daniell68

Originally the topic was carrying O2 in a personal kit, I guess I did not post back quite right as I started talking about hands free cpr. But if you are going to or want to carry O2 in your kit, and you are a provider level in CPR, why would you not have a barrier? I said nothing about not using a BVM as a single rescuer I even mentioned using it for rescue breathing, and I agree that hands only cpr works and may even be better than the old way in certain circumstances. There is also studies on getting away from chest compressions all together and doing abdominal compressions, or even using a device that would cause a negative pressure in the chest on release of the compression. this is probably in the wrong post so sorry bout that.

BVM are for two person CPR, or one person rescue breathing with the AHA guidelines saying 1 breath per second and spend more time on the chest, it cant be done with one person doing chest compressions and trying to use a BVM. Hands only CPR is meant for lay rescuers not provider level CPR. As for carrying O2 in a personal kit, it would have to be a very rual place and as such would more than likely be even more of a pain.

Daniell it definitely sounds like Alaska needs an education overhaul if instructors are as you say they are. Is there only one paramedic school? I am all for people going straight to paramedic as there is no benefit to time spent as a basic. If you work as a basic while taking paramedic you will have had plenty of time to practice bandaging. You as captain (are you fire as never heard of an EMS captain? ) must work with new paramedics and help improve education. Many students and even experienced providers need help getting past bad attitudes and bad habits. Now much of this could be avoided if all were required to be Paramedics but that is another discussion. As to military to paramedic. Nope. I work with several that were classified military medics that work as basics, and it surprises me how little some know. But then a couple of them have tons of knowledge. They have all explained that some of them get to go get more education. But all agree beyond trauma they have limited knowledge or experience. Spenac, yes I am a fire captain, we do both fire and medical we are a ground als transport for 110 miles in and around our city. Yes we do need an education overhaul and to be fair to those managing the program, they are trying and changes are forthcoming. I did not mean to come across as bitter but we do a lot of retraining of medics of all levels that are not getting the quality training they are paying for and deserve, so if I came across that way I apologize. We are located between two military basses and we do get volunteers from both, and I do agree that their training when it comes to medical patients is lacking for the most part. As I have read further into the posts, I do agree with everyone being held to the same standards (wouldn't that be nice). and I hope in our area at least that will end up happening. Have to go for now but will keep up on this post as I am finding it very intersesting, everyone have a great and safe day.

Some people have a harder time taking a written test than practical ones, I would definitely study the material again, if you are a critical care paramedic and it was for a basic emt instructor it should not have been that hard for you. In any case keep with it, if its meant to be you'll make it.

AKflight medic, maybe before we talk about the difference in training for army medics we should do something about the training or lack there of for medics in alaska. I am an EMT IIIa in Alaska and have been paid in the EMS/fire for going on 20 years. I agree there are some differences in the training between military and civilians for good reasons. however the paramedic program that is going on in the interior is not putting out the quality of paramedic to be proud of by any means. The prerec for the class is EMT I (basic) but thats all, no time with a department, no time treating patients, no time on an ambulance nothing, right out of emt school and into paramedic class. Once the class starts they are taught right off the bat that they are better than Emt's, and as paramedics do not deal with vomit, emesis, or anything dirty that is emt work. So even though they are not even close to being a paramedic, they are running around the area with a bad attitude toward the emt level responders. Very few of the instructors are working in the field as paramedics most of them got their paramedic then started teaching and have no field experience. So if you are going to give me a choice on who to work with an army medic who has experience, wants to work, and wants to learn. Or the new paramedic or paramedic student that thinks they are better than anyone else, Ill take the army medic. I do think there should be a type of bridge course to go from an EMT IIIa in alaska to paramedic, I personally would love a chance at the clinical hours and extra training that would be needed.