Siffaliss

I can't get your post to quote for some reason, so you'll have to try and follow....

I get pissy when I see people taking bows for shit that they've not earned, and implying that they are 'greater' than they actually are. Plus, being pissy is just sort of my nature.

I never once implied greatness. I simply said I had options available to me and plan to explore them. Sorry if you don't.

I've assumed nothing. I've got several good friends from here that do medicine in Canada, and a couple of days experience listening to them speak of their scopes of practice. You can crow all that you want about the options that your someday to be finished education is offering you, but sometimes you've gotta get real. That is what my post was about

The EMT-P scope in this province is higher than that of yours from what I understand. Again, sorry if your choices haven't led you to where you want to be.

There is no question that you created accounts and ran up your popularity points. We've got posters here that create amazing posts month after month that haven't done that in years, yet we're supposed to believe that you're just so much more awesome that you did it in a week? Bullshit. Or that you were a victim of someone running them up without your knowledge? Double bullshit. And again you try and lie your way out of it, I didn't benefit from that, nor anyone else that I'm aware of. Good try, but it just aint gonna fly.

Unlike you, my life doesn't revolve around what happens here Dwayne. Whomever did it obviously had time on their hands, and I could care less.

And yeah, it's been a few years, but that's not nearly long enough for me to forget that you defended it. I would have forgotten in the next week had you simply said, "Yeah...I kind of went off into the ditch." But to continue to lie about it shows issues with your self esteem and morals. Own it and it goes away, continue to pretend that you were simply a victim of people loving you to much and it will stay forever. I could care less either way.

I seriously have no idea who did it or why they did it. There were a few people who ended up with many more of these oh-so-important popularity points you keep rambling on about, you were one of them. Ask admin to look into it if you're still so concerned, so you can quit dwelling on something so insignificant and get on with your little life.

See, you go again to the 'medic-head' shit instead of addressing the issues at hand. This has nothing to do with me competing with you. You're not out of school yet. I've been blessed to have done things, and you're only just bragging about the things that you may do. Again, your assumption that I'm offended by you because I feel that your awesomeness somehow diminishes me illuminated your arrogance and self delusion. I felt that my post was pretty clear, yet you ignored the obvious points.

I have several great options available to me now, and even more so when I'm done school. Never once said I was awesome, just that I'm happy with where I have the ability to go now AND even more so in the future. Sounds like you're jealous of someone who currently has less education and experience perhaps having more options than you.

And I hope that nothing stands in your way. I truly wish nothing but happiness, peace and success for you. Again, you try and deflect by pretending that in some way I'm attempting to block your access or success, because that is the easy, bonehead argument. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Never once said I thought you were blocking me in any way. You just seem upset that I can go places. Not sure why ... Shouldn't people be happy for those with good opportunities instead of getting mad at them? I'd be happy for you.

My hope for you is that you'll back up a few steps, take a breath, get real and do the things that you need to do to succeed. You arrogance, excuse making, deflecting of anything that you find uncomfortable....perhaps you can succeed with those things firmly in place in your personality, but I've known few who have. I wish better for you than that.

Dwayne

I am doing the things I need to succeed Dwayne, although I keep forgetting to report my progress to you in a timely fashion. I think perhaps you're the one with the arrogance here. I don't run from things that make me uncomfortable; perhaps in my younger years before I got a backbone ... Let me tell you something about me.

Something about me:

- sounds corny, but when adversity hits and takes me down, I roll with the punches after my 5 minute mope and get back up again

- I don't sit around feeling sorry for myself when something goes wrong in my life, I do something about it

- I run with my successes and learn from my mistakes

- when I want something and have set my sights on it, I work hard for it and I goddam get it ... nothing is for free

I've yet to apply for registration or take a serious look at moving to a different country, so there's still no guarantee for me if that makes you feel any better. Possibilities are there, so please stop being jealous or mad or whatever it is you're doing. Just be happy someone can be successful by working for what they want.

How so? What scope of practice do you currently have? You're still in school, right? When do you graduate?

Why do you get so pissy all the time? EMT-P's in Alberta are trained to very high standards. I'd jump the gun and say more so than you but I haven't looked into the medic scope for your state. So like you, I don't know. Unlike you, I won't open my mouth about it until I do. If you want to know my current scope of practice as an EMT and future paramedic you can look it up yourself at http://www.collegeofparamedics.org ... I didn't start this post to get into a pissing match about who's scope is bigger than the other.

