EMT*Sweet

I think I have finally read all the responses to this post. I agree with a few and naturally have an issue with a few.

I'm an EMT-IV in one state but only recognized as a Basic in another due to the fact that they wish to remain in the stone ages of EMS care..Not my choice for it to be this way but there are times when I feel like I have my hands tied behind my back while working as a Basic. Aside from my need to state that I see no reason for any Basic to stand up and defend their level of care against those of higher learning.

Medics are medics only due to the drugs they can push. The rest of patient care is the same. Sizing up a scene, patient assessment, Sample, splinting, bleed control, baseline vitals (so a medic can read a 12 lead) all from medical to trauma. I do feel all Basics should be upgraded in their skills to be able to apply the use of D50, IV's--NS and LR, epi, nitro etc. Basics are just as valuable to this field as any of the higher trained individuals in question. Now then with the question of two medics being on every truck - I have to ask why it would be necessary. If medics are trained appropriately and have somehow maintained some level of intelligence through the big-headedness so many seem to go through then it should be deemed that it only require one to know the correct method of treatment and the correct dosages of the meds they are pushing in order to treat the signs/symptoms of any patient. If this is the case then what would Medic #2 be doing in the mean time?

I'm sure I'll get slammed for saying this but this is how I see it. The only alternative to the Basic level is to upgrade and allow them to learn more skills. I think A&P 1&2 should be required classes for any person wishing to join the medical field regardless of what level of care they wish to perform therefore providing the knowledge necessary to enhanced patient care.

I think I have finally read all the responses to this post. I agree with a few and naturally have an issue with a few.

I'm an EMT-IV in one state but only recognized as a Basic in another due to the fact that they wish to remain in the stone ages of EMS care..Not my choice for it to be this way but there are times when I feel like I have my hands tied behind my back while working as a Basic. Aside from my need to state that I see no reason for any Basic to stand up and defend their level of care against those of higher learning.

Medics are medics only due to the drugs they can push. The rest of patient care is the same. Sizing up a scene, patient assessment, Sample, splinting, bleed control, baseline vitals (so a medic can read a 12 lead) all from medical to trauma. I do feel all Basics should be upgraded in their skills to be able to apply the use of D50, IV's--NS and LR, epi, nitro etc. Basics are just as valuable to this field as any of the higher trained individuals in question. Now then with the question of two medics being on every truck - I have to ask why it would be necessary. If medics are trained appropriately and have somehow maintained some level of intelligence through the big-headedness so many seem to go through then it should be deemed that it only require one to know the correct method of treatment and the correct dosages of the meds they are pushing in order to treat the signs/symptoms of any patient. If this is the case then what would Medic #2 be doing in the mean time?

I'm sure I'll get slammed for saying this but this is how I see it. The only alternative to the Basic level is to upgrade and allow them to learn more skills. I think A&P 1&2 should be required classes for any person wishing to join the medical field regardless of what level of care they wish to perform therefore providing the knowledge necessary to enhanced patient care.

I think I have finally read all the responses to this post. I agree with a few and naturally have an issue with a few.

I'm an EMT-IV in one state but only recognized as a Basic in another due to the fact that they wish to remain in the stone ages of EMS care..Not my choice for it to be this way but there are times when I feel like I have my hands tied behind my back while working as a Basic. Aside from my need to state that I see no reason for any Basic to stand up and defend their level of care against those of higher learning.

Medics are medics only due to the drugs they can push. The rest of patient care is the same. Sizing up a scene, patient assessment, Sample, splinting, bleed control, baseline vitals (so a medic can read a 12 lead) all from medical to trauma. I do feel all Basics should be upgraded in their skills to be able to apply the use of D50, IV's--NS and LR, epi, nitro etc. Basics are just as valuable to this field as any of the higher trained individuals in question. Now then with the question of two medics being on every truck - I have to ask why it would be necessary. If medics are trained appropriately and have somehow maintained some level of intelligence through the big-headedness so many seem to go through then it should be deemed that it only require one to know the correct method of treatment and the correct dosages of the meds they are pushing in order to treat the signs/symptoms of any patient. If this is the case then what would Medic #2 be doing in the mean time?

I'm sure I'll get slammed for saying this but this is how I see it. The only alternative to the Basic level is to upgrade and allow them to learn more skills. I think A&P 1&2 should be required classes for any person wishing to join the medical field regardless of what level of care they wish to perform therefore providing the knowledge necessary to enhanced patient care.

For all the times I have been dispatched to the wrong addresses, addresses that dont exist, directions that are completely the opposite of the direction we are suppose to be going( Makes us feel like we are up for the big D.A. award when we roll thru an intersection-lights/sirens- only to have to turn around and come flying right back thru) Wonder what the public thinks about that? :oops: Or the passing of mutated info from dispatch to us-- How nice would it be to actually know what you are rolling up on? Talk about spiking anxiety levels. Naturally this cant be a rare occurence but never fails on a daily basis and then they want to cop an attitude with us....Sheesh.

approx. 7 day DOA

I have recently implemented an insurance program for a Volunteer service that I work with. I would be happy to give you some details but you will also need to check with your state regulations. The way it works for us is that we bill insurance companies but not the patients. You need to set a rate ( $ amount) that will be billed per mile of transport. So if you charge $8. a mile and travel 30 miles from the scene to the medical facility you bill $240. You remain nonprofit by stating that you are only billing to recover your expense of operation.....We are doing very well with this program right now.

If I can provide any advice or guidance just let me know.......

I think I lost the meaning in all this....

