scparamedic98

"As for you freezing up? It is a common stress reaction. I can remember my mind going completely blank trying to take simple histories from patients when I was on practicum. That said, being a rookie is no excuse not to do your job." Cut the guy some slack, he came in here asking an opinion, and admitted he had a brain fart. Also, try not to contradict yourself when you answer his question. Either it's normal to freeze up as a rookie or not, can't have it both ways. Otherwise, had I been the medic on scene I wouldn't have been overly happy with you. We would have discussed it after the call and moved past it though. One thing, get a report from the fireman/ 1st responder about the wound and unless it's bleeding through, leave the bandage in place. Also, unless it's grossly filled with grass, dirt etc. I wouldn't have tried to clean a head wound especially enough to see the skull.

I don't know that I would call BS on the vagal response, but it doesn't seem to go along with that diagnosis. Was the heart rate sustained at 150 or would it vary? But with the info you had and the assessment I would have treated it as a dissecting aneurysm also.

I just wish I had a nickle every time someone says "I bet you see some of bad stuff in your job."

Wow, that's all I can say. That's why I always say, in EMS we need to get away from "training" and start educating our providers. Alot of services nation-wide are doing that now. Some aren't. You can train a monkey, but you can't educate one...

I agree with the previous poster. DNR standards vary from state to state. However, I have never heard of any standards where you don't treat. For example you respond to a DNR patient with an obstructed airway, you can fix that and not violate the DNR order as long as it doesn't include any treatment that would extend life beyond a natural death. (If that makes sense) Here is South Carolina's DNR law lSC DNR Law (Local Copy on our website)

Before I answer your questions, I have one for you. Are you already an EMT-B? If not, how are you in EMT-I class? Don't know if there is an area that does straight from street to intermediate. And now for your questions. If you could tell me one thing you have learned in the course of your career that would help me starting mine, would you share it with me? Always try to learn, don't get your cert. and think you know it all because you have a patch. Learn as much as you can. How much do EMT-I make in your area? I'm guessing in the mid $20's What do you love most about your job? The hours (24 on 48 off) What do you dislike about your job? The hours What was your schooling like? Typical EMT and Paramedic school I guess. What were you 1st days as an EMT like? Praying for a call. Couldn't get enough.

Here at the county I work for, we are on for 24 hours, who/what is suppossed to wake this guy up. I guess we could go shake him up or have it rigged to where the lights come on, but where does reasonable accomidation end and just plain not worth it begin? I also agree with ausciltating lung sounds etc. I guess the B/P could be palpated in most cases, but then how is he/she going to be able to recognize a widening pulse pressure in head injury or a narrowing pulse pressure in cardiac tamponade? I just don't think that it makes good sense to allow it and your Chief seems to have made an honest attempt at giving the person a shot at making it work.

South Carolina EMT-B EMT-I (NREMT-I/85) EMT-P Every level has to pass the NR exam for their initial certification. After which you can choose to just keep up your state certification. There are some "older" providers that were never Nationally Registered and have kept up their state certifications. There are first responders, but no state requirements or regualtions as far as what they are "legally" allowed to do. Most agencies that I'm familiar with in the county I work for that run first responder calls allow their FR's to perform basic patient care. CPR/AED, O2 admin, splinting and bandaging, immobilization if EMS isn't there yet.