Where are all of these options from all over the world coming from for someone that can't operate beyond a pretty basic BLS standard, and do nothing autonomously?

Autonomously, see above. Don't assume that an EMT (no matter where they're from) has absolutely no scope or standing orders. "Medic-Head" is rather unappealing ...

If you make over $65/hr, which would be about double what the best paid U.S. medic that I'm aware of , if you skip fire, makes, it doesn't seem like that would be much money to you. Plus, that's nothing for an AMI. I'm guessing that you dropped a zero unless he has pretty good insurance.

My overtime rate including differentials for a weekend night is close to $70/hour, how about you? Eat me. And I have no desire to get into fire, so if that means looking elsewhere than aforementioned states, then so be it. I'll take a pay cut if I move there no matter what. And as for the bill, I'm not blind. Trust me when I say it was $2700 ... and they can't even give TNK which would have been appropriate in this case, so that was some pretty pricey air and morphine.

I've been watching this thread and trying to stay out of it, but man, the whole, "Yeah, people all over the world are scrambling to hire me..." bit is getting old. I questioned you when you managed, what, like 150 popularity points in one week, and I'm questioning you again...

You've managed several hundred points (more than twice what I have) for being an ass half the time ... That whole thing with whomever was voting up the posts of SEVERAL people on this site was what, 2 or 3 years ago now? It affected you too so get over it and move on.

And I never once said people all over the world are scrambling to hire me. I've had friends with equal or greater training move to places such as the US, Scotland and Australia so what's standing in my way?

What do you bring to the table that makes you so confident that you have all of these 'options?'

See above comments, however I will repeat it for you. A few I know with equal or greater training/registration have done the same before me. It seems to upset you that I have a few options, why is that? Want to move? Look into it yourself.

You're certainly not standing in MY way

It's merely one option I'm considering. I realize the difference in systems and costs; scope of practice is much different than what I currently have. Health care for myself is a concern in the US, as I recently saw the ambulance bill for my dad's AMI in November (he lives near San Diego). $2700!!! They fuggin' charged $80 for oxygen and $30 a mile for transport? Come on ...

Anyhow, I'm looking at several options. Certainly not for the $$ if I move south, I make more than twice as much here as I would in any US state. I'm looking for new experiences and have several options.

It's one of the states I'm looking at might be visiting there in May/June ...

Actually the OP is Canadian chick

I have an American dad (no relation to the infamous Stan Smith we see on TV), and a Canadian mom. My dad moved back to the US after being a 1) landed immigrant, then 2) permanent resident after 9/11. He never gave up his US citizenship and moved back in 2005.

I'm just tired of the short summers and would rather move somewhere with steadily 'reasonable' weather. Plus I want to explore more, and my occupation allows me to do so. I am looking into both OZ and AZ (along with a couple other states). Time to change things up for Siffy

I'm exploring three options for within the next 12 to 18 months. The more time I spend away from my city the less I want to be here when I get back. Tired of the long, cold winters ...

That helps a bunch DFIB, thank you. I didn't realize EMT courses were available online there so that's great info. I've got 6 years in the field here already, so if I have to do a couple of online courses it will be good review.

PERCOM was the name of the school?

As for a green card, not a problem for me. I have several relatives who are Americans residing in the US including my dad, and the Consulate has told me (in no uncertain terms) that I have an ace in the hole with that.

Again, thanks for the info

Questions to those who have moved to the US for EMS ... asides from citizenship

- what processes did you have to follow?

- what state did you move to?

- documents from education you had to provide?

- did you have to write any exams?

- etc etc?

- etc?

Been city for 4 years now, not long compared to some but my senority has moved wayyyyy up due to high turnover ...

Anyhoo, I've never seen morale this low.

To all you Alberta Paramedics (with expection of Edmonton) I suggest you fill out the HSAA employee satisfaction survey, its online

http://www.hsaa.ca/home

I've received this survey and have filled it out. Why wouldn't I do so simply because I work in Edmonton? Because I won't paint my job with a happy shmappy brush? Finally after nearly 3 years, AHS is starting to realize "whoa wait a minute, maybe we aren't doing as well as we have been telling everyone" ... they might actually be starting to listen to us.

It's not the job that's tough, it's generally the BS surrounding it. Some issues which have already been stated are:

- shift work (mental and physical exhaustion)

- lack of free time (also see above)

- work politics (stay out of this completely)

Make every effort to keep yourself "balanced", as this will certainly contribute to longevity in the field.

