Jump to content

maverick56

Members
  • Posts

    181
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Posts posted by maverick56

  1. Wow, just came back to this thread. Didn't think anyone had posted in it. I appreciate the bits of input from some of you, thanks. And wow, crotchity, I am really glad I don't know you in person because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to keep myself from kicking your ass. I can't help but wonder, do you just get a kick out of stirring shit up and pissing people off online? Or are you actually that ignorant? If so, man, I feel sorry for you. "PSTD is weaklings who are looking for a way out." Wow, just wow. I don't even know how to respond to that. Actually, I don't think it's really worth responding to.

    • Like 4
  2. Top Hut Duty .. yes same here, TP Turkey Patrol is the predominate phraseology.

    Hey wait when did Michigan get mountains and do you still have "Loud Powder" out east ? :devilish:

    LOL yeah we do. And I never said MI has mountains! Faaaar from it lol. I've spent a couple seasons in the Rockies, I do know the difference. There is some decent backcountry in the UP though, just short.

  3. Just an FYI (that's: for your information) this site has a membership world wide , yall think an OZ, Kiwi, Canadian, Israeli or German or even a dood from Louisiana would have one clue of what your yittering aboot ?

    Thanks Maverick "the queen of the acronym" to explain to we lower IQ members of WTF buddy is actually asking. My question would be that your National Ski Patrol medical background is half as much info as an EMT B, curious.

    In western Canada, Lake Lousy, NoShine and Marmot Glulch most Pro Patrollers at minimum are EMT / PCP with many Canadian Ski Patrol System Trainers are REMT-P, a good thing because we have some pretty big rocks here.

    cheers

    National Ski Patrol is a national volunteer organization with local patrols serving as volunteer first responders on the hill. Pro patrollers at larger mountains are all at least EMT-B, with most at big resorts being paramedics with a great deal of extra wilderness, mountaineering and avalanche training. Most professional patrollers don't have much respect for NSP members skill-wise, but they serve a great purpose, are good at what they do, and have enough skill to handle day to day issues on local hills.

    And "queen of the acronym"? LOL, gee thanks. I actually can be really bad about it sometimes myself, find myself often using Army/military vernacular talking to people at work, forgetting that I'm dealing with civilians until they give me that blank look, haha. Then I remember to translate. :innocent:

  4. OEC is Outdoor Emergency Care, offered through the National Ski Patrol. And to the OP,I have been taken that course, years ago before getting into EMS. It doesn't give really give you all that much "wilderness" training, it's basically a medical first responder course with a few extra skills like chair lift evacuation, boot and helmet removal, and some more info on environmental emergencies (mostly winter, aka hypothermia, frostbite). Not much in the way of alternative techniques/backcountry stuff - it assumes you are with an established patrol with basic equipment. Anything like mountaineering/orienteering, avalanche SAR and survival, and other backcountry stuff are extra certification courses through NSP. So, NO, I would not say that OEC + EMT-B = WEMT and the OEC course would be waste of time if you are not planning on being on a patrol somewhere, not going to teach you a thing and they tend to be waaay too intense about it for the level of care actually taught.

    • Like 1
  5. Ok, let's clear some things up. Army medics are ALL trained at EMT-B in AIT (advanced individual training, the school for your job after basic). Passing national registry is a requirement of graduation, this has been the case for many years now. CEUs have always been available, but depending on the unit and deployment schedule, not a priority. In my case, my certification lapsed because I had to spend my available time in schools like airborne and air assault and prepping for deployment. However, as of 2007, maintaining CEUs is required for promotion, so people getting out should all have at least NREMT-B.

    Depending on unit, mission etc, obtaining NREMT-P is possible and works great towards promotion points. In fact, for flight medics and warrant officers, it is required. Now, understand that, like the Navy, "medics" are all technically under an umbrella title of Healthcare Specialist, all starting at the same school with EMT-B and then specializing as straight field/combat medics, pharmacy techs, hospital medics (like CNA), xray, nutrition, etc. Some go on to LPN school. So training starts to vary drastically very quickly.

