Carl Ashman

Whether or not it's a politically motivated change, I think it's a change for the better. My predecessor has already pointed out that ALS can do things for the pt. that BLS can't. Pain management springs to mind here. Not that I'm suggesting for one moment that there is no role for BLS. They are unmissable in the First Responder role and play a major part in patient care. However, at the end of the day, I would want to be looked after by someone who had a little more understanding of my condition and the treatment options. Hope I don't ruffle to many feathers. Carl.

Not to mention Tinicum Twp Volly EMS being about 5 minutes away. With ALS backup from Crozer-Chester at less than 15 mins..... I guess no one likes crossing boundaries. Which is pretty ironic since that's all you ever do from an airport. Carl.

The only way to go!!! (At least you wont get confused with LEO...... Carl.

You know when you're having a bad day in EMS when your aortic dissection patient starts moaning he's going to die, his nurse escort starts vomiting due to travel sickness and your partner drving hits the central reservation on three wheels in the driving rain. (I still have no idea how I got to retell that story) Carl.

Hear, hear! To me, it also boils down to the following, how can you learn to be a proper carer at ALS level in just 12 weeks? It took me 7 yrs and I still get cases that humble and sometimes confuse me after 14 years. Dwayne was somewhat out of line but I do understand his sentiment. He´s right when he says that this mentality is dragging the profession down in the US. Glad to be back folks, Carl, formerly known as the Welsh Medic.

Hi all! A group of colleagues here in Holland have just finished a study into pre-hospital immobilization. It took 6 years and included 3000 patients. The conclusion: there is not one single shred of credible evidence to support spinal immoblization with a c-collar and backboard. In children it is even detrimental due to their size, anatomy and relatively higher risk of aspiration. I believe it's being translated into english, as soon as I have a link,I'll post it here. Carl.

Hi all, We stopped using Entonox a few years ago when it was linked to foetal abnormalities in the first trimester (I've searched for the link high and low but can't seem to find it). We are now using alfentanyl and/or ketamine for short, sharp analgesia. I think I may be getting a little off topic.. Carl