Anna_09

Awww, thats sweet

Haha, well, I've been in EMS for only about a year, and I've already done half of these...I bolded the ones I've done. I thought these were cute. :-) Just a part of learning!!

- Your medic asks you to grab a 4x4 and you bring him a small wooden board.

- It takes you 10 minutes to find a fresh pillow case in the ER.

- You step on the pulse ox cord and rip it out of the machine.

(I actually did that yesterday)

- You dash over to the patient with a backboard, C-collar, and one head chock.

- You are baffled by triangular bandages.

- You put the blood-pressure cuff on your patient's arm BACKWARDS.

(I've done that more than once )

- You lock your hand in the gurney as you push your patient into the back of the ambulance.

- You are roasting alive but can't find the a/c switch for the cab and when your driver-trainer says "figure it out" you promptly roll the window down.

- As soon as you wheel the patient into the ER you hear the familiar words: "You can go clean the ambulance now."

(I've heard that so much that I don't even have to be told anymore, haha)

- You walk into the patient's house and trip over their cat.

- You accidently grab a pair of ex-large gloves instead of mediums.

- You hook up the O2 and hand your adult patient a pedi non-rebreather.

- Your medic asks you to get a blood pressure but all you can hear is the ambulance bouncing down the road.

- Every time you try to count respirations your medic leans over and asks the patient a question.

- You turn bright red when you find your patient laying on the floor in their underpants.

- You ask a billion questions and follow your medic around like a shadow.

(Soooooo true!!! )

- You are absolutely terrified of talking on the radio.

(I don't think I've ever been so scared of anything else that much!!! )

- You and the patient both cringe when your medic starts an IV.

- Your medic has to spell all those weird medication names whenever you are the scribe.

- It takes three tries before you figure out how to make the gurney lie flat.

- Once you are at the ER you have 90 seconds to pee and 30 seconds to wash your hands and find fresh blankets.

- Your name is "Go grab the ______!!!"

(Yep yep yep!!)

- Everyone else is worn out after a run but you are bouncing off the walls.

(Every....single....TIME!!)

-- You set the backboard down on the icey ground and it takes off downhill like a sled

- Your medic is the one who stops the backboard and carries it back uphill

- You get totally lost in the hospital and the cleaning lady has to show you the way to the ambulance bay

- When you spike an IV bag you manage to soak yourself down

(Yesterday was the first time I didn't )

- You say, "Oh no!" in the back of the ambulance and your patient hears you

- Your lead-medic hears you say "Oh no!" and has to calm the patient down

- You zip your glove into the airway bag

(I've done that to 3 pairs of gloves)

- Your medical jumpsuit jingles and clanks when you walk because you have so much stuff in the pockets "just in case you need it on a scene..."

- The patient stares at you and says, "You must be new..."

- You pull the gurney out of the ambulance and a wheel falls off

- You resemble a scurrying roach when the tones wake you up at night

- You run into a doctor with the gurney

- You shut your partner in the hospital's automatic doors (and live to tell about it)

- You raid the hospital's glove supply because they have those nifty purple gloves!

(We have them in our jump bag too! )

EMS is not going to be a fix to your problems in dealing with other people. Being walked all over (and over generous) is not dependent upon you being an EMT. I fail to see the association. Would you please explain it?

Oh, sorry for not explaining earlier. Umm, so far in my life...lets just say I've trusted people I shouldn't have (haha..I've almost been married to a guy I went out with for 2 years. He decided that he was gonna be unfaithful, I caught him...and that just didn't work out) , and I tend to be too nice for my own good. EMS has opened me up a LOT, and has brought me out of my shell. Haha, one of my mentors was telling me "You need to learn to say no!"...and the other day, she told me "Well, you're getting a lot better than you were!" Its my own fault I let people walk all over me, I hate conflict. But I'm getting better at that. EMS has opened me up. If I wasn't dealing with patients all the time, and learning how to communicate effectively, I would be just like any other teenage who feels "misunderstood" because they can't explain how they feel.