    Field medics like myself are trained to start IVs, push meds, intubate, suture, etc, many paramedic hand-skills. The initial training of a field medic is 16 weeks, but could be up to 68 weeks for other sub-specialties. In that initial training, obviously there is not a lot of time to get deep into the medicine and why's of the skills being taught. The emphasis is on confidence, speed, accuracy and doing it all in a tactical environment. On the job training after this initial schooling and opportunities for more advanced training are where those aspects come in. As some have said, not all medics are created equal. So much varies on assignment/attachment, that unit's mission and leadership. A medic in a medical support battalion, say working in a clinic stateside and field hospital in theater, has a very different job from someone like me, attached to an infantry unit. Soldiers facing combat wounds become masters of trauma while others assist PAs and run daily sick call, becoming masters of general medicine and VD. As a former field medic of the purest form who has now been thru paramedic school, I can say that skill wise, I was beyond equivalent to civilian medics. Knowledge wise, there were definite holes in my base - don't see too many middle-aged cardiac patients or diabetics in combat. However, what I did know, I knew very very well and I did have a strong overall base. Also, my critical thinking skills, scene management, leadership ability, problem solving and overall confidence well surpassed my civilian classmates (as noted by my instructors, hospital staff and senior medics on internship). So, I wouldn't call any of my experience a disadvantage. And I have known a lot of Army flight medics and spec ops medics who are extremely well-educated, at least at the paramedic level. You definitely can't lump all of us who fall under the name "medic" together.

    As far as medics having trouble getting jobs when they get out, depends on when that was. The newest medics will be the most prepared as far as civilian certification, with maintenance being required for promotion and CEUs part of routine training. (I had to re-take EMT-B before I could go to paramedic school, which was very frustrating and BORING.) Are they ready to jump right on an ambulance? I'd say, depends on their background specialty/assignment. In my opinion, probably the most easily transitioned would be the aid station medics. Though used to working with docs and PAs, they are pretty independent, used to having more equipment and working in an intense, face paced emergency atmosphere. Straight field medics (me) are used to working solo, sometimes in groups of 2-3, and carrying everything they need on their person. Very good at handling pressure and critical thought, but lots to get used to when it comes to broader diagnostic and treatment options. And while used to fast pace/high intensity, combat is a much much different atmosphere than any non-tactical civilian application. Once at the aid station, the major enemy threat is over. Overall though, probably the biggest advantage military medics, particularly those who work in combat environments, have - the ability to quickly adapt and absorb new information. It's a necessary skill for survival and we have it down.

    AK, I'm forgetful. What is CLS?

    While appreciating that the USAF uses EMT-Bs and EMT-Ps, when someone gets hurt, is the yell for aid, "Medic!", "Corpsman!", or a different title?

    CLS is Combat Life Saver, basically the MFRs of the Army. Medics train and certify combat soldiers to do splinting, wound management, basic airways and to start IVs so they can be extra hands on the ground. Pure hand-skills vs medical knowledge, but they're great to have around, the more the merrier. To say that Army medics are just CLS trained is not right (see my other post).

    As for the AF, couldn't tell ya what gets yelled, lol, they don't have much in the way of field situations where it would matter. The closest relative to a combat medic would be Pararescue, they are all medically trained and badass. On base, there are Emergency Management techs who create and maintain disaster plans and various clinical techs in hospitals. The actual day-to-day emergency medical on an Air Force base is actually covered by civilian EMS.

    http://www.airforce.com/careers/#health-and-medicine

  6. PTSD AWARENESS DAY IS A REMINDER TO LEARN, GET HELP AND HELP OTHERS

    Today (June 27) is officially National PTSD Awareness Day. The day was enacted by Congress last year with prodding by the VA and various veterans groups. Although it's roots come from combat veterans, I think it's a good opportunity for everyone to take a look at what it is, how it effects people, and what can be done about it. It's an important topic, particularly for those of us working in public safety, to address and understand. As a combat veteran now working in EMS, I am curious how people in the EMS community, you, approach the topic? What do you know about it? What does your system/company do to address issues? Is there a stigma associated with it?

    Coming from a military background, though there is much better information out there now, many service members are still in the dark about signs/symptoms and where to go for help before their first deployment (encountering trauma). I know that even as a medic, I knew very little, other than that there were combat stress counselors available. And there could be a fear of being labeled or thought weak, especially while still in theater. What I'm wondering is, is this an issue where you are? Do you know what to watch for? If you were having trouble after a call/incident, would you seek help? Would you do so through your chain of command?

    The other thing I am curious about, more concerning myself I guess, is, if you have dealt with any incident stress or even PTSD, how do you find it affecting your job? Just getting going here as a civilian medic, I haven't seen anything that's even made me flinch yet, but I can't help be a little nervous that someday I will have a call that will trigger a flashback or something. It's hard to explain, I know that I am in just the right job for me, but I can't help but worry that maybe my military experiences could hurt my ability to do that job, that I'll freeze up at the wrong time. Does anyone else ever get that doubt? What do you do about it? I mean, I know what I am capable of. I know the situations in which I was able to maintain and do my job downrange when it matter the most. But... I don't know, maybe it's different now? I thrive under pressure and live for the rush, even danger... but I've also been know to hit the deck and roll under the nearest truck with a sudden crack of good thunder.

    So yeah, thoughts, ideas, strategies, jokes? Whatever you've got. I've put a lot of work into the last year to be proactive in helping myself, I'd like to see what people have coming from the civilian side.

