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rpm911

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    Paramedic

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    Evansville, IN

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  1. See FAQ... http://www.vidacare.com/ez-io/clinical-res...enter/faqs.html
  2. Our parent hospital is on a big C. Difficile kick, and actually, I can't argue the logic. The spores can only be killed by high-level disinfection or sterilization. Hence, your glove touches an infected surface, you touch the airway bag.... The dormant spores are killed readily by soaking in Cidex, etc. But only Sterilization or Hypochlorite 2% or greater will kill the active buggers, and there are quite a few to be found! It is said that, (forgive me for not having the source readily at hand, as I read 100 docs on the subject yesterday) as much as 75% of antibiotic related diarrhea is due to a presence of C. Diff and as much as 95% of cases of Colitis. In a contaminated house or pt. room virtually EVERYTHING that can be touched is contaminated.... rails, doorknobs, drink containers, IV clamps. Given that it is very easily transmitted, the current recommendations are that all endoscopic, laryngoscopic, and other mucous contacting equipment receive at least high level decon. That's where it gets vague. Short of an autoclave or disposable blades, there's not much on what's acceptable as high level decon for that type of equipment. ...but yeah, I've had a few patients that I would like to have found a new home for the scope on!
  3. We are a hospital-owned entity, but we are not truly a hospital based system. Yes, we can easily have our parent hospital auto-clave. The problem lies in the way our system is designed it is not practical to get them back in a timely manner due to geography. I guess the biggest thing is finding out people's experiences with different types of disposables. The ones we have now would be great if the acrylic didn't crack. It's been about 10 years since I last used any other disposables, they were white plastic. I do not recall the brand but the plastic was way to pliable, but they fit to a standard handle... Anyone have any good disinfection techniques for laryngoscopes you're using now esp. regarding C. Difficile?
  4. I really have not been impressed with our current disposables, the light tubes break off all the time. One broke off while I was intubating. This was AFTER we removed all the recalled lot numbers. The reusable fiberoptics are great, but it would be a 15,000+ capital expense to get enough to have spares while the used go to be sterilized. The traditional ones are good enough, but the light bulbs tend to break, explode, get crud stuck in the socket.
  5. I've had several back injuries in my career, and I can tell you one of the best things you do (getting ready to be flamed by associates) is to see a REPUTABLE chiropractor. These guys have been a god send for me. The two bad ones I've had I went to the witch doctor and I gotta tell you. The electrical stimulation and traction methods along with the adjustments really help. Now having said that, my injuries are not likely related to lifting the cot. What will kill you is bending over in the ambulance, and if you fly you'll definitely feel it. All the crouching over is really bad on your back. So pay attention to your body mechanics, it's all cumulative over your life. Do the back strengthening exercises, stretch every shift, and pay attention to what you do OFF DUTY as well. I think bad mechanics hurt me early on, both injuries were exaggerated after the arrival of new additions at home (bending over changing table, putting the car seat in the middle/rear seat). At any rate, coordinate with a physician and a chiropractor if needed. I know people with similar injuries that refuse to seek a chiropractor, one ended up with 15 different back/spinal surgeries, and he's a very fitness oriented individual! Don't rule it out because it's not mainstream medicine. EDIT: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/SA00080
  6. Hello, I'm currently reviewing our laryngoscopes for possible replacement. We are currently using the Greenline disposables. However, we have had some issues with them... mainly fractured light tubes. I've looked at a number of reusable and disposable systems, and I'm curious if anyone has insight they would like to share. We are only looking at traditional mac/miller at this time, so adaptability with specialty blades is not a big issue at this time. One main problem I'm facing here is that infection control procedures are going to mandate that any reusable systems are sterilized or we have to show some other effective method of disinfection that will cover c-diff. Thanks and thoughts....
  7. My apologies. Touche Mike, and thanks Mr. Davis for some thoughts to chew on... I'm way to short on sleep to be having a conversation such as this. Consider this deleted, as I don't want or need to be apart of a personal attack either way. I do respect your experience Mr. Davis, so don't mistake me.
  8. Hi there, My name is Robert Bauer, I'm a Paramedic in Evansville, IN. I noticed through Google that the Indiana EMS Association has taken some interest in this forum. First of all let me clear up a few things. This was a story done by a TV station to help promote the organization shortly after a press release. The reporter actually did us a pretty big favor by helping to bring awareness our way. While you may be focused on the fact that this story is more about recruitment and retention; that is not the sole, or even primary purpose of this organization, just the hook to cram a lot of information into a minute long TV news story. The purpose of the organization is to be a voice for EMS providers, to be advocates for the EMS system in Indiana. We are an affiliate of the NAEMT, we are incorporated as a non-profit domestic corporation. This organization is set-up under IRS rules 501 c 3. We are a public charity, not a union. Our by-laws mirror those of the NAEMT. In Indiana, there is no other, and has NEVER been any other organization that represents all EMS personnel. This was pointed out to me by 2 different Indiana EMS Commissioners. The EMS Commission (our governing body) is made up of appointees of the Governor... one of which represents EMTs, one that represents paramedics. There are also other bodies represented. To date, the office of the Governor(s) has never had an association to take recommendations from EMS personnel for their appointees. I started this with the support of 2 EMS Commisioners and a who's who of Indiana EMS figureheads. They have all long supported a grassroots effort to create such an organization, but for them to do it, would be a conflict AND would devalue the nature of the organization. Other supporters include Dr. Bryan Bledsoe, outspoken EMS educator and advocate and Bob Loftus, President of the National EMS Museum and former NAEMT Board Member. We are also supported by our affiliate organization the NAEMT. We are in the infant stages, but have had both State and National level support. I intend to see that this is up and running, there is a lot of work to be done though. While I appreciate that certain people have strong negative opinions regarding this; I remain very optimistic. I also question why an organization poised to promote professionalism, education, and the general welfare of EMS would be under so much srutiny by someone who remains under mask and vail. So from this 'whacker', if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions you can contact me at 812-484-9790. If you would like to e-mail me send it to rpm911@yahoo.com. If you would like to discuss it face to face, feel free to visit me here in Evansville, I'll even put you up, and buy you lunch. Also I'm sure the members and supporters would love to hear your comments, if you would like to send your e-mail address to me; I would be happy to distribute it to those folks, so that they can contact you as well. Thanks, Robert Bauer NR/CCEMT-P, FP-C President Indiana Emergency Medical Services Association P.S. While our official site is not yet available, a brochure, and other materials may be downloaded at www.inems.net
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