Yeah. I don't know, dude. You're 16 and a new dad. I just don't know that congratulations are appropriate in this case. While I do sincerely hope that you, mom and baby are healthy the three of you are going to need a huge support system in place from your family and friends. I hope that system is intact and in place.

You've probably gotten plenty of grief from your parents and her parents and others. And I'm certainly not trying to give you any grief here over this. But perhaps it's time to step away from the computer, focus on your kid, finishing school and figuring out how you're going to handle the responsibility and costs of raising a kid.

Good luck to you.

Well said.

A couple good points rom. He has however due to previous issues worn out his welcome with me. Not that it means much, so I guess after trying to take time and being lied to I'm being a dismissive asshole. Have fun with him.

Mike,

you got me. I do agree with you..but let me clarify one thing. That is the best way for me to learn. I read it (often more than once or six times) then I talk about it, then I do it. Or I get hands on instructions as I am doing it. Those are the best ways for ME to learn. Who knows what this guy's "best way" to learn is. I don't know this guy from Adam of Batavia maybe he is actually a Medic just trying to stir up S&*^* in here, or maybe this how he learns. I also look at it this way if he asks a question that is totally off the grid of what we do and it bothers you then don't read it and don't reply to it. Really it is that simple don't chastise the guy for asking a question. If you choose to answer it maybe it will remove that little bit of rust that we all get in this biz and maybe help us remember some of that information that we might of once knew but have now forgotten.

He's a 16 year old kid who hasn't even started school yet. These guys are correct, he will ask a random question, hasn't done any reading, contributes nothing to the post he started.

For anyone, males or females, respect is as previously stated earned and should never be expected or demanded. EMS is an industry where we eat our young which in some cases is unfortunate. Not sure how that works in the fire world as I'm not fire. I've only been in the field for 6 years but what I've learned is this ... you need to learn how to adapt, like FAST. Don't go in anywhere expecting everyone to change to fit your ideal of a perfect job or workplace. As much as it can pain some people, sometimes the new dog coming in is the one that needs to do the changing, hence learning to adapt quickly. Take what he says with a grain of salt. Sounds like he's trying to get a rise out of you, so if you've got thick skin then show him. If not, get thick skin. If you can't, perhaps you should look at another career. But quit letting them take advantage of you and quit doing their work as well as yours. If they're refusing to go on calls, I would think that's negligence on their part.

I dunno who will agree and who will disagree with me on this point, but here it is ... as a newb whether it be the industry or just a particular service, probably not a good idea to start running to management with complaints right from the start. But that's just me. Whenever I've entered into a new service during my short time in EMS so far, it's always eyes and ears open with mouth shut. Harsh yeah, but the truth in a lot of situations.

For the record, I am also a female.

To those who say this is the norm, that society pushes the boundaries every year. I agree, but look at the crime statistics of teenagers in the 50s versus today. If you do not think that the angry lyrics in rap music do not influence young gang members you have your head in the sand.

Yes, it's music that's to blame for everything that went wrong in the world.

"If you do not think that the angry lyrics in rap music do not influence young gang members you have your head in the sand".

Sure, maybe gang members are influenced by rap. Why do kids join gangs? Perhaps for a feeling of belonging ... maybe intimidation, maybe protection, maybe other friends or siblings ... who knows, that's a whole different topic.

Did most of us want to go blow my head off when Kurt Cobain did? No. Did we all want to to hang ourselves when Michael Hutchence hung himself while trying to rub one off? No. Generalizing the inactions of a stupid few does not mean that Nirvana's music will make one suicidal, or that listening to INXS will make one want to try traumatic erotica.

Perhaps it's you who has their head in the sand? Doesn't seem like you can look in any other direction.

Got a 9-1-1 last night, dispatched for "subject sick". Dispatch gave us the further information.... "56 y/o female subject says her head is stuffed up. Wants to go to the hospital."

We ended up transporting.

Some people I just seriously wonder about.

That stuff is quite typical during flu season ... as ridiculous as it is.

Ok, this isn't particularly funny but I couldn't see another forum suitable for it. I was gritting my teeth a little ...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2079050/Mary-Ellen-Lisee-calls-911-tell-police-I-ate-food.html

Ah political correctness at it finest banning music .. this song was banned 2010 by the Canadian Regulator for Telecoms, Radio and Television because one individual complained that it had the word "faggot" buried in the lyrics somewhere. It has been a hit for more that 20 years.

Seriously? It's been banned? My next few comments would be better reserved for another topic ...