    Thanks.

  7. Regularly? No. However, I do keep a few 5-hr Energy shots in my locker in case I'm up for a late night long-distance transfer. 911's I don't have a problem getting up and alert, it's the 6-hr plus road trips at 0300 that are brutal, especially when the pt is sleeping. And I have been known to drink a Monster now and then, but try to avoid it. I'm ADHD and my doc advised me to avoid them. For the most part, I drink water and the occasional Pepsi when I'm craving the taste.

  8. I must say that It's genuinely an honor that I was able to participate in the GWOT that ultimately helped us bring the pain right to the cowards doorstep. To be frank, this development is quite surreal to me and most of my comrades. I honestly did not expect that we would ever have the glorious luxury of capping Bin Laden, that he would ultimately succumb to his long list of chronic ailments. I find this to be a bittersweet moment, as I can't help but reminisce of those who did not return on their own two feet, but via that long flight aboard a transport plane cargohold to Virginia. While some of you may vary upon your political opinions, we can all stand unified in rejoicing over the death of this murderous villain. Quit being unpatriotic by arguing over stupid political drama, instead we should be celebrating this massive turning point in the history of modern times. Let us not forget the countless innocent victims of this evil and cowardly monster, nor my fallen brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of his demise. From the words of myself and fellow servicemembers, I salute the special operations team that ended the reign of terror spread by Osama with the tug of a trigger. And to the fallen: RIP, you are gone, but shall never be forgotten.

    • Like 1
  9. Hey Joe, curious - your title says "EMT Student" - are you asking about ways to handle class or down-time on shift?

    I have ADHD. I wasn't diagnosed until mid-college career. I took meds (Adderal) thru college and for a couple years after. Made a HUGE difference for me, but took a lot of tweaking to get the dosage right. I was not on them thru paramedic school this last year because I didn't have insurance and couldn't afford it. But, I have learned a lot about ways to adapt over the years and what helps me focus enough to study. If you're having trouble in class, shoot me PM and I can give you some things that have worked for me.

    If it's down-time on shift that you're struggling with, I can totally relate. I HATE slow days! Sitting around waiting drives me crazy. So I keep busy. This last year I pretty much always had studying to do for medic school, so that helped, but I can only sit and study for so long. I always keep shoes and pt clothes in my locker and will often go do some laps around the station (or the bay if it's cold/nasty out). I'll run the stairs up to the training lab, hit the heavy bag out in the bay, push-ups, sit-ups - anything to get my heart rate up and burn off some of that energy. Granted, you can't do that if you're on the bubble, but it's a great thing for anybody to do for many reasons if you're down the rotation. I also keep a squishy stress ball in my locker that I can play with, keep my hands busy, without making a bunch of noise. Good to use when watching tv or something. I also spend a lot of independent time up in the training lab practicing skills. It's productive, can never practice too much, and keeps me busy and not pacing/fidgeting in front of crew mates. On the more humorous side, I also have a sizable collection of candid photos of me and all our training dummies in all sorts of places and situations around the station, haha. :innocent: I'm currently in a smaller rural system, so I have to get creative, and yeah, some days I feel like I'm going crazy, but you can make it work.

    Just a thought, career-wise, maybe think about what type of system you want to work in. Sure, everybody has down days, but you can pick a type of system that averages a higher, faster pace. I know that for me, the system I am currently in is not ideal. During externship I spent time in a busy urban system that runs system status. I loved it. 14hr shifts instead of 24s and I was almost always busy and the scenery constantly changed as we moved from post to post around the city. So, in my hunting for a more long-term job, I am looking for a larger urban system to work in with lots of different facets and opportunities. This is because I understand how my brain ticks and how and where I function best. I know that I need variety, continuous mental and physical challenges, and a faster-paced environment.

    Personally, I see my ADHD as an asset, almost an advantage, working in EMS. Yeah, I can have a short attention span and be easily distracted. But I also have the ability to "hyperfocus", or focus in extremely intently on one task or situation. I also focus and perform best in high-stimulus, high-stress, high-pressure situations - it actually calms me down in a way. Meaning, in EMS, when I need to be focused, I am. I handle pressure much better than most. I also have a very strong sense of empathy and am easily able to read people's non-verbal cues to figure out the bigger picture. It makes me more able to connect with patients. What you need to do is learn as much about ADHD as you can, learn about the different types (me, I have "high-stim" ADHD) and how it affects you. A great resource for me has been the book Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey, both psychiatrists with ADHD. Another good book is ADD on the Job by Lynn Weiss, it has lots of suggestions for adapting at work and also helps give you the perspective of people trying to work with you.

