rock_shoes

First off. Good luck to those working for Calgary EMS in getting a pay raise. Just because some of our brethren to the south are willing to work for peanuts doesn't mean we should do the same. I currently make $25 an hour labouring in a sawmill while I try to get on with BCAS (interview's next friday so wish me luck). There is no way an EMT/PCP or EMT-P/ACP should make a similar hourly wage to a general labourer.

Secondly. How in the he!! has EMS failed to be declared an essential service in Alta.? I'll be the first to admit that BC politics are loopy as can be but at least we got that one right.

Patient complained of no other injuries. Nothing else noted upon secondary exams. Elbow was swollen and painful. Parents say they heard a 'pop' when they got her up. Patient was alert and oriented. Not sure how fast she was going at the time. No LOC. No numbness or tingling in extremities.

We have numerous ATV accidents a year. Per our protocol, all get backboarded, unless they want to sign a release (as per hospital's orders the last few years). Our thinking, especially with a 9 year old, is if they were thrown off or fell off hard enough to cause a significant injury as described then YES, she needs boarded, which we did. Nurse at the hospital questioned us for quite some time about WHY, and did it in front of the patient's parent. Parent commented that they were glad we took the extra precautions, than not. Nurse was irate that we had her on a backboard for a very minor isolated injury.

As I stated before, she was later taken to another facility for more advanced treatments.

In that case it would have come down to whether or not you deemed the elbow to be a distracting injury. That all depends on the patient as everyone handles pain differently. I suspect it would be considered distracting in a 9 y/o. I certainly wouldn't fault someone for bringing her in on a board.

tniuqs, I take it you managed to get the lowdown on what actually happened. I'm happy to hear it wasn't what was indicated by the initial poster on the other forum. That would have been a real black eye for the profession.

Tough to say based on the information given. How fast was the ATV going at the time? Did the patient remember the entire incident without gaps? Did the patient hit her head neck or back? Did the patient have any indication of a concussion? Numbness or tingling in the extremities?

That is inappropriate on so many levels it's sickening. If what the original poster stated happened, that instructor should have been fired and his paramedic license suspended until a proper investigation of the incident could be done.

Thanks for the very sound advice Al. I most definitely intend to go for my PCP ASAP. The only reason I'm applying before I've done it is because I want to get my foot in the door and accumulate some seniority. Also I really dislike doing much of the private sector work. Going three weeks without so much as handing out a bandaid really doesn't do anything to increase my professional experience. With Industrial EMS it's either nothing or the ^*&(* really hits the fan. No in between for the most part.

As for working in small rural stations. I think I'll quite enjoy putting in my time there. Some off my top picks on my station list selection were Golden, Field, Rossland, Lilloet. I grew up in a rural area so it won't take much adjustment for me. Also I'd love to spend some time working in the Kootenays. Climbing ice and rock, and skiing are pretty high on my list of favorite activities so anywhere in that region would be a good fit.

Cheers,

Ed

836 after a few minutes of playing around. How did you do?

$30k a year as an EMR (like EMT-Bish education? What like 120 hours or something)? Dude, that's pretty good. In my province you would be making zero dollars a year as an EMR because they don't function in EMS here. In fact, EMR is generally worthless here, but I digress...

My application is in process for BCAS as an ACP. I'm good (they have told me, at least education wise), I just have to wait. I hope I don't have to do a "behavioral based" interview though...It may bring back those unfortunate incidents in the past...

I've said too much...

They are doing an active employment drive for ACP's right now so you should be set. $30k a year would be about a $20k a year pay cut from what I currently earn working at a sawmill running various equipment and covering first aid. That's why I ask if that's a realistic earning potential. Losing extended health and taking a $20k a year pay-cut is a pretty big leap but I'm prepared to do it if that's what it takes. The biggest reason I want to get started with BCAS sooner than later is because I will then have the option of doing my PCP over 8 months as opposed to 4. More time to absorb the information in the compressed BC program and vastly better experience than what I'm getting at the sawmill.

Here goes. I'm currently working my way through the BCAS hiring process and I have a few questions for those who have been through it. I've finished both my class 4 and EMA licensing for my current level of training. Also I have submitted all the requisite paperwork that needs to be included with the application package. I finally have an interview June 29th.

1) The interview is a "behavioral based" interview. I have zero experience with this type of interview and as a result it makes me a little nervous. What is it like? Is there anything specific I should do to prepare?

2) Currently I'm licensed as an EMR, but I would like to take my PCP ASAP. Would that be considered a plus or a minus? I understand that they want the best trained people possible but having new hires take time off right away to go for more education isn't exactly cost effective.

3) I can survive on $30000 a year if that's what it takes to get started but I don't know if that amount is a realistic level of earnings. Should I be prepared to work a second job to supplement until I'm able to finish my PCP?

Thanks for any replies/advice in advance.

Ed

Not to try and discourage anyone but wouldn't being colour blind make it much more difficult to assess a number of visual s/s? My concern would be for the medics ability to do a proper patient assessment under those circumstances. Maybe there are ways around that I don't know. I've always been able to rely on my colour vision.

Personally I could care less if a partner is gay strait or otherwise oriented. It's completely irrelevant to the job and doesn't concern me in the slightest. As long as a gay partner isn't chasing after my strait rear end that is. It's kind of flattering but once you tell them your straight they better knock it off.

Why not get a copy of your drivers abstract and see if it's even on your driving record? If it isn't on your driving record you have nothing to disclose. I would tell them the truth if they ask of course. I'm a little surprised you don't need an abstract to apply to a service in your area. I'm currently applying with BCAS and one of the things they specifically ask for in the application package is a copy of your drivers abstract.

To be honest I can't understand why this thread has carried on for so long. I'm just starting out in EMS and I would NEVER do something outside of my scope. I would like to progress through the levels of EMS and risking my license at this early stage would fall into the stupid risk category in my opinion.

Dust, I like the plan.

Too many new EMTs in my area (fresh out of EMT school) are more interested in driving the ambulance than patient care.

It's unfortunate so many of the people in your service would rather drive the ambulance than attend to the patient. Myself I would much rather be the one attending as much as possible because I'm just getting into it. I'm not entering the field to drive an ambulance. Maybe that's just me. I like Dust's ideas for the most part. The only problem is that many services wouldn't have enough drivers with the over 25 rule. I know much of BC would be hooped in that case. BCAS is facing massive retirement numbers in the next 5 years. Also I do think the lights and sirens have a place as long as they are used correctly.

"A Profesional Tramp"

I'm a BC licesed EMR in Merritt BC. Currently looking for work, and planning to take my PCP as soon as funds permit.