I guess it is time for a new song to point a finger at.

New generation.

Because most of you heterosexuals like to procreate and then abandon your wife and kid, leaving the child to be raised by no one (because the mom is at work all the time), you have to protect children from these influences. Violent songs create violent actions, especially in the young.

That would be like saying all you homosexuals are nothing but a bunch of rave-going puffs that like to do ecstasy and poppers and wear assless chaps while occasionally dancing around naked to 'Macho Man'.

Don't generalize the inactions of a precious few and say it 'pretty much applies to everyone'. I think we all know that narrow minded kind of thinking doesn't get anybody anywhere.

Just because there are shitty parents out there doesn't mean every parent now is the same. And just because a few kids are stupid enough to really take a song that far, doesn't mean they all will.

I simply feel that standards are a good thing, and if we keep lowering the bar, I wonder when does it stop- with explicit sexual acts on the Disney channel?

Very good point. I have a friend who was telling me about when saying the word pregnant on television or radio would get one fired and a reputation tarnished forever. But do we think we can shelter each up and coming generation from 'whatever happens next'?

my point ? People are humming this song and have no idea what the words are. It is a horrible song, and it should be banned or forced to have a warning label. Inciting people to violence, especially kids is the last thing we need. I am not a bible thumper, but a catchy tune that has a bad message is not a good thing for impressionable youth is not a good thing.

I'm no bible thumper either, but what does that have to do with anything? And how do you figure the song has incited violence so far? Got stats? I've yet to find any associated with this song, and I did search.

Please, nobody listen to Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, for fear you might be subliminally coaxed to go drop some acid and hallucinate for a few hours. Nobody should listen to Kurt Cobain either, as he posthumously forced several impressionable teens to commit suicide.

As much as I was bullied and not helped with it, I knew the difference between right and wrong and never stole a gun and went on a shooting rampage at my junior high school.

Besides, most things we watch in theaters or on TV, or video games people play would likely do way more to promote the sort of violence we seem to be referring to here.

Just to add:

If not for said song, the following monstrosity would have never been created. I dare you to watch the entire song. I guarantee this will damage you for life in ways that cannot be defined in any known language. You tell me what is more damaging, some hipster song or an old school favourite that was mutated into a 1970's monster around the time said hipsters were competing in the canal so to speak. Enjoy!

I knew Steve Martin was strange, but wow ...

Cheers for taking the time to reply!

We are thinking of moving to canada but not for a while as have to wait until my step daughter is slightly older. My wife has relatives in saltspring island just off vancover island so probably into the BC area if thats right?

I have heard through friends that work in Calgary that the BC system is slightly different as you have to be part time rural before you can go full time in the urban area? I dont know how true that is?

It all sounds slightly confusing as things are very different when you compare provinces?

The job I am currently doing at the moment is geared towards CBRN terrorism and mass casualties and taking paramedical care to the patients in that enviroment so i am trained in Breathing apparatus, Confined space medicine, Working at height, swift water rescue, tactical medicine, public order situations etc. Do you have those sort of teams working in Canada or is that more a fire/police thing?

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks in advance,

Matt

Hi Matt,

In Edmonton we do have CBRN, TEMS (tactical). I think it's mostly fire and some rural services that would have confined space, etc. Fire and EMS are not amalgamated in this city.

A few years ago when I was first starting out in EMS, it would seem that working rural was like a right of passage for newbs coming into the field. They'd have to get experience on car rurally, then MIGHT be considered for urban ALS. Things change however and it seems as though potential applicants are getting younger and younger, and are barely out of the house never mind having any actual field experience for a couple years ...

Does anyone workout and find it to be a benefit on the job?

Don't typically have time while on shift, I work mainly urban and we're fairly busy. A lot more than some and less than others, depends on who we're compared to.

Anyhow, as tired as we are and as much as we want to go upstairs and have a drink after a 14 hour night shift, sometimes it's nice to go for a run or do elliptical for 30 mins. Something HELPFUL after a shift. Having a drink can help to relax etc etc, its even better after even a 15 min run which I've recently been finding out ...

Reasonable AND a little scary. Seems like people either love or hate the song. I happen to love it, however do hope that people don't take it to heart and act out, citing the song as their trigger.

Kurt Cobain et al ... (liked him too, hated the Bitch although she was good live in concert in the 90's) ...

I recall hearing about the meaning sometime after the song first came out. It's essentially about a kid who's tired of being bullied and decides to plot revenge.

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=22941