spook000

Well, heres a thought from an aussie. Here in Australia, It is now difficult (underline) DIFFICULT to become a Paramedic without a degree. Although even with a Degree it can be not hard but a long journey. In australia at the current time there are only several Universities or collages that offer a Degree in Pre-hospital Care or Bachelor of Clinical Practice which are both Paramedic degrees. The Ambulance Services (EMS) here in Australia are run under the State governments, which are similar to the states in the USA. For example my state of New South Wales (NSW), has considered for the past couple of years implementing a system where it is a requirement to hold a university degree to become a Paramedic in NSW. Once you have been selected as an applicant you then undergo vigerous training system to the Ambulance Service of New South Wales standards of a Paramedic. It is a good system in theory but to implement the system would be costly, and time consuming.

My First call, was to a MVA, (Truck Vs Family Car) - (Fatal) thats how i saw in Christmas 06. Next Shift Second Call, Cardiac Arrest - 48 year old male athlete. (Fatal). At this stage i wondered if i was cursed.............. Second thoughts about this job! Next Shift, my Third call: Delivered twins on the side of the road, baby boy and girl. This is the job for me.

Firstly, ask your self is it necessary to have a First-Responder or is it practical? Yes well then, a First Responder is exactly as it seems. It takes your priority calls, and initiates Patient Care, as soon as possible. I guess setting up the car is relatively simple. The selection of the Vehicle needs to be made on practability, for example. Terrain, is it City based, Country. When you have selected a vehicle.... What nexed???? Fitting it out: what is the role of your First-Responder??? Is it to initiate treatment until an avaliable Bus is avaliable for transfer or will your responder unit transfer as well? Say it is only for Response jobs not patient transfer. Equipment. What equipment is required? BLS or ALS. In Australia, our First Responders and Advanced life support, (ALS) and are only ALS, with further training as we work solo. We respond from job to job until a bus is avaliable to take over, as our vehilces are quicker, obvious reasons. Our services has even enlisted the Aid of Motorcycles, fitted out with ALS equipment, to aid in quicker response times to isolated or hard to reach patients in large Malls if required. I guess the thing you have to consider is the role, and your budget. You dont need the latest car, or equipment. you might be surprised you might have spare equipment to fit your vehicle out. just keep focused and on track and you'll get there mate.

It is difficult to compare the two EMS services to each other. Yes there are similarities with the services, Both respond to the aid of another person in need of help. But the foundations of both services i believe are like chalk and cheese! I work in both services in Australia (NSW) and from seeing both sides of EMS comparing them is well, as stated before, Chalk and Cheese......... And i agree with PACMAN search or research is the best way to get an understanding my friend.