drichards275

I guess the amount of practice time as an EMT would depend on the type of service you can get in to as an EMT. A slow paced, low volume service might require more time, where as a fast paced busy 911 system will afford alot of experience in a short time. I have always recommended at least 1 year to "get your feet wet" while under the proctorship of an experienced partner, preferrably a medic to offer guidance and education.

:? I can almost say for certain, by the time my system see's RSI and it is an accepted by our medical director for our Paramedics to perform it will be an already established BLS skill by the state. You might say he likes to keep his thumb on us..

Deny transport to an ER? No. Deny transport to a prompt med facility or a hospital other than our own Regional hospital? Absolutely. We have 3 Helicopters within a three county area, no more than 25 miles apart so transport to a trauma facility is usually done by them. But here is the question. What if, hypothetically speaking you and your partner (same gender) are sent to a patient (opposite gender) claiming abuse. Do you transport or call for another crew with that same gender. If you call for someone else isn't that denying transport, (by you). Me and my buddy were discussing this very thing today.

Don,t rush right in to Paramedic school without some experience. There is a thing called book smart and street smart. Learn how to treat your patients, experience some injuries and illnesses before being "thrown into the trick bag" and becoming overwhelmed with any particular case and having the burden to be prompt on recognition and treatment. I've been a medic for about 14 years following about 2yrs as an EMT and the experience my time as an EMT afforded me paid off significantly during Paramedic class and my career as a medic. Cases were alot easier to recognize and the ease of maintaining composure was a benefit.