I work as an EMT-I in an industrial plant.. I also work for a paid service(urban) and I volunteer with a Fire/EMS (rural) dept. Does it matter?? Not in the least!! I agree that there are differences in call volumes, scenarios, tempraments, Levels of training etc...but in the end we are all out there for the same reason. We all have our roles in the scenes we are called too and we all started out in the same place as Basics..

We get a nice mix of everything around here...I have heard this is the stroke belt of the US which explains the TIA's, MIA's and every other "IA"..Full Arrest( 3 in a day) We have alot of CP, SOB, AMS ( meth country) not to mention the 2 a.m ingrown toenails, DUI's, DOA's, Domestic cases,MVA's and an occasional hungry vixen (Bipolar) who calls EMS for transport with a host of reasons until transport is in progress and then demands a trip to McD's only to turn truly evil when she doesnt get her way......

Our luck comes in 3's... if we happen to have four it will turn into 6. Never fails .

Unfortunatly though, I have never had an OB call......

Haven't had an off day in quite a long time but when I get one I'm planning to work on my "Professional Lounging Techniques"

Ok I apoligize if I sounded to harsh. I apparently did not convey the meaning of what I was trying to say in a "nice" or "thorough" way. I may not be the most soothing but I am one of the most empathetic.

Yes, it is ok to cry, to feel and to apply ALL of what Dr. Bledsoe stated in the above posts. We all do this but after a year it is consumption and self blame. This is destructive both mentally and physically.

If my statement of "collecting facts, rationalizing, dealing with, forgiving and moving past" is a sour attitude then tell me what isnt. I agree that "Technical is good when it is research based but it is better when it is applied correctly afterward. This is where the snag is...

Yes, Dwayne she wanted the steps to take to resolve this. Read what I said above. I gave advice in a personal way not a professional way. We all have to learn our own way of dealing with things that are happening now and be prepared for what is to come. I was speaking from an experience just like hers and one of these days you may run across the same thing.

The words "Get over it and Toughen up" is simply a generic way of saying the above. It is no way was to criticize or question the strength she possesses now.

One last thing-- I dont criticize valid advice and you shouldnt comment on it unless you have actually performed the task at hand.

I like to mix it up a bit. Hate for things to be too predictable so it depends on the mood of the day.

Truck or Unit# is the norm here but I think today it will be the "ambushack"

Thanks for all the great new names for my truck. I'm sure I can cause lots of confusion now....I love to throw out a new word unexpectedly and recieve a blank look back while my partner tries to think fast and figure out what the hell I am talking about.....hahaha :twisted:

I've been watching this post grow for a couple of days and have hesitated on commenting..We have gone from one girl's plea to the controversy of CISD...Don't know why things have to get so technical !!

Simple solution to CISD -- If by some odd chance any of you have a Mentor in this field ( an elder of sorts, someone who has been here for years, someone who has struggled thru the trials and errors of healing) A person of respect who's time in EMS came before our time of LABELS, SYNDROMES and the Multitude of Medicinal crutches which were created to keep us in the "RUT" >>> GO TO THEM..........There is no need to subject yourself to being drawn into an office by inexperienced college professionals or those who have no clue of what it is we need to express only to walk out feeling like you have been poked, prodded, analyzed, judged----Sheesh!!

Addressing the original Post from SHira____ ( My opinion only) The problems you are having now are " Self-Inflicted self pity"

-If you chose to hang on to it, you will

-Go back to your training__Read up on Respiratory arrest in Infants..You did all you could do!! Plain and simple..

-Put the facts together, rationalize it in your head, deal with it in your heart, and move past it.

- Get over it and TOUGHEN UP because I assure you that you will see worse, deal with worse and not every call will be successful.

None of us likes to deal with the "death of innocence" but things happen and just be glad that you were there to try to help!!

NOW THEN--Go out there, believe in yourself, keep your head up and MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! :wink:

and if it lights up upon penetration? :bootyshake:

"Another One Bites The Dust"

Adding this to my list of Resolutions~~~ DEVELOPE GAMOPHOBIA (fear of marriage) :brave:

Actually yes, it was damp and seemed to be in a bind. I sprinkled powder and for reasons unknown "Poof, It was gone!" :dontknow:

The person below me sucks this thru a straw...

^5 DustDevil..... I love the way you get your point across.. 8)

Ok I"m behind.. Can someone send me the link to the EMS Scope of Practice? Thanks

The EMS classes here have clinicals scheduled in with the course. 10 ride alongs are required and the student aides in the care of the patient while being observed by certified EMt's and Medics.

Most of our ambulances services are glad to take part in the education of future Ems workers but we did have a few that refused having students for ride-a-longs...

Hail to the Paragods!! Yes I know several of them and have yet to determine if they were actually nice intelligent individuals before they recieved a certain Medic status or if they are and were always retarded jerks. I guess I have to side with DustDevil on this one.

I have experienced the "Paramedic Shove" only twice and have found that a properly positioned and firmly placed boot on the posterior side of the shover seems to cure the issue quite well.

We are there to tend to the needs of the patient and not to see who can shine the brightest!!

I have also seen many days where the EMT saved the Medic from making huge errors.

My point is made.

Have a great day to all of you here in EmtCity....

Well Altemt>> A fling can relieve stress but at the same time it can add alot of stress. So it all depends on how you look at it.

Soooooooo What happens in EmtCity stays in EmtCity !! Right?

Off Days?? I cant remember the last time I had one..

I spend all of my days posing as "SuperMom," "SuperStudent," "Super EMT," and I work 2 jobs....

I do, however, have an entire list of things I would like to do SOMEDAY!!!