pennyj

I am a volunteer EMT. We work very closely with our volunteer fire company (which I am also a member). When we arrive on a call such as a MVA the fire fighters first concern is to get the pt. out and if not possible then make the scene safe enough for an EMT to be put in with the pt. I have been on a number of calls where the fire fighters have put me right in the vehicle with the pt so that I was able to render pt. care as soon as possible while the fire company was getting the pt out of the vehicle. I feel the most important thing is to work closely with your rescue team. Everyone has to work together for the best outcome for the pt. Being volunteer and from a small area I know makes a big difference.

I am an EMT-B. We are all volunteer. Our closet ALS assist is at least 15 minutes away. Depending on the type of call we may have ALS dispatched at the same time or we may have to request them once we arrive on scene and then meet them enroute. What we can do is the basic EMT-B items such as assesment, vitals, collars, boards, O2, control bleeding, CPR, resuce breathing, etc. Once the medic gets on scene or meets us we then assist them with IV set-ups, heart monitar (we can put everything on the pt. with this and start it so the medic can read it). We have received so many compliments from the medics for our service unit as having everything done and waiting for the medic. Most say we are better prepared then the paid units are.

In my area our main thing is for fall pt. as they are elderly. We also have a number of MVA's. I live in a very rural area.