fire911medic

Yep, I'll agree doc looks like he hasn't slept in a long time, but hey, I was pretty bedraggled myself coming in off duty and not near enough sleep. I definitely will be coming again this year, it's an awesome refresher and was well worth the money. As others have said, you just can't get this experience for so cheap anywhere else. Love the stations ran by the residents with all the individual systems where you can just pick their brains to your heart's content. The year I went the pedi station was great, but can someone PLEASE convince the weather to cooperate so we don't freeze our ever living butts off ? I'm not a fan of 12 degrees ! Too cold ! Otherwise, it's fabulous - so who's on the I'm coming list this year ? Call out !

I'm definitely up for this again ! Great learning experience and excellent to practice those skills we don't get to play with very often. Well worth the money !

I'm confused reading this simply because usually an ER tech functions much in a CNA capacity (in fact many hospitals in this area hire CNA's or require the EMT's to get CNA training). This sounds more like a clerk's position, however I do understand some smaller hospitals float their clerks to occasional patient care positions, but this isn't usual. Hiring straight paramedics (as a medic, not as a tech) is getting more and more popular to ease the patient load on nurses. Here they may triage, be active care in fast track for minor injuries, be the IV *itch for nurses and in trauma, accompany patients from small hospitals to larger on transfers, accompany them to CT, MRI, various tests, etc and critical patients to their rooms. I've not seen them function primarily in the capacity you describe. I know many medics hire onto hospitals as a way to get them to pay for additional training (most with the goal of getting their RN). Nothing wrong with this at all. Others do it as a way to get experience or do skills or knowledge to move into higher care capacities such as critical care medics that their local services can't provide the volume or protocols to allow them to move up. I learned a ton in my time working in the ER, got to see and be exposed to things that I would likely never seen on the truck for many of the services I worked for simply due to them being rural. It's come in great in my current job where I see much more. If this is your plan, look to a different hospital, I don't believe this position or facility is going to give you what you are wanting. If it's just money you are wanting (yes I know even CNA's make more in many facilities than medics on the street) then fine, but keep working a service PT to keep your skills. Don't use it, you'll lose it. I would venture to say that the people interviewing you will view you as overqualified (with the thought you'll likely not stay long or are using them) and choose a more appropriate candidate for the position - like a clerk. Sounds like you've got ambition and looking to move up. Try a lateral move to a different style of EMS if it's a challenge your seeking. I've tried all types and learned incredibly in each one so give that a look. Best wishes to you.

I hate to say this, but in my time in the ER of a very busy level 1 trauma center I definitely believed every bit of this was true ! It's an old circulation, but still rings true and I still laugh every time I see it.

Been there, done that, and talk about AWKWARD ! Hey, at least you don't have to worry about exposing the injured area !

hey Captain - I figured you out, where's mine ?

I think this follows much under the same acknowledgement of any other church situation. I kind of look at it as if I go into a church where everyone is praying around someone having an emergency, if I am an EMS member who believed in bowing my head when I prayed, should I take the time to bow my head first and say a quick prayer, or should I proceed to the patient and care for them first ? In my opinion, the patient comes first. I would and have proceeded in such a manner WITH the utmost respect to the religious institution. I have experienced crisis events in everything from a Catholic church in the middle of communion to a snake handling back woods church (and yes it was a call on a snake bite), in each event I was mindful that I was in a religious facility and to watch my tongue to ensure I didn't say anything to offend the presenting religion, but I would not deviate from my focus on patient care to observe their religious interactions, even if they were my own. I've never had a pastor/priest/minister, etc. call a service and complain about the lack of observance in religious practices - even if they knew the person was of that faith. Nor have I heard of the same disciplining a person while acting in the context of being on duty. However, I am sure if it were a similar situation without the emergency, yes I think they would have something said. And if you were to go in, even in uniform, but without responding to a medical emergency, I would think it only appropriate to observe the ritual of removing your shoes. Or if you choose, view it in a different light - forbid it ever happen, but if the facility was on fire and people inside, do you honestly and with your heart believe they would appreciate the help from the firefighters even though they hadn't removed their shoes (even if one of them was Hindu) or would they want them to keep their distance outside because it wouldn't be safe to encounter a fire without protective gear ? I honestly believe to do this job well, you do have to be able to separate yourself to a degree. That's not to say, I've not prayed with/for a patient when the situation permitted and was asked to. I'll be the first to say yes I have and even if all it did was keep my patient calm and relaxed on a very long transport, I acted in my patient's best interest. However, on the same, I've never said "just trust (insert religious figure of choice)" even if that was my own belief. I have to say though, if in serious question on it, consult your religious leader of your temple about what his/her feelings are about the situation. If there is a conflict, perhaps have your leader speak with your director to reach a compromise. For example, if at all possible, could the patient be moved to a neutral area where shoes wouldn't need to be removed by you (before you guys jump, yes I know some places only run a two person truck, or patient condition wouldn't permit and then you work with what you've got). But at least, expressing this to your leader (as does this discussion in general with him) would show that you are sensitive to the patient's needs and also your religion. Just remember that other than air goes in and out and blood goes round and round - any variation from which is bad there really aren't any hard and fast rules, especially when it comes to religion. The most common quote is with Jehovah's Witnesses, but even this can get you in trouble as some members of this faith vary on what is acceptable and what isn't. It's up to individual interpretation and what they believe. If in doubt, discuss it with both sides. Best wishes and let us know how it goes.

