medichopeful

I'm not trying to invalidate education, I'm standing up for those that are just coming into the field and getting hammered because of the mentality that 'if you're not a paramedic, you don't have a place in the EMS system.

We do have a place, but it should only be under direct supervision. Let's face it, we (EMTs) do not know ANYTHING when it comes to the field of medicine. The education and training is a joke. It is nothing more than advanced first aid. So we do have a place, but only as first responders OR as part of an ALS unit in a supporting role.

a lack of knowledge is NOT ignorance.

Ignorant

–adjective

lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned: an ignorant man.

Ignorance

–noun

the state or fact of being ignorant; lack of knowledge, learning, information, etc.

Ah yes I see now that it was "secure the airway". I read it as "secure the airway adjunct" for some reason (I was imaging tying some tape around an OPA to hold it in place). I'm still curious by what exactly medichopeful meant by "secure the airway" though.

You weren't taught to tape the OPA/NPA down? What are they teaching you there?! I kidd.

Must just be a different phrase than what you're used to. By "secure the airway," I mean (basically) make sure that it is clear and that air will get in. Does that clarify it?

I would read into that as "make the airway as secure as we can" which at his level would be an OPA/NPA

Exactly what I mean

Not a seasoned EMT, but did you try to insert some sort of adjunct, such as an OPA or NPA? Because if your patient was unconscious, he needed to have his airway protected.

OP I'm still kind of curious about this. Did you secure the airway before ventilating?

Many states have adopted a "duty to act" law for its citizens and it can pertain to anything including a crime being committed. The state at least wants you to call 911 and are very careful with including the word "reasonable" in the statute. I believe this all came about with a national headline when a woman was murdered while many people witnessed or heard it. No one acted to even call for help.

Is that the Kitty Genovese case you are talking about Vent?

When I went for my practical exam last week, I was given the scenario that my patient was unconscious and breathing x 28 min, shallow, and labored. I told the assistant to give positive pressure ventilations w/ a BVM on O2. I passed, so I know I didn't kill the guy, but I'd love to know if this was an appropriate intervention or if I should have done anything different. I was hoping a seasoned EMT might give me some insight. <3

Not a seasoned EMT, but did you try to insert some sort of adjunct, such as an OPA or NPA? Because if your patient was unconscious, he needed to have his airway protected.

Not being able to properly assess the patient takes us in to whether they should even be allowed on the ambulance in the first place

Simple answer: no. Unless they are with somebody with more training (read: paramedic).

hello everyone...my names Jim and some of you might recognize my name from another forum, I am a new paramedic from RI...so hello from the east coast

Nice to see you again piranah!

Hello and Happy Holdays to All,

I am currently working in the Mid South for a large urban fire department. I am looking to possibly relocate closer to home, somewhere in the Northeast. Any leads on avaliable jobs meeting the following criteria;

1. Fire based or third service; due to the contract nature of private services and the inherent instability I am not interested in a private service.

2. While it's not all about money, I currently bring in about $63,000 annualy at my full time gig. I would need to be somewhat close to that.

3. Primarily 911; I am ok with some ALS hospital transfers but my days of renal roundup are over.

4. The service must be progressive in nature with an emphasis on quality care and employee well being.

If anybody has any leads, they would be appreciated.

Take a look at Boston EMS. I have heard some GREAT things about them (it's my ultimate goal), and they are all 911. However, they have some rules that may not appeal to you (you have to work as a basic for a certain amount of time, regardless of how much training you have), and their starting pay is not what you're looking for as far as I know. Go to their website and look around.

Ahhh.... the wet check!

I never really understood it myself.

So go head to toe touching the patient looking for blood on my hands which are covered by a micro layer of nitrile.

Then Go head to toe touching the patient looking for fractures and painful sensation on palpation.

Why again did I have to stick my hands on thier blood in the first place??

Side note: Doesn't it seem stupid to stick your hands under a patient who is laying on the sidewalk without visualizing first? Sounds like someone is in a hurry to destroy the back of thier gloves, and get stuck with the dirty needle the guy is laying on............

Just sayin

I don't know about you, but I would LOVE to have my hands get covered in blood for the rest of the call.

Just saying

Alright you pervs

A "sticky test" is basically a quick test to detect the presence of any leaking bodily fluids. It consists of putting the hands on all visible parts of the body (the parts on the ground) and checking for the presence of blood or any other, sticky bodily substances. It has another name, but I have always referred to it as a sticky test.

Now get your minds out of the gutter!

Eric

I have a quick question,

Is there any harm in putting a person with suspected spine injury onto a backboard before applying a cervical collar? This is for a trauma assessment, so the steps would go something like this (this only includes relevant parts):

1) sticky test

2) roll patient onto side

3) do rapid assessment of neck, back (during the sticky test, so you can get it done and out of the way)

4) place patient on backboard when rolling to supine position(not secured)

5) apply cervical collar

6) secure patient to backboard

We have not gone over backboarding yet, but I would like to know.

Thanks!

Eric

One/ America

Are we having fun yet?

Yes - Coldplay

How much longer will this go on?

I Have No Clue - Terra Skye

What are you jealous of?

The Pinball Wizard - The Who

Who is your favorite actor?

Well, you are on the right track with the college education...

Thanks for the input. I also have a lot of work experience including:

Karate instructor

Baseball umpire

Volunteer with the elderly

Volunteer at mission of deeds (similar to salvation army)

I will be working as an EMT in college

Is there anything else I could do make me a better candidate?

Thanks!

Eric

Hi all,

I am a 19 year-old student who will be attending Westfield State College in the fall. I am hoping to become a paramedic in the future, and because of this I will be majoring in a pre-health related field.

I heard of this forum on another forum. I know that there are a few members here from there

I live in the Boston area, and I am hoping to get a job with Boston EMS in the future. I know that they are fairly competitive, so if anybody has any advice, that would be great.

I hope to learn a lot by reading the posts on this site.

Stay safe!

Eric