funkytomtom

interesting, I suppose anything is possible really (the stories were fake, drugs were laced, the reactions were coincidental).

I agree with a lot of what has been said here, carpe diem and the like. I really think to a large degree that you can work your way out just about anything, including whatever type of racism is in place. That said, most if not all of the comments in response to crochity medic have been made by white people. Having not spent any time in the shoes of a black man, I don't really feel qualified to make sweeping judgments on the topic...except for one: chris rock is damn funny, and if you find him tasteless, your probably no fun yourself.

So...I have had a couple interesting conversations at some parties recently. Although I do not personally use any drugs, I run into all sorts of users at parties in my area. Two particular stories make me curious. One girl discussed a recent syncopal episode brought on by a hit of marijuana. She said she took a hit, walked around for a minute or two, and then passed out, hit her head on the ground, and called 911 due to worry about a head injury (from the fall). I know standing up too fast can cause sycope due to blood settling lower in your body, but this does not sound like a proper explanation because she had stood up and been active for a minute or so. Is there something behind marijuana's effects that could cause this? Also, talked to a young gentleman who told me a story of someone actively seizing after a marijuana hit. Sounds like a full on grand mal seizure from what I could tell. Both people suspected marijuana was responsible for these effects. Is it? And why?

Interesting read...its fascinating to go a little more in depth than my emtb class does. Theres so much more to know! Although to my classes credit, we have always been taught to "treat your patient" and not rely on the charts in the book as the word of god...thanks for the post.

Usually its just one song...but today its two...Bring on The Night-The Police, and In the Air Tonight-Phil Collins

I hope I get some good stories! I'm excited to see some real patients and maybe do some things for real...although I'm sure I won't be doing much (I'll have to keep my neurosurgery skills hidden).

I signed up for clinicals at the university of utah from 1400 to 2400 on friday. I figured that would be a good shift to see as much as possible. Anyone have any advice on doing your clinicals (this is for my emtb class) or any cool stories? I read the one on the home page about the guy dying after cpr, pretty good read. Anything else?

I agree with helimedic...a little weed, big deal, as long as its not on shift. That said, if you are smoking weed, you have to realize that your jeapordizing your career and live with the consequences if they roll around. Many of the ski patrollers I know use illicit drugs even beyond marijuana, but they do have the good sense to avoid using on the job. It IS indeed funny how alcoholism is so widely accepted, and dare I say....encouraged, but smoking a little weed is a sign of a defective and evil person.

thanks for the feedback...I wish things were taught a little bit different, I do feel like a trained monkey at some points. I don't know if anywhere else has ttg's (teaching and testing guidelines) but we basically have to memorize bullet points for a specific skill, go in a room, regurgitate, and we are considered competent on said skill. I will look into some more a and p courses and continue to study my arse off...scored highest in the class on both of our tests so far (not trying to be cocky, just proud)

I'm in my EMTB class here in SLC, UT and I'm about a month away from testing for the state. I am starting to feel comfortable with the whole assessment and treatment flow, I was just wondering when you all actually hit the field, what do you wish you had done more of? Anything you might have studied more...practiced more? Obviously I could practice all my skills more and read ad infinitum, but does anything in particular jump out at you?

haha thanks for the link, that was kind of a shit show... It answers many of my questions, but I still would be interested if anyone had any helpful information, like other good ways to get experience while I'm waiting to be eligible for hire, or other ways to make myself a desirable hire. After reading that other forum, however, I have to say that I don't really want to hear comments on why I shouldn't be in ems, or why I am a bad person.

So I'm 21 years old, taking my emtb and currently scoring the highest in the class (not to toot my own horn, well...maybe just a little). All is going well, and I think at least for the time being, ems is what I want to do with my life. There is still an issue though. About three years ago I got pulled over and was .01 over the limit (which was actually irrelevant anyways because of my age at the time). I already know that two of the local ambulance services won't hire me, at least for a couple of years. I'm doing all I can to look good and desirable as an employee, I volunteer for the red cross once a week, am going to help teach cpr, and am doing well in my class. Any suggestions or ideas? I might look at working in the ER, but really would prefer the trucks. Thanks-Tom

Hey all, my name is Tom. I'm currently about half way through my emtb course and currently at the top of my class. I gained quite an appreciation for ems a couple of months ago when I hit a tree skiing, resulting in...an occipital condyle fracture, nine broken ribs, a pneumothorax, and last but not least, a liver laceration. I don't remember it, but I guess I scored myself a helicopter ride and all. Anyways, just a little intro for ya