Tyler - well timed old friend. Nice to see you back again, I just wiped the dust off myself a few days ago. Welcome back.

Welcome ! As I tell all the newbies, there's some great people on here to get advice from, but remember it is the internet, so not all is as it seems. Learn and know your protocols, follow them, and you'll do great. Love the enthusiasm, study hard and learn all you can.

Yeah it is, I just hate it reads me as a rookie, seriously. Wish there was a way I could link my posts from both names (had to change previously due to some major issues, which fortunately are resolved, but now it looks like I have two identies). Ugh ! I'm just smiling and sayin' LIFE IS GOOD

Welcome, keep your ears open and you'll learn some good stuff (and well the other, just push it out of the way). Just remember this is an internet community, so not everything is as it seems or as it presents itself. Again welcome to the community and have fun.

This may be an unpopular response, but I've spent alot of time in very rural areas dealing with some very critical patients (ie times to basic ER may exceed an hour depending on where in the county I am and 2 + to definitive care). Many counties here carry basics only and medics are called for an intercept, or the county doesn't even have a hospital or the next one over has a 2 bed ER. No I am not talking about BFE, but we're pretty close to it. I was taught, even with urban which I spent a year doing just for a change of pace and even industrial. Do everything you can on the fly. Get the patient to the best possible care, and if it's not an adequate hospital, don't play around bypass it if the patient is stable enough and protocols allow. If not, fly 'em out. Don't make a critical patient sit for an hour or more in an inadequate ER and then get transferred and have all that transport time. It's not worth it. Of course making this decision is going to require much stronger diagnosing (oops we don't do that, we form opinions and treat those ) skills and you will find your skills getting much stronger because they will have to be. I love all my students to do rural rotations because it really does improve their skills and then when spending time in an urban environment with a hospital 15 minutes away they think they have it good. I'm definitely not fly happy, I think alot is flown that doesn't need to be, but I've also seen patients die or have poor outcomes that I suspect had they been in proper care earlier (ie cardiac and stroke patients) they would have been more successful. I'm not God, so I can't say that with certainty, but I would have been more aggressive. Of course, you have to work within protocols, but don't be afraid to push them a bit if it means better treatment for your patient. I'd rather explain why I flew out a stroke patient with known loss of function an hour ago than let them be transported an hour, then sit for an hour or more locally then get transferred the two hours. Forget that, if it makes someone mad, all well, they'll get over it. My patient got definitive care in about 30 min well within the 3 hour window. I'm happy and I'll explain that to a lawyer or my director anyday over why I didn't, and I'd never question my medic acting in the patient's best interest. Ultimately, keep your skills sharp, do everything on the fly, and if locally they can't take care of it, send them immediately to where can. Don't play around. Remember patient's first ! Act as if it was you or someone you loved, and likely, you'll never act wrong and they'll know they were treated with utmost respect which is HUGE in rural communities. These people likely will know you well and you'll deal with them alot. You'll know the good and the bad about them and if you always are respectful, you'll have a unique relationship that you just don't get urban. You'll do great I'm sure ! Take care and always be safe.

Yeah, something like a year and a half. Like I said, life has been happening. Got involved with some great activities and got them started (and it's been great !) and now that things are smooth again I've found my way back like the prodigal child. Thanks for the welcome back !