It was never said that living and learning means that you will be walked all over. Living life is going to develop your sense of individuality, shape your personality, mold your morals, and understand your personal standards. You are just entering the gray area between teenager and adult. I think this is what people mean when they say you get experience with age. My point is that you should be focusing on this stage of your development with openness to learning and improving upon yourself. EMS, IMO, will drag you away from that important goal/vital time in your development. What I am trying to get across to you is deeper than 'I want to help everyone'. This is about your transition into adulthood. This is not about answering the next adrenaline pumping call. Those calls will always be there. Your time right now, spent doing EMS will not be given back to you.

Thats true, and if this helps...I do try to find a balance. Sometimes its hard, but yes, I do try. Haha...and from everyone I've been talking to (besides the EMT's here, where I live)...they think I should drop EMS, and just do strictly nursing. I could never choose between them...but I'm sure there's a middle there somewhere...like a critical care nurse...or something like that?

Ooops! Sorry. My mistake. This is what happens when you read posts too fast. My apologies.

Haha, its alright. I"m just kinda tired of looking stupid, so yeah. But I'm glad I can see everyone's views. Everyone has given me a lot to think about. For right now though, I enjoy being new, and learning a lot from other people. Its amazing what I've learned, just by asking other people's opinions.

QUOTE Yeah, I've thought about that before. But honestly....here's me. I'm a 17 year old girl who, if I just lived life, would let other people walk all over her, and be too generous for my own good.

Care to tell us about a life you have saved?

First of all, your right...haha, I'll shut my mouth before I end up looking too stupid. And second...when did I say that I saved a life? He told me that at 17, I should be living my own life, and not be too worried about the EMS profession. I said that if I lived life, and not cared about EMS, I would basically just let people walk all over me (I already do), and be too generous for my own good (I already am)

Anyways...I don't want to look stupid anymore...so I'm shutting my mouth. Thanks again everyone, for everything. You've opened my eyes to a lot of stuff...not just "small town thinking".

Yeah...I guess thats true. I just don't like hearing anything bad about them, because they are my second family, and I never meant to question my service...but...I guess thats what I did, huh?

Anyways, I was talking to one of my mentors earlier...and they said after I get out of school, I'll be able to go out on more calls, and I agree with what joseph said:

"maybe the person mentoring her is trying to temper her instead of plunging her into the bucket right off to see if she cracks. And if she shows this much enthusiasm at 17 maybe she will go carrier and seek a paid (oh my god I said it) position. But I do applaud her enthusiasm most of the 17 yr old's I see are pretty useless."

My mentor sees me like one of his own kids, so of course he doesn't want me to be traumatized because I'm just starting off. But he WILL have to get over that eventually, and let me go. And after I get my RN...I just might go for a paid EMS position, and if there's one thing I know...its that I'm not a useless 17 year old...I help as much as I can, and do what they let me do.

And they've actually been trusting me more as time goes along. There was a wreck today, and they let me handle the patient by myself *refusal*, and do as much of the paperwork as I could.

Anna, I think you are missing a key point.

Due to your inexperience/lack of education, it is impossible for you to adequatly assess someone's job performance and make the above statement.

I have been EXACTLY where you are. A young gung-ho basic being mentor'd by a 17yr veteran Paramedic. Now that I have whored around at a few companies I know I was being led down the wrong path more than once.

Just sayin' keep your eyes open.

Haha, true. Sorry I contradicted myself.

First, I think you have some great posts. They are so far very easy to read because you possess grammar skills.

