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What medication was it that she took? I strongly suspect a phenothiazine-induced dystonic reaction, but differentials I would consider would include infection, due to her hx of nausea. Treatment would be diphenhydramine, 25-50mg, IM or IV. Transport, yes.

Training AEDs need to be with training materials. As you said, they should NEVER be placed with the regular AEDs, to stop just such a mistake. Also, why was an airport laborer installing them in the cabinets, rather than an EMS person from the airport?

And if they aren't with you any longer? Say, on their way to the ER via POV? If it is a deep enough lac to need further attention, it gets bandaged. Most of the time, my patients do go via POV for lacs. But you are correct, if they require more interventions, then the lowest priority wound/injury isn't tended to instantly. Doesn't mean it can't be later during transport, though. Now, getting into the microbiological aspects... ALL WOUNDS ARE CONTAMINATED. Whether by whatever flora is on their skin, to the material that caused their injury, to the ground, the air, other surfaces. This is why they irrigate the hell out of wounds in the ER; to cut down on the foreign material in the wound, including those lovely microbes. I say protect it from further contamination, if possible. Do I do this for every abrasion, and small lac? Not all the time. But if I have the time, I certainly will attempt to. Why not? Your patient may be more comfortable for it also. Getting it covered can reduce pain from the air blowing on it. And my previous arguments of microbiological control, along with the possibility of it bleeding later. Why not prevent a little? Just because we are the ones who deal with things as they become issues doesn't mean we shouldn't work to prevent and issue from happening, or becoming worse, IMHO.

Just because it isn't freely bleeding right now, doesn't mean it won't later. Bandage it well to control bleeding. Check CSM distally afterward to verify it isn't too tight, and ship 'em to the ER for closure.

http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/569161 has some interesting reading on this topic.

This was in Circulation (and is free to read): http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/123/6/691 Hope it helps you!

1. Don't miss a single class. 2. Ask questions. 3. Read AHEAD. Be prepared before class. 4. Ask questions. 5. Practice, practice, practice. If there are extra practice sessions, go to them. 6. Ask questions. 7. Have fun!

Learning A&P is a stepwise process. Nailing down anatomy is a matter of memorization. There are tricks to memorizing, but it still boils down to just KNOWING the bones, the muscles, the nerves, blood vessels, etc. Physiology can also be memorized, partly. Physiology requires understanding the anatomy first, the function(s) second, the process for the function(s) third, and the result of proper and improper function. Physiology starts at the simple and progresses to the difficult. Where are you having problems, specifically?

Have you asked your upcoming instructor or program if they have a requirement? Many want polishable boots that are bloodborne pathogen resistant (You want them that way also!). There are some that are reasonably priced that do this. I wear 5.11 ATAC Storm boots. They run about $100/pair. Are they my boot of choice? No. But they work for me. They are waterproof almost to the top, side-zip, polishable, and decent. My boot of choice is either Redbacks or Magnums, but both are a bit outside my price range right now. Avoid the Walmart boots. They fall apart. You want something you can work in. If your feet are killing you at the end of the day because of a crappy boot, then it isn't worth it.

Hmmm... a couple of possibilities... Pulmonary Embolism is high up on my list of suspicion right now, with his HX of PVD and fem-pop bypass, along with the dyslipidemia. AAA is a possibility, especially with the back pain and difficulty moving his legs, as is an MI, but I'm putting my initial thoughts on a PE. What are his O2 sats? What does an ECG show? What meds is he taking aside from the Z-max? His renal failure also makes me wonder... When did he last dialyze? Is he fluid overloaded? Fluid overload doesn't usually cause the issues with his legs, but certainly can cause the dyspnea (and back pain, BTW).

I love it!

My condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.

Here is mine: (Yep, that's a rubber chicken on a keychain)

Being under 21 with an EMT cert is a problem in Sacramento County (and across the state), as many agencies and providers will not hire, due to their vehicle insurance, pure and simple. SacEMT: Check your private messages.

I agree with Arctickat. I am also an EMS provider, and I appreciate honesty regarding careers. We know most EMTs don't stay EMTs, primarily due to the pay. It is an open door to begin a medical career. I work with my staff who are in school, and encourage them to continue their tracks. Be truthful to your current and prospective employers. Those who won't hire you because you are in school aren't worth working for, IMHO.

While this may not be a direct violation of HIPPA, this information does not need to be provided over airwaves. The ePCR or paper PCR can be matched up after shift to provide that information with disclosure of sensitive information that could be used in identity theft, which I think is a bigger threat than a HIPPA violation. Our company policy is to NEVER release a patient name over the air. We do allow age, sex, chief complaint, and disposition over the air. All other data is on the PCR, and has no place in being said over airwaves.

Why NOT teach them? I for one believe that it is an important part of doing a complete assessment. And I agree with the previous poster about lung sounds. It isn't hard to learn, and provides valuable information. EMTs have long had skills removed from their education, and in some cases, now it is being reintroduced (Combitube and other airway adjuncts). Remember the old EOA?

Two theme songs: "I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins and "How To Save a Life" by The Fray (The title is perfect)

A&P will definitely be of help. The anatomy portion is rote memorization, but the physiology will provide you with wonderful knowledge that will help you to understand a lot more of what you will be learning in your EMT class. If you can dedicate the time, I'd say go for it!