Thanks for the feedback few things though to clarify 1. This is an applying student - has not entered the program yet this is something I am addressing PRIOR to starting class - Lord knows I don't want to get into this situation in the middle of class 2. I would not consider this person a "friend". I am familiar with them as I know them and various people within the circles they travel, so I am objective with this in mind. I have absolutely no desire to be an enabler, and while they do have legitimate issues that MAY require pain medication (which as I said I am hesitant to believe they are physically capable of handling the physical stress of the job thus why all students are required to submit a clearance from a physician), I am unaware of any service that will allow a someone to perform patient care while under the influence essentially. Medically cleared or not. Do not want to elaborate on physical issues here due to it being a possible identifying factor. 3. The later date issue was confirmed today by the fact the student wanted to start class and planned to get off medication to see if they could do the job off it or not. The facility they planned to go to for dealing with the acute withdrawl has a waiting list - any other option would be a 30 day rehab and this facility specializes in people with physical issues potentially requiring pain medication. I did address this with the director of the facility and it was basically put back into my hands. I want to give the person every chance as I do know more than one medic that's had to deal with this demon, turned their life around and came back successfully. I want to give this person and any potential student this chance. This is my first encounter with this (knowingly) and I do commend this person for trusting me enough to come forward with the information which makes me want even more to make sure I handle this with respect and fairly. At this point they are applying for a first responder license so we are at the lowest level, but regardless, it is potential patient care. Thanks.

I've been in the EMS game for quite a while now, and been an instructor around the same, but I've reached a situation with which I'm not quite sure how to proceed and though I know I get good and bad feedback off here I'm going to bounce it off anyway because I've been running it through my mind and unsure what to do. Situation : Student (whom I happen to know well) is addicted to painkillers. No, at this point in their training, they have not been required to take a drug test yet - will be required prior to initiation of clinicals. This student states they will be going into rehab at a later date, and has shown up on a few occasions where they have been questionably high - student does have a legitimate reason that they could require prescription pain medication. Here's my issue : 1. Am I overstepping my bounds as an instructor to a) request a drug test on reasonable suspicion same as I would an employee even though my other students are not subjected to one and this is not a stated option in their orientation packet (needless to say that is changing next class) ? 2. I am not comfortable with this student potentially working on painkillers and most services which I have been affiliated with follow the rule of prescription pain meds and you are off direct patient care and driving. I have already confronted the student with concerns of this and the patient provided me with a doctor's statement clearing them medically to perform EMS (which I am suprised, but I'm not their doctor and the statement signed is requried of all students and specifically states what is expected of an EMS students duties), but also cleared them to work on prescription pain meds. 3. Do I run the risk of suit if I defer the student's enrollement in class until off pain meds and rehab is completed (note the student has come forward with an addiction issue and volunteered the rehab information because it would have required being gone over 3 class periods)? Here is my choice action and tell me if you believe this is within reasonable action or have a suggestion : Defer the student's enrollement with full refund ensuring place in next available class post completion of rehab with updated medical clearance without needing prescription pain meds allowing them to get the treatment they need without subjecting them to questions from other students during absence and also protecting potential patients. I don't want to jeapordize this student's future by turning them into the EMS board if they are able to function acceptably, however I have made it clear to this student that if I am aware of any abuse during clinical time they will be submitted. I am not reacting this way simply because I am familiar with the student and their situation, I would be sensitive to anyone, but on same token, patient safety is of utmost importance and I will NOT graduate a student that I deem to be a risk. Any input is appreciated.

This really is a loaded post/question as there really is no right or wrong answer to it. Was the cop justified in shooting the dog ? As much as I am an activist for animals and especially service dogs (note I am not claiming this dog was one or even truly associated with this guy) and hate to see anything hurt, if the officer truly felt threatened and felt the dog would seriously pose a threat to the patient and/or care providers then I can understand his actions. Do I think there may have been better ones to take ? Yes, but granted I am not the one there and not the one facing an unknown pit bull. As for the issue of checking on the patient after the threat was de-escalated - I do have a problem with the officer not moving forward to provide at least basic first aid for this guy. Any of you that have been on here very long know I have a strong advocacy for seizure patients and I'm not sure if the officer wasn't sure what to do (in which case that needs to be addressed by his department), was restricted to maintaining crowd control and preventing crime (yes it's happened multiple times that people were assaulted and/or robbed during or following a seizure), or if he just didn't think to act or feel the need to. Again, I was not in this officer's shoes and do not have to abide by his protocols, so it is easy to critique someone else when it is not us on the line. Either way, I feel a lesson could be learned by all and glad to hear all are okay following.

Thanks, it is good to be back and life is good !

Here's my thought - 1. Call the people at Red Jacket Firearms and let them shoot since they've managed to create a device for everything 2. Investigate buying one of those bunkers like the people from Deep Earth build 3. Run like Hell to said bunker 4. Let FEMA deal with the aftermath 'cause the government is just so good at cleaning up everyone else's mess.... Yeah, ain't gonna happen, but I had to start reposting somewhere

For all of you that have wondered hmmm, where has fire911medic (fireflymedic) gone ? The answer is life happened ! I didn't forget you all, but between everything going on, I just didn't have the time to put in here anymore. Now that life has returned to normal (not that it was bad, just oh so busy), I can come back and add my two cents here and there. Glad to be back and hope all have been well !