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P_Instructor

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Posts posted by P_Instructor

  1. Our service moved from Diazepam to Midazolam 10 years ago. Versed was much more versatile for our program. Long before nasal, Versed given IM (for status seizure and no IV) absorbs much quicker than Valium. The only initial problems associated with Versed useage were a couple of cases of underdosing for seizure. This problem was readily identified and corrected. It has work very well for us. Good luck, I think you will be pleased with it.

  2. I know we agree on little, and that I know that I have made many of you curse in 2009, but I still want to wish each and everyone of you a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope all of you have the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving in a way that brings you and your family closer together. Eat too much, laugh too much, care too much, make every moment count, and I hope that we all have a better 2010.

    BITE ME.........Ha.......No, I thank you and hope that your Thanksgiving brings a joy and that this will carry on through the Holiday Season. Yes, make every moment count. Happy Thanksgiving. P

  3. Makes you think if all your unconscious patients are really unconscious or unresponsive.......

    Whoops....sorry, I guess this was already posted by zzyzx.

    <A class=bbc_url title="External link" href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/24/coma.man.belgium/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29" rel=nofollow><BR></A><BR><BR><BR><A class=bbc_url title="External link" href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/24/coma.man.belgium/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29" rel=nofollow>http://www.cnn.com/2...+Top+Stories%29</A> <BR><BR>

  4. Why on earth would this even interest you if it is not accepted in your state? Even in states where it is accepted, it's useless. That's the reason it's not accepted there. If you're going to advance, then advance. Go for paramedic. Half-stepping is a very poor choice.

    I agree with 'Da Duster". If you're going this far, go all the way. From my recollection, I am not sure if the Registry is even going to offer this exam anymore. Unknown if your state will offer this level. You would be more useful as a Paramedic than the 99I.

  5. Try using a real radio for the scenario. We routinely use this medium with another instructor in the other room acting as medical control. Any scenario can be used, but verbalizing your finding can be one of the most difficult things a new responder can face. If they can't 'paint the picture' for medical control, then they need more practice in getting the point across and keeping it brief.

    Just a couple of portables could be used.

    Good luck.

  6. I'm just trying to get your opinion on what you would do in the scenario as presented.

    Ultimately you are going to base your treatment on the clinical picture of the patient, however, you better get all the information needed to make that decision on which treatment modality/pathway you are deciding on. It comes down to fully understanding the pathophysiology of what is going on with the patient. Although fictional, there are many variables that need to be thought of prior to just slamming or bamming (meds/shock). If this was a true situation, your knowledge and experience would hopefully promote a fast clinical decision to the proper treatment regime. One must remember that not all thought out processes will work, and you must always be prepared for the possible unwanted outcome.

    This could have many factors involved, but my opinion would be in in line with chbare, if the patient was previously in PEA, we need to consider all the H/T's, and could be electrolyte problem.

    Good scenario.

    • Like 1
  7. OK, I agree. I can get along with dropping the felony charges, but he needs to be blasted with all the other charges. Running with hazard lights does not give you permission to break the law. Even running with a 'strobe' light (not knowing what color) does not give you that permission. Anyone who sees a law cruiser following you with their lights on, the position is to 'pull over and stop'. If the cruiser was responding to the call, it would go by. If it was stopping you, then explain why and what you are responding to, and I would hope most officers would understand.

    There is much more information needed to really comprehend this situation...speed, how reckless, etc.

    This gentleman is still liable for his actions, lawful or not.

  8. If you are attaching leads anyway, why not just do the 12? Seems kind of pointless to do an EKG to see if you should do it the right way.

    I agree...what is the point, trying to save time or electrodes? If you are doing it to determine if the 12 lead needs to get done, then just do it anyhow.

    • Like 1
  9. I don't think we disagree. In a perfect world with unlimited resources($$) and time, it would be great to go as far in EMS education as possible and then move on to other areas like management.

    I was just pointing out that without knowing the poster's aspirations, I would suggest a more holistic, well rounded approach to make yourself more marketable.

    I would also point out that to be of any value, an advanced degree in management (grad school) is probably what you really need anyway.

    Gotch ya.

  10. I agree that it depends highly on where you plan to work AND what your future plans are for the profession.

    I would argue that getting a degree in management(as in public safety administration) or business would make you the most marketable if you plan to move up in the ranks.

    I took the post as a degree in EMS and not management. Ususally in the managerial aspect, more business classes are needed beyond the initial EMS degree. Sorry.

  11. ..... but will it make a difference in getting me a job wherever I want?

    This will depend on where you are at, as well as what services you plan to apply at. Typically, having the degree will make you much more marketable than having no degree. This appears to be the current trend. I will try to find the research in this area.

  12. Hey everyone,

    I was just curious what you all think the most common calls for EMS are on Halloween? Do you have a particular call that you remember on this day?

    Most are the common calls with increase in the ETOHers. Most oddity is the intoxicated male who was bobbing for apples and almost drowned himself. Friend saved him from the water, but caused a stay in ICU for aspiration.

  13. I have a decision to make and I need some advice. I especially would like to hear from those of you who left the truck and are happy OR unhappy with your decision. I like being on the truck. I like my station. I like my fire department first responders. I am getting sick on my shift supervisors. I have been with my service for a little over 3 years and I have been on my current Lt's sh*t list for over 2 years. I've never been formally written up. My Lt has told my partner to write me up a few times to which my partner responds, "Write her up for what?" I like alot of the medics I work with, but I'm getting tired of the attempts at intimidation and the BS threats of "you have a target on your back." I've had coworkers tell me that it's b/c my Lt is intimidated by me. Why?? I don't want his job.

    I interviewed for a position with Memorial Hermann in Houston as a transfer coordinator. I will be at a desk for 12 hours, triaging transfers from lower level hospitals, and arranging patient transfers to the main Level I facility or to the surrounding lower level hospitals in the system. It's more money, more opportunity, and better benefits. I would still be able to pick up a few shifts at my part-time 911 job in the boonies just much lower call volume.

    The interivew seemed to go well. If I'm offered the job, I still have no idea what to do. Every time I think, I couldn't leave this job (even with all the crap I put up with)-I love it, I get a patient on the truck that reminds me of the negatives that go with our jobs.

    Hey kid, do what is best for you. I left the full time gig because of back problems, but found a great position as an instructor in EMS at local college. I also still work part time for the service on occasion and it keeps me in the loop. Totally loving it. Actually gained a better rapport with the other full timers, and the newbies look up to you as an old fart when you do work PT. Look at the big picture, do what's best for you. If you get the position at Hermann, dig in and make it a positive experience. Expand you horizons. Looks like you would be better off monetary wise, and then would have to be around your local BS Lt.

    I feel you would probably do a good job in the new position, and I hope you succeed in getting the job. Think of it as your own 'well-being' of the EMTigger.

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