FireMedic65

Did I miss where it said how long the classes were and how often? Back when I went to basic school, it was 2 nights a week, for 3 hours. The lectures were very dry and boring. So most of class would read the chapters during class and not pay much attention to the instructors since they were mostly idiots. For example, saying thins like "we came to a car crash, the car was on it's roof, possible rollover". Given there is not much to be taught at the basic level, but these are the basic skills and knowledge to build on. The kind of medics you see who are very proficient at their jobs, probably weren't crappy EMT's. This is why I feel you shouldn't run an EMT course like it is an assembly line or showing them how to build a house. This is important stuff and should be taken very seriously. Running people through a course just to get them through and out on the street is a very bad idea. "Twelve students crammed into an ambulance -- not for treatment, but training." Yea, bad idea. How much can one person learn an environment like that. When you have a ratio of many students to few instructors, the system fails. You are left to learn many things on your own. Education in EMS should NOT be taught in lecture format in my honest opinion. We can all read. We don't need you to read to us what is in the book. There is a course run near me, that is one month. It is every day, for 8 hours a day. I have worked around some of the people that took this course, and for the most part, they are morons. Couldn't take blood pressures properly, not knowing how to put on splits, failing at the most basic things and, just plain out not knowing what to do. That being said, some of the people from these same classes do very well out in the field. Mostly because they put in the extra effort beyond the classroom and took things seriously. Not just went through the steps of the class. The cost of the program also seems kind of crazy to me. I am not sure of the going rate on school these days for EMT, but when I took the class, it was $50.

Sounds good... maybe for tomorrow. I am already making plans on what I want to do for lunch and dinner tomorrow. by the way, the pork