Second, my opinion is that you should ditch the EMS thing. At 17 years old, and even at my age of 22, this is not a job for young people. These years should be the times of our lives, learning to enjoy life, think for ourselves, have fun, and soak in as much as we can to improve ourselves. Not spending countless nights at EMS stations, answering calls in a stringent and strict environment that keeps our mentality confined to the attitudes around us. You seem like a very intelligent 17-year-old. I give you that. I have learned though, that even at the age of 22, I do not belong in this business at this point in my life. Quite honestly, my opinion is that others my age do not belong in this line of work. This is time for you to shine, not wipe puke off of some old person who fell on the floor at 3am.

There is so much to learn in this world. EMS will distract you from that. I believed 22 years was old enough for me to be a paramedic. Sure, I can do the job, and I do it well, but I should not be wiping puke off some old person that fell at 3am. This is the time for me to keep exploring my boundaries, build my own life standards, gain life experience, and become the best damn person I can be. I feel at 17, your goals should be similar. You should be focused on your life of a 17 year old, having friends your age, learning to build your own values and standards, and living life to the fullest. There will be plenty of time down the road that you can spend doing EMS.

EMS is not all that bad. I would not trade what has been taught to me, and the experience gained from being a young paramedic. It definitely has shaped my life. The only thing is that I should be doing this at a later point in life. Being young is a special time. Becoming an adult and learning the idiosyncrasies of adulthood is much more important than EMS.

To you, what I posted may seem like a bunch of bullshyte, but I honestly believe you are intelligent enough to comprehend what I am saying. Hopefully, you will take this information and think upon it. I realized it way too late. Please do not make the same mistake. It took a dear friend of mine to point this out to me, and I thank him immensely (you know who you are). There is still much to comprehend and learn about life.

Just one young paramedic's opinion…

Matt(y)

Yeah, I've thought about that before. But honestly....here's me. I'm a 17 year old girl who, if I just lived life, would let other people walk all over her, and be too generous for my own good. I'd rather have a job where I'm able to help people, and not partying. I'm not saying I don't do anything fun....I go to carnivals, go to the movies, hang out with friends, and work as a convience store clerk on the side. Its just that I love to be able to help people. I'm not saying that this will be my only profession...I want to be a nurse.

I just believe its better for me to start at the bottom and work my way up, because if you just go straight to the top, you tend to look down on the less qualified. I've seen that for a fact....RN's looking down on CNA's, and paramedics looking down on Basics. *Not all do, but some tend to have the mindset "I've been in this longer than you have, I have more schooling than you have, so what you think means nothing to me"* I don't want to be like that, so I will always try to appreciate everyone, no matter what level I get to.

Oh, haha, sorry about that.

Yeah....I agree with you, I"ll be the first to admit it...I've only been in this for a year, and I'm still quite inexperienced. But thats not a reason to say I'm not ready. I've got to run on calls to become experienced.

And as for the people I run with...they have tons of experience, and are VERY good at what they do.

Haha, I didn't mean to start anything, if it was my fault. I was just curious. Next time I'll know, haha.

Thanks

There is no way to convince an idiot that they are wrong (see the last two pages of this thread for proof). And any attempts to talk her way out of this will only be received as whining, and further proof that she isn't ready.

Alright.....wow. So....I'm an idiot, and I'm whining? Haha...I thought I was just asking what people thought about younger EMS providers. I honestly don't care what other people think about our organization...we're the best in this area for a reason. Just because they watch out for me isn't a bad thing. And as for their competence....I'd trust them with my life. They've been in this business for a long time....20+ years....and just because they're volunteer doesn't mean anything.

And as for me not being ready....I've only gone on a couple of calls by myself, so no, I'm probably not completely ready, but I will be aftger I get a certain amount of experience. Everyone has to learn.

Thats true...and now that I'm reading more into the posts, I feel like I should add something else.

As for the seizure/medical call...sorry, didn't explain that right. I guess you could say he tries to keep me more on the "stable" calls. He just told my mom that he would rather have me on those than have a patient who might code....although....I've been on a couple of those too. On this particular call, he didn't know that the patient was going to go into seizures. It just depends which EMT I'm with.

