brentoli

5. Had many of us taken the same opinion on smallpox or polio vaccines, it would never had been irradicated, and we would still be dealing with it.

I am still undecided, and the vaccine hasn't been offered to me yet. But this point is where I take exception... We are not eliminating any flu virus, and it can be argued, that we aren't doing much to slow the spread. If this was a mandatory shot, the numbers today indicate it would be mid-december before we could vaccinate a large sample of people in the USA. Thats roughly 8+ weeks of transferring this virus person to person. Something is to be said for vaccines that do their part in eliminating a virus from the world, but this doesn't do it. I suppose when the time comes to put my name on a list is when I will decide.

I just thought I would take a break and see if anyone missed me. You didn't. j/k

Life got in the way for a bit, but I am back now, actually looking at finance options for a go at a medic class next spring.

I understand you are looking for MD/DO guidance, however I read this storyfrom CBS News today, on Drudge that actually talks about your concerns. You might check it out.

In brief it discusses the choice of the CDC to end testing for H1N1 and how that has possibly lead to an increase in self diagnosed H1N1. It goes on to say people that truly had H1N1 may get the vaccination anyway, and not only waste a dose, but expose themselves to greater risk.

And....? Life.. is a popularity contest. It's also a cereal.

And a game.

Have you ever played Life while eating Life? Pretty sure thats the closest thing to Utopia...

Agreed, however when used in conjunction with the revesing sesors that actually go to the side of the car as well, they are very effective

I agree they can be. No system is fool proof, and there are inherent risks in everything, thats why we have risk management, and not risk elimination. Sounds like your service does effective risk management. I think much discussion comes from the woman who said "OPEN THE DOORS AND GO" very poor thing to say, but it sure does sound good doesn't it? Makes life in the ambulance seem high adrenaline, high octane, high speed, just like a TV show. So both people get in the truck, hit the garage opener, look up the address in the map book, fiddle around for a little bit with the lights, your gloves, the radio. Then we take off. Sounds a little more realistic doesn't it? Maybe we should get out, raise the door, check the ramp for unconscious people, and then proceed. I am sure that is going to be the policy at this service from now on, but is it practical? How many times has anyone in this forum had an unconscious/incapacitated person laying in that 3 foot blind spot in front of your truck when you raised the ambulance bay door? How many people have moved a person out of harms way on foot while exiting the station, because it couldn't have been accomplished by a quick tap on the horn or siren? I am willing to say the numbers are statistically insignificant. There is no need to be calling for these peoples heads, from the information presented, I am sure there are a number of people here that would have the same incident occur to them.

I used to work for a major retail chain, we would get bi-weekly updates from corporate risk management. I will never forget the day we read a bulletin that came out about a new policy regarding electrical work... "Due to an accident at Store XXXX employees will NOT place any object, other than a two or three pronged male end connected to an UL certified electrical device, into an electrical outlet in any XX-XX company property."

Is there a Facebook page for EMTcity? Fan site or what ever the heck they call them this week?

Yes, although the use of reversing cameras has negated this to a large extent.

Even the best back-up camera has blind spots. It can't see the child running rapidly from the side behind the ambulance.

Firstly wherever possible we reverse in so we drive out. This is so there is an extra set of eyes on reversing. We also have reversing cameras in vehicles.

Just curious, does your second person get out and spot you while you are backing in?

Sorry, but I am going to need to see some proof of these so called see through shirts...

Looking at the article, I don't think I want to.

Does anyone work with or manage inventory for their provider? What types of solutions have you come up with as far as keeping adequate stock? Do you use a Min/Max system? Or have you trended historical usage? I would like to hear any and all ideas/working practices. Thanks.

I know that there have been a few major changes over the past 8 months or so and each change required you to relearn the site. The good news is that version of the site will be around for a few years until the next big software update. I am happy with this update and most of the feedback I have received has been positive.

We are the best site out there for our profession and all of the thanks goes out to you, the member. Without you, this place would not be a thriving city, but an abandoned village.

Thanks again,

Admin

Until the next new thing comes around. You're just like a kid in a candy store!

Love you Admin!

We can't make ourselves the all knowing of every culture we will run into. Most people should understand that, and in an emergency situation should take exception to any mis-steps we might make. A conscious alert person, has the right to deny any treatment for themselves that they don't want, I think we all understand that and know the legalities. If you are respectful of your patient like you should be, and their health, then their cultural concerns will work themselves out. Don't assume things and make an ass of yourself. If you have a question, ask your patient, remember, you are there for them, and don't ever allow a preconceived notion interfere with your treatment plan.

I know we always change. We get blankets from the receiving facilities we use for sheets. I wipe down the pad after every call. I think I am the only one who does it that often. Everyone knows to wipe it down if there was soil type activity with the transport though.

Is he the first Kennedy to die a natural death?

Problems I see:

1. There is no automatic dispatch of ALS
   
2. There is no radio dispatch of ALS (Cell phone calls normally are not recorded)
   
3. Your medic has to respond with his personal vehicle, does that include personal equipment
   
4. We only have one side of the story, and the story is slanted towards bad medic in its writing
   

Those first three points need fixed, immediately. If they can not be fixed, scrap your ALS service and contract with professionals. Your system is putting everyone at liability that is not necessary. Your dispatchers are liable for not sending the right equipment, your EMTs are liable for not having radio proof of call progression, your medics are liable for responding with a personal vehicle.

All of the above put your public you are there to serve in a bigger danger when they call 911.

RANT

As far as number 4 goes, I hate reading stories like this on any forum. You will always only see one side of the story, and there is no exoneration for the other party. Even assuming that what the OP said is true, with no embelishments, and he left out all of the side stories not needed to make a judgement in this case, we still wouldn't have both sides. People always come to the forums with a bone to pick though. We hear about how bad this was how bad that was, things are exaggerated, embellished, and spun.

I am all for learning with case studies, and investigation into situations. I wish people would take the time to write out a calm, well communicated, neutral post before they tried to get the public influence. Save the spin for congress.

/RANT

He did want to sleep...

When did he die?

I agree. You either have it set on a priority scan, or the squelch is set to high. The priority scan can be turned off on the keypad somehow. Depends on how your programmer set the radio up. The squelch would have to be changed with the programming.

Hmmm... I'll revive this again? Anyone?

Theres nothing worthwile in Missouri anyways.

They are still in the Indiana Statues for required equipment. Locally if we have a protocol for it the word mast is in 2pt font.

Ambulance here requesting medical control....

Requesting orders to transport a 67 year old male. Dispatched on lift assist, got out here and he was face down in the kitchen with food on the stove. He has a laceration above his right eye, and several marks on his arms and torso can't tell if they are from this incident or not. Seems to be alert and oriented. Doesn't have a care taker available for the next 24 hours. Would like to get him brought in, believe he is a hazard to himself. He is refusing transport at this time. Requesting orders.

No one can say they never speed.

I don't see the wisdom in making a "allowed overage" written in policy. Seems like a liability to me.

Assuming this is about the "Opinion" thread... I just skimmed over it, the first two pages, every post but one is refrence the condition. They may have an aside built in, but the post is in response to the question.

You also made the decision to reply to the debate they started, so, I don't understand how you can gripe when you are part of the hijack.

Just my

Richard, KDT?