SANDMEDIC

Personally, I grab a blood glucose on all cardiac arrest patients early in the action. Someone usually is assigned this early, running with a crew of two it can be tricky, although first responders these days are on their game and eager to obtain it for you. I have only caught one hypoglycemia /c cardiac arrest in 8 years. Of course the important stuff is done first ie: Airway, CPR, Multi-function pads. A lesson learned long ago while doing my clinical rotations. 48 y/o cardiac arrest patient /c no medical history. EMS crew did 2 full rounds of drugs: EPI, Atropine, BiCarb. PEA throughout. Upon return of patients labs, Glucose 12 mg/dl. Not saying it would have made a different outcome but it is a bit of poor form.

I have never heard of the bevel down trick, and not sure I would ever try it even if it was suggested. I could only imagine the pain would nearly be twice that of proper insertion. "Stick" with the rules of proper insertion. The nurse definitely was in the right on this one. I have used many tricks that have been suggested suck as; warm pack, gravity, and not using a tourniquet. My question to all. Has anyone used the fancy transilluminator? One of the most amazing things I have seen is a neonatal nurse starting an IV on a preemie (on the first attempt), simply amazing. Great discussion.

Well to be honest, I actually did check it out on my arm. I did it only because I felt guilty for using such a device. Expecting a pretty severe shock, it wasn't bad at all, I would say less severe than a 9V battery to the tongue. I was too chicken to turn it up to the highest setting, thankfully I didn't have to go any higher for the correction of bad habits of my dog.

I have to agree with all of the replies. I to had to escalate to using a shock collar for a one year old dog that was getting a bit too loud for the neighbors and barking at the wind. (even on 20 acres I still have neighbors). I used this for other things like house breaking, too aggressively playing, and running away when my daughter would exit the gate in the yard. After less than a month of using the shock collar (rarely), a year later she still knows she cannot go out the gate, bark for hours and hours and only barks at intruders and strangers, and the aggressive play ceased. She is really well behaved now and is quite possibly the best dog I have ever owned. She is very active, runs like a greyhound and plays fetch for however long you can keep up throwing the ball. After a single shock, she would run away and stop with a puzzled look. It prevents her from being afraid of her masters and cowering as well. I was not an advocate prior to using it. I invested in a high quality one with a range of over 1 mile, which comes in handy. The collar does have settings for different grades of shocks although I only had to use the lowest setting. Hope this helps.

Yea, with two little girls at home this gig is just not me. Yes, the money is great, I'll give you that but have come realize and often wonder "why I am here in the first place?". It started out I wanted to be high speed, in the trenches saving lives. Now, I realize being this far away from home, missing my children grow, missing those first steps and my wife wondering if I am okay, it really isn't worth it. I do work with other medics that enjoy the job, but there are some of us that wish we were back home on the bus or in the air. Glad to hear you are doing well over there, had a little taste myself but they shipped me here. The food is better there. Take care..

After being here in Afghanistan taking care of those that are trying to kill us, I can't wait to get back home on either an engine, ground ambulance or rotary wing aircraft. I have to say I have never reached burn out from Fire/ EMS after 8 years of full time service. My ex-wife reached burnout from me being gone so much after only a year. I can honestly say I am still as energetic about EMS as I was the day I received that beautiful certificate in the mail. Just when things seem to get you down just remember how many people across the United States have lost employment due to the economy. Also realize there are quite a few medics in the Middle-East wishing they were back on the Ambulance or Engine running on that late night intoxicated person at the park. Keep smiling..it's not that bad