style transport and non-transport systems. I'm well aware that we all get frustrated with dealing with the BS of psych/substance abuse patients. What we should ALL be aware of though is that people watch what we do and say and sometimes, they even check up on us on the internet. I'm not sure how many of you saw this post. http://www.wsmv.com/news/16844880/detail.html#- It was linked from CNN's home page but I hope if you take the time to read it, you will note this quote from the reporter researching the policy. "Kalodimos reported that while doing research for this report, she found a post on a paramedics Internet chat site that said, "One good thing about Versed is that the patient won't remember how he got that footprint on his chest." To whoever put that gem out on the internet, congratulations, you have decreased the credibility of your and my profession. We do a tough job. It isn't respected by many, even those we serve, but you know it is important and it takes special people to do it well. When you start to feel that frustration building to the point where your willing to demean yourself and the work you do by posting are making comments like that one, take the time to remember why you do this work and why it is SO important to retain our professionalism.