LisaO925

I don't know what to say. I have to learn what they want me to. The questions that we are to ask for PASTE are as follows. P-Progression - Did your SOB come on suddenly, or gradually over time? A-Association - Are you having any chest pain right now? S-Sputum- Have you coughed up anything today? What color? T-talking tiredness - I am going to have you count outloud for me, 1-10. = Pt. WPB (Words per breath) E-excersice tolerance - On any given day, would you be able to walk from here to over there (pick a landmark) without any SOB? We ask this, after our inital assessment, and then continue on to the AMPLE portion of Sample. Then focused physical exam, baseline vitals, intervention (Albuterol) transportation, and reassessment of everything including a complete head-to-toe while en route.

So far, in class, we are using PASTE for SOB assessments.

Even the teachers have said that when you get out in the field you will learn your own way of doing assessments and other "stuff". Until then, I have to do as they teach me/us in the class, and they go by the skill sheets the NR gives them. I need to "learn their way" Until I can find my way.

Progression Associated chest pain Sputum Talking tiredness Excercise tolernance T-indications for: Expiration date of medication Medication - correct for indiction Pt's medication - is it prescribed to the Pt Dosage Route

I dont really have alot of people at home, (well none any) that can help me with my initial assessments (SOB/Chest Paint/Abdominal Pain/BASIC-Head to toe exam) outside of class. Is there anyone who wouldnt mind helping me via IM chat set up an evironment, and run through a few basic initials and them some with PASTE / OPQRST/ including the TEMPDR's for them? You can just send me a message on here.. Not sure if it matters, but I am in CA, and I am only in EMT-B right now.. Thank you so very much Title changed to reflect content...AK

I am clinically obese too. If it comes down to a matter of professional apperance, I am very professional in class. My pants are clean, pressed, and fit me nicely. My boots are always clean. My shirt it bright white, and tucked. My hair is pulled back out of my face, and neat. I do not have any health related issues, (knock on wood) as of now. I dont think, or atleast hope that being overweight will not interfere with my job as an EMT. I am sure, that in all honesty, it probably will/does. I am losing weight, but not at all trying to be "skinny". I am trying to think about my Pts now, even before I have any. They are going to count on me to be as healthy as I can be. I have been eating better / less, (95% of the time anyways) and really trying to become more active. I dont smoke, and I dont drink. But I dont want anyone to judge me by my size in the EMS field. Now, I know that is just going to happen. So far, my teachers and class mates, and other EMTs that come to help us at Lab time have been very kind to me. But, I will be honest, its on my mind ALL the time. What are they thinking? OMG do they think IM too fat for this? Are they laughing at me? And I HATE IT. I dont want that out in the field. So, I am losing my weight for me, and for my future pts. And to be the best damn medic I can be once I finish Paramedic training. And I think that in my case, losing weight (ANY) will only help me achieve being what I want.

I thought Crepitus was when bone rubbed against bone??

I thought my husband was comming around.. I mean, he is, but not in the sense that I would like. He sees how happy I am in class, and how well I am doing. He knows that I feel comfortable and confident, and that makes him happy. But for some reason, both he and my dad are trying to talk me into ER Tech at a hospital. I am not totally shutting that idea down. But I would atleast like some time out in the field to experience pre-hospital care before going a different route. Otherwise, (I obviously am not 100% sure here) it would seem like all that I am learning, for the most part, would be a waste. I dont know, Im a little confused. I understand that this job is an impact on my family being that I am married with two kids. And that my husband just wants me to have a "steady" shift, and more pay. I dont even know how much ER techs are paid VS EMT-B's out here? I just need to get through this class, and see what happens, and go from there.

BWhahahahahaha Oh, I am so stealing this...

I am going to ask my teachers today. One is a Firemedic in San francisco, and the other is a paramedic with AMR here in my county. Of all places, San Fran would no shock me..lol

For me to be the test bunny, I demand dinner at the very least.. Preferably nothing with a drive through

Bend over

hahaha oh dont worry about that, I think WAY too much about things.. I did find this though, for the heavy drinkers out there

Ya know, its bad enough that for days, I have been thinking nothing but "scene safety / BSI, DCAP-BLS-TIC, etc" NON STOP.. Heck now I cant even fall asleep without going a full head-to-toe assessment running through my head. But now...when I was checking for 'vaginal bleeding in females' (in my head) my mind went to this. And I layed there, in my bed, thinking, "how in the heck do they stick a soaked tampon inside???" You cant leave it in the applicator, it wont soak up alot. You can not cram a wet spongy tampon up inside :shock: . So, how are these girls doing this??? Then of course the whole, "OMG I bet that burns" thought went into my head. My poor brain.. And the darn visuals... ughhhhh. And NO, I couldnt finish my assessment, I got too perplexed and disgusted, and slightly tired and fell asleep

Thats exactly how my school is run. Pass or fail basically, but whats most important are the amound of hours you have of class / lab time.

