Kaisu

When running an intercept - and having that gut feeling that it's going to be a train wreck - having some rocking music up really loud helps defray the nerves. It has to be by mutual consent tho - generally the senior person on the rig sets the station and the volume. No music with a patient in the back.

I carry trauma shears, my ears, a bunch of alcohol swabs and a pen. The rest of that stuff is kinda like a blanky - makes people feel secure to carry but of limited practical use.

Me too. The unilateral dificit is not typical of hypoxia due to near drowning. I wonder if a neurological incident is what precipitated the drowning.

I like doing the rig check. The routine helps me get into the right frame of mind for what I need to do. When the tones go off, I KNOW that everything I need is where I need it - can't buy that kind of peace of mind and confidence. I check everything at the beginning of my shift - everytime.

You promised not to tell anyone! :oops:

OMG Spenac.. I really didn't think this post would pull in anyone who seriously thinks it's about banning knives - Once again my eyes have been opened... :shock:

Math at 0300 can be challenging. When I do the rig check, I make sure there is a dopamine drip chart elastic banded around the dopamine... and I'm pretty good at math.

oops - me bad... I read DVT - Nonetheless, tPA in stroke is nowhere near as effective as when used in ACS. The outcome works out roughly in thirds - one third get better, one third have no change and one third DIE. I think if I was having a mild stroke I'd waive the tPA - on the other hand, if my stroke was a big one I would probably have it - for an arterial blockage of the leg - no way.

Skeletal muscle can go hours (as much as 6 to 8) without O2 and not sustain permanent damage. 4 - 6 minutes without oxygen will cause the neo-cortex to start to die.

The clot in the leg is already there and you don't want to do ANYTHING to dislodge it. The last thing you want is that clot moving and going into the lung. The heparin is to prevent further clot formation.

I took a similar course ITLS - international trauma life support. There were paramedics, EMTs and even a physician in the course. The paramedics took a different test than the basics. It reinforced assessment skills, exposed us to different extrication and immobilization devices and reinforced the "load and go" concepts. I took it during paramedic school and personally found it to be a "merit badge" type course in that I don't think I learned anything that wasn't taught in paramedic school. I thought it was "dumbed" down. Although there is practice in intubation and pericardiocentesis, both ACLS skills, there is a lot of other stuff that would be directly applicable to EMTs.

just to clarify - systematic vasodilation will have the blood rush from the head to the extremities - its gravity man...

S*** happens. Glad that wasn't my call.

Nice link - thanks Doc. The education continues.

congrats! good job.

Sounds like you passed. I had 80 questions and passed. My first words when I came out of the test were "honey - I think I failed" - very disconcerting feeling. Let us know when you find out.

A google search of Medical adoptions international brings up nothing but this one web page. The search on the phone number also brings up another site - this one supposedly promoting dog fights with pitbull puppy starter kits. It's a joke folks.

One of the key factors in the development of PTSD symptoms is an actual or a perceived loss of control and autonomy; in other words, the individual believes that they (or someone close to them) is in imminent danger of death or grievious bodily harm AND they have no control over it. When therapy is attempted, a key factor often overlooked is that the patient HAS to be in charge of the therapy. Well meaning but damaging therapists will "push" a patient to "let it all out". This exacerbates symptoms as the patient is once again not in control of the situation. When people who have suffered a trauma of any kind CHOOSE to talk about it, it is critical that the listener not try to control the conversation to produce "therapeutic" effects of any kind. Bottom line - individuals are experts on themselves; especially in areas like recovering from trauma. Stay safe.

Did you note the sex-trade reimbursment for entertainment while in town to meet your new son or daughter? :shock:

good for you!... and good luck with the aforementioned goals. Be perseverant and stay safe.

You said something nice :shock: I musta missed it.

Tough call girl. One of the hardest things to learn in this life is what we have control over and what we do not. In this situation, you and the parents were helpless. You were a witness to another human being's indescribable tragedy and that is a VERY important role. Most people cannot stand the feelings that you describe and so isolate themselves from the people suffering. They do this in many ways. By being present and willing to be there with them you are giving them a great gift. Sometimes, the only thing we can give people is our willingness to stand by and stare into the abyss with them. Take care of yourself now. You've made a great start by sharing this with us. This call will be a part of you forever. It is a privilage to be in this profession to be there for our patients at times like these. It takes a special strength and a total willingness to serve. God bless you girl. Love Kaisu

You guys (and gals) are warming my tiny black heart. It means so much that the people I respect so much are posting. It would be very different if you were saying WTF - that idiot passed so.. thanks a lot for posting

... that's paragoddess if you don't mind :D/

Oh gosh - I passed the NREMT - took a look at the site this AM and it says I passed. Thank you for the advice and support. You people are amazing. Now the real learning starts. I can hardly wait.