And...as for the whole "Intermediate being higher" thing....there are certain EMT's who are drivers also. I am NOT one of the drivers....yet. So I'm strictly in the back. The paramedic I was with wasn't a driver either. The intermediate was. So when we were on scene, all 3 of us were in the back. When it was time to transport, the intermediate drove. He like driving more than he does being in the back anyways.

I believe that our ambulance service does have some type of system to it....I just have yet to figure it out, haha. I've been here for almost a year now. And I mean...I love it. But what you guys said was true too. And I am going to nursing school, because I want to be an RN. I love the medical field.

And yes, now I see what you mean by putting my neck out to the wolves, haha. I wasn't expecting it....but I'm glad I got input...its nice to know what other people think, outside this little town. And yes, some of you do have a point. I had to prove to many people that I was mature enough for this job, and that I could handle it. The first accident was probably my "make or break" point that everyone has, because it was gruesome. But, everyone was very proud of me...I handled it with maturity and effiecency, and yeah, it bothered me for a while, but I got over it. And I know that I made a difference out there. I know that my skills helped someone who needed it, and that holding a patients hand can make the world of difference when they're scared.

WOW.......alright, thanks for the input.

Yes, I am one of the few exceptions...I've always been very mature. And yes, I plan to just stay as an EMT-Basic for a long time(I want more experience)....nursing school is coming first. I start this summer...June 1st. I'm just about to graduate high school, and I"m already a sophomore in college....39 college credit hours. And honestly...growing up in a house where both parents are workaholics, and me raising my sister...I grew up a LONG time ago. I don't party, I make straight A's...and yeah, I know I have a lot to learn, but I don't think such a big emphasis should be put on age, because everyone is different. At first, the people on this ambulance service here were sort of wondering, because I used to be very quiet. That changed VERY quickly, haha....although, I WILL NOT step on toes, or make other people mad, so if there's something I don't agree with...I don't say anything, and just say its because I"m still a newbie at this, and I have no seniority.

And yes, I do have 3 people I turn to A LOT. All three of them are EMT's....two of them are just like my second mom, and the third one has been here for me ever since I started (the paramedic I was talking about earlier).

And I also feel I should mention...we're strictly volunteer. There's only about 2 or 3 paid people...and those 2 or 3 usually decide who gets to go on the call or not. Thats why they pick and choose which calls I go on...number one, to try to preserve my innocence as much as possible (not for very long though), and number two, because of my age, and number three, because I AM just a Basic.

I'm not the type of person to step on someones toes, and yeah, I do mess up just like anyone else does. But I have a passion for this job...and even though it is just volunteer, I love it.

Thanks for your input, it gave me a lot to think about.

Well, I know I'm still generally new here, but I was just wondering what you guys thought about this. I am a 17 year old (I'll be 18 in June!) EMT-Basic, and I had to jump through all sorts of hoops to get my license, including:

3) be at least seventeen (17) years of age and meet the following requirements:(a) be affiliated with a service and shall submit a letter of support from the service

director; and

(shall notify the bureau, in writing, of any change of service affiliation; and

© shall submit a notarized parental or guardian consent;

(4) all applicants who are graduates of a bureau approved EMS training program may apply for

graduate licensing, which allows them to work temporarily under supervision, as outlined in 7.27.2.8 NMAC of

these rules;

(5) all applicants applying to be licensed, shall meet the following requirements:

(a) submit a completed, bureau approved license application form; and

(provide evidence of current bureau approved CPR certification; and

© present a certificate of completion from an EMTB

course completed at a bureau approved

EMS training program, and accomplished within the previous nine (9) months; and

(d) successfully complete the EMTB

licensing examination; the initial state

licensing examination shall be completed within nine (9) months based on the date of course completion; successful

completion of the licensing examination process that results in the issuance of a license shall be completed within

twentyfour

(24) months based on the date of course completion;

(e) meet all other licensing requirements found in 7.27.2.8 NMAC of these rules; and

