IndianaEMT81

Our local protocols are pretty much against the use of either the fistulas or the grafts. We have to go throught medical control to get authorization to even try. Our area is warming up to IO's being used more and more and not just for pediatric pt's. Critical pt's are given a couple attempts at IV access then we don't hesistate to go to our EZ IO's. In my medic class we had a very good presention from a dialysis nurs explaining why they don't like anyone to access the either of the dialysis sites: In the case of the permcaths the thinking was that some people don't realize that there is heparin in the lines and a flush would push an excess of heparin into the pt's system. With the grafts, there is a very high risk of infection. So they would just rather avoid that all together. Like I said though, I'm still a medic student and this is what I learned haven't had any critical dialysis pt's in the field yet. However, during my in hospital time, most of the dialysis pt's that needed an IV I was able to find a suitable vein and place one unless they had other major health problems that caused a lack of good potential IV sites. Don't know if this helps but this is what I've noticed in my area.

Mine is two days per week (8 hours a day) and lasting 12 months plus 360 intern hours after. Costing roughly $4000. Its at a local comm. college.

I work for a private ambulance company where a few of our dispatchers are. . . shall we say. . .ditsy. . . We were dispatched to a local nursing facility for a transport to local clinic. . . radio traffic went something like this. . . Dispatch 421: Could you tell me which where in the clinic this patient will be going to? Dispatch: The appt is for a checkup on pacemaker. . .(long pause followed by). . .ummmmm. . . so try the pacemaker section. =D> Pacemaker section?!?! Is that near produce or lingerie?!?! Me and my partner laughed so hard we couldn't even talk! This is the very same dispatcher when asked what the chief complaint was on another pt. . .she was unclear and the "pt is not SEIZURING at this time." WOW lol

I currently work in for a private BLS Transport co. and we have a 500lb woman whom is BKA x 1 and DEAD WEIGHT to slide on sheets. (Who by the way has a mini fridge on one side of her bed and a microwave on the other--no joke!) We take her every M, W, F for dialysis and you don't get a lift assist because our company is a bunch of idiots. But besides that point we also have another pt that also weighs over 700lbs but not sure on exact lbs. Our transport company has quite a bit of morbidly obese pt's and it seems that its definitely a growing trend. Just 2 days ago we were sent to a 27 yo. f w weight of 230 for transport. After we arrive, me and my partner (who is also a female) get her loaded and she was closer to 350. Anyone ever have that same problem with people not giving the correct weight and rolling up to something COMPLETELY no where near actual weight?

I am currently enrolled in a medic class through a community college here in Indiana called IvyTech. I have been certified for almost 2 years but some of the people in my class are EMT-B's that just finished that class in Dec. and haven't received their cert's in the mail yet. You might look into community colleges in your area that might offer the same. I hear a lot of people putting down the comm. colleges and their medic programs, but I thoroughly love mine so far. Hope this helps a little and good luck!

I am already feeling feeling stressed out and I don't start til next week from just looking at the books! LOL One of my co-workers who just completed the Medic class that I'm entering said that the first 2 months are the most challenging until everything that you are being bombarded with starts to make sense and sink in. Just try to stay focused and study! Good luck with your class and keep us updated!

Hi everyone love the site and just wanted to introduce myself a little. I've been and EMT-B for almost 2 years and will be starting Medic school here in about a week! I currently live in Indiana, anyways, Hi!

I am currently a basic and going to be starting Medic in a week. I work for a BLS transport service and that has helped to gain confidence in my skills. I know it's going to be rough with a full-time job, 3 kids and 3/4 time in Medic School. I know it will all pay off in the end though. Working where I do know, will allow me lots of study time during work hours and I have a very supportive and understanding family. I think you need to make sure that you have the time and want to dedicate to becoming a medic and then the rest is up to you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!