    EMS can actually be really great field for a person with ADHD - a field where you can put a lot of your unique strengths to work. As a matter of fact, I have found that since working in the field, I have not really needed medication. I still struggle sometimes, but overall, the slightly chaotic schedule and demands combined with the paramilitary-type structure really works for me. That - and a little growing up and taking ownership of my limitations. If you're serious about figuring yourself out, read that first book for sure. And if you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Remember - ADHD isn't a disease or some sort of affliction - it's simply a different way of wiring the brain, like being left-handed. You just have to understand it.

    Good luck! :turned:

    *edited for formatting

  10. My family is going to be moving to either the North Atlanta area or Charlotte, NC area in the spring and my grandmother lives in Greenville, SC. I will be graduating from paramedic school in March and am looking to move as well. I am currently working as an EMT-B in northern Michigan. The job prospects are not great here, or anywhere in Michigan for that matter, and the pay is dismal. And after so many years away from my family, I would also like to stay relatively close (within a few hours drive). I am pretty new to EMS and unsure of the best ways to go about job hunting in this industry. Where might I look, beyond broad google searches?

    Also, for anyone living in the GA/TN/NC/SC areas, how are the current job prospects for paramedics in your area? What is the pay scale like vs the cost of living? I will have National Registry by the time I'm ready to move, will that work for reciprocity? What do services in your area look for? How many are fire based vs strictly EMS? (I have no preference, but I do not currently have any fire training)

    I'm a die hard snowboarder and struggle with the idea of abandoning access to mountains and snow. Where are some areas to look at with reasonable access to winter? Might sound silly, but my parents are the ones sick of snow, not me. I'm a very active outdoors person, I love to hike and camp in the summer. I would be thrilled with working SAR or backcountry EMS. Otherwise, job wise, I guess I'm looking for the happy medium? Not a transfer medic, but not a 2-5 min taxi all the time either. Suburban maybe? I don't know, lol.

    Basically, whatever advice some of you may have concerning job searching, geographic areas, climates, specific services, licensing, whatever... I'm all ears! I'm just trying to plan ahead a little, because I know I'm not staying here. Thanks! Oh, feel free to ask whatever if it helps you help me :turned:

  11. Thanks for sharing! I was sent the same story at the start of the school year and made sure to send it along to others. I wish all teachers understood the responsibility that they hold and took it as seriously. That is a potent lesson and one that every child should be taught. Freedom is a concept that is highly taken for granted in our society today and those who serve are rarely given much thought. Our modern warrior culture, brought about by an all-volunteer military of professional warriors, experiences a deep chasm of separation from the rest of society. They don't understand us and we have trouble understanding them. People forget that we're still out there, putting our lives on the line every day, until they hear about some tragedy or mistake on the news. And even then, the thought is gone with the next story on the latest exploits of Lindsey Lohan. I don't mean to sound bitter, as I am not. It's a life we all chose and I for one am extremely proud to have served and will do so again if I am called. But the above story, the actions and thought behind it, is more poignant today than in any other time in our history. Veterans used to be a part of everyone's life in some way or another, everyone was vested one way or another in previous major conflicts. Being a veteran automatically came with a certain degree of respect and shared experience. Today's veterans tend to live in on the outskirts, in the shadows, many returning again and again to the field of battle without a second thought by the average citizen. Those of us who are no longer fighting, we struggle with the gap that exists between us and "civilians", unable to ever truly put our service behind us, nor wanting to. So this week, take time to really consider not only the sacrifices and valor of those who served before us, but also those modern vets and those who serve now. Remind yourselves, and your children, that you "sleep safe in [y]our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." Happy Veterans Week.

    quote by George Orwell

    • Like 2
  12. We got ImageTrend a few months ago and it's pretty universally hated. Although a step up from hand-written reports in the sense of being able to look back and such, it is very slow. Like said above, minimum 45min to go through everything and that's a routine call in which you didn't do much. It's very easy to miss something, you very often have to go back, the layout is terrible, the list of procedures and diagnoses sucks. Basically, it leaves a lot to be desired, but most of Michigan is on it. When we log-on, it's through the state site.

  13. Is the job as an actual patroller or would you just be based at the bottom at an aid station? I was a volunteer patroller for a few years in college and it was a blast. I also have many many years experience working for various resorts of all sizes as a snowboard instructor. There are some important skills you'll have to learn to be a patroller as far as manning a toboggan, orienteering and extrication. How in depth that training goes depends on the terrain at your resort. You'll also need to become an expert in cold-weather injury/illness and, if you're high enough, altitude sickness. And be aware that doing all this on a snowboard comes with it's own challenges - it's not at all impossible, but you need to be a very strong, confident rider. Intermediate weekend shredders need not apply. Just being upfront with you. Any questions you have specifically about working a resort?

×
×
  • Create New...