mbuchanan0119

I'm about ready to start doing clinicals and ride-time in my EMT-B class, but I'm having some trouble recording Respiratory Rate. I know all the normal respiratory rates and how to take it, I just have trouble seeing them breathing sometimes. (especially if they have a baggy shirt on) My teacher says that when taking respiratory rate you should try to do it with out them really knowing your doing it. Apparently he says that Pts may change their rate of breathing if they know that your taking it. Is it normal to maybe place your hand on there back to feel for breaths if your having trouble visually seeing the inspiration and expiration? I know its sort of a silly question I'm just getting nervous cause I'm gonna be starting clinicals soon and don't wanna make a fool of myself. I'm doing great in my class getting a 96% just having a little trouble. Thanks Mike

Now I'm not an experienced EMT or Paramedic, but just a EMT-B student. I would suggest just enrolling for classes. It's really nice to learn some stuff before ya go in to school, but your gonna have to learn it all over again. I sort of felt the same way before I signed up for classes I really wanted to make sure it was something I wanted to do. Only way I figured to find out is to just give it a try. But for now I would definitely suggest picking up an A&P book. Theres alot of info in there that will help ya. Maybe even pick up a steth and a B/P cuff. Start practicing taking B/P and pulses. Anyways best of luck to ya. It seems like an exciting field and I can't wait to start clinicals and ride time.

Hey just started my EMT-B class earlier this month. I found this forum and decided to join incase I had any questions during my future in EMS career. So far I love my class and find it very interesting and am very excited to start clinicals and ride alongs. I look forward to reading everyones stories and topics. Mike