:shock: OMG

Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me. I did not mean to come across as looking for pats on the back. My first and foremost question was, is this normal, am I normal. And sadly my title was changed on me, and the thread went 20 different ways from Sunday. I didn't even give a situation to be patted on the back. I drove past an accident, and got excited. Then I questioned myself if that was a tad ggruesome or mental. I wanted to advice of seasoned professionals, and others if that is an okay feeling or allowable to go into this field. I didn't want to be going into this just to be a paid lookie-loo. Then for sure I would not do my job any justice, or my patients, and have no reason going into this field. Knowing that some people feel the same way made me feel better. That was the whole start to the thread. And then I did the mistake of asking another question with the original, and everything got lost. Now, this thread beyond where it should have been, and it totally out of control. If I could lock it, I would. I would have done it pages ago. Again, thank you for your time. I have alot to learn, and want to be very good at what I am doing. I look to this site for alot of help and info, even if I don't post daily.

Congrads for standing up, and for starting your Paramedic class. You sound like you will do just fine. I wish you all the luck with everything!

I get the fact that I am just a student. I get the fact that a few here seems to be Dusts groupies, and hang off his sac like thier life depends on it.. I noticed that a while ago I never said my school is the best. I said I loved it, and that I do know it has a great record of turning out well qualified EMT-B's. He basically, no he did, called me an idiot for wearing a uniform that the school TELLS ME I HAVE TO. What was I supposed to do. March into my class, say, "hey I want my money back, some guy on an internet board said we are all idiots, and your wrong!!!" I dont think so. Uniform, or not, whats most important is that I LEARN what I am supposed to learn. Do I have some sort of ego right now? No, I know my place. Am I proud of what I have accomplished so far, HELL YES. I dont think that there is anything wrong with that. So, its okay for him to attack me because hes Dust, but I cant even defend myself because I am a student, or a newbie? Or cause I have tattoos? Cause I ask questions? :roll:

NOPE, I didnt need it. But hey, opinions are like ___holes, and everyone has one. And just because ol Dust says my school sucks does not mean I am going to run out tomorrow, and drop the class.. If I keep going as well as I am, I will graduate top of my class. I am so excited! I will dress up in my uniform, and go to class just like any other Monday.

I honestly could give a rats arse what you think of my school. YOU didn't pay for it, I did. You didn't buy my uniform, I did. Your just a cranky man who lost my respect long time ago.. But, like water off a ducks back, it doesn't bother me. FYI our shirts are polo shirts with STUDENT screaming all over it. Its kinda hard to play JR EMT when it has huge letters front and back saying EMS STUDENT. We are not trying to be EMT's We are being trained, groomed, and guided on how to take pride in ourselves, our jobs, our responsiblities. Everything wrong, missing, or not in line counts as a negative on our record just as it would on a real ambulance company. Like I said, I LOVE what they are doing. I am all for it. And since this school has a high rate of extremely well qualified, prepared, and skilled EMT's, I will let that speak for itself. Now since I have grown tired of your constant negative time wasting antics on me, and others, I will just ignore you.. You do not benifit me at all, or help me towards me goal.

I would not personally stop right now, as is, just as a student and help, esp. if there was already EMS there. Now, when I become one, after school, I guess each situation will be different, and I cant answer yes or no. To comment on Dustdevils comments about uniforms in schools. The class I am in now requires that. At first, I hated it, but after hearing the reasons why, I really agree, and like the idea. We are being groomed to be professional. I greatly appreciate what they are doing. Most of what is required on the job is required for us in class. Instead of being written up, we are docked time in class ( which is so valuable) and or sent home. There are alot of guidelines in this class, alot of adjustments to make, and I am very thankful for the guidence.

Thanks... School started 3 weeks ago. Its going pretty fast, but I am loving every minute of it. The first exam was on Thursday, and I was 1 of 4 out of 50 students who scored 100%. It feels right, and comfortable. I haven't started to stress yet about anything I have read, or anything from lecture, or even lab yet. I am sure I will as it gets more in depth. I really like my teachers, and feel very at home. I do not want to get too cocky though, so I keep trying to ground myself and tell myself that it will get harder, and to just keep studying as hard as I am.. I am worried about the Paramedic part of the program though. Even though its still some months off, I keep thinking ahead, and get flustered about that. Esp. since the teachers like to remind everyone how EMT-B is nothing compared to that! I start my ride alongs at the end of February. I've asked to do more than the 2 ride alongs they want for the class. I want to do a night run, a day run, a weekend run, and whatever else I can get into.

Hahahaha