(f) pay all examination and licensure fees as required by these rules;

(g) all applicants who are graduates of a bureau approved EMS training program may apply for

graduate licensing which allows them to work temporarily under supervision, as outlined in 7.27.2.8 NMAC of these

rules;

(6) persons who do not have a certificate of completion from a bureau approved EMTB

training

program, but are currently licensed or certified in another state or certified with the national registry at the EMTB

level, may apply for licensure as provided below:

(a) submit an application along with documentation of current outofstate

certification or

license, or national registry certification; and

(provide evidence of current bureau approved CPR certification; and

© pay all examination and licensure fees as required by these rules; and

(d) successfully complete a bureau approved outofstate

transition course, as determined by

the bureau; and

(e) successfully complete the EMTB

licensing examination; the initial state

licensing examination shall be completed within nine (9) months based on the date of application; successful

completion of the licensing examination process

I went through all of these requirements, and passed all of them. I had my graduate's license from June until December, went to test site in December, and passed the state exam. So I now have my full license.

Now...I know as a 17 year old, they can dictate what calls I do or do not go out on. I had one on Monday night that involved active seizures. And as being part of a rural service, any hospital is about an hour away, so lets just say this was an interesting call (The driver, who is an Intermediate, said the look on my face when he looked back there was priceless....a mix between concern, and like I didn't believe what was happening). Anyways, the paramedic I was with has been very protective of me ever since I started, and he told my mom (he sees her all the time) that he normally wouldn't have let me go out on a call like that. He told her he usually just keeps me to the medical/accident calls.

So...my question to you guys is....what do you think about younger people being in this field? Would you try to protect them too? I'm not the first young person in this particular service...so they're used to have young ones. They always tease me saying "We'll get you on a GOOD one, just wait".

I've just kind of been thinking about this today, and I was wondering what other people thought.

Thanks!

Well...where I am....we're all strictly volunteer. There's a lady here in town who will make a shirt for you, if you pay her. But if you don't...you just go in your regular clothes. We all have pagers...so, whoever shows up first usually goes. Although....those who have been there longer, have more seniority based on the call, and type of care needed.

Wow...that story was touching. You do have to do whats in the best interest of the patient, and I'm sure he cared more about the dog than he did himself. I honestly think the paramedics did the right thing.

My first call actually involved an animal also. It was a one car rollover, and two dogs were in the back. One was okay, but the other one was pinned. The owner refused to leave the dogs' side to get treated until it was out. Thankfully, the dog was unharmed, but he did bite one of our EMT's. Besides that...the patient was also fine. I find it touching that in this world, there ARE still people who care.

Haha, that was good. And it amazes me how Christians act sometimes (myself included). You'd think they'd try to be the best possible...but none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes.

Wow....hahaha, thats great

Hahahaha, you have no clue how many times I've heard "Where's the border here?"

"Just south about 150- 200 miles!!" lol

But I'm glad I serve in a rural area. I live in the small villiage of Fort Sumner. We have basics, intermediates, and paramedics here...along with people who just strictly drive. There's about 22 of us all together, and we only have 3 ambulances. But I love serving here. Our town only has about 1500 or so people in it.

Thanks for the welcome. I do love this field...in fact, my last call was just last night...a cardiac. And because the hospital is so far away...the call went out at about 11pm, and we didn't get back until almost 3am. But it was an interesting call. It was me, and intermediate, and a paramedic in the back..so yeah.

Hi everyone!

Well, my name is Anna, and I'm an EMT-Basic here in New Mexico. I work as a volunteer in a rural community. Any hospital is at least one hour away from us.

I'm about to graduate high school...and I'm glad I've found my passion in life...helping other people. I didn't realize how much of a difference I made until a little girl I helped a couple months back came up to me the other day, and she said she still has the teddy bear and blanket that I gave her.

I've been working as a basic for over a year now, and even though I still have tons to learn, I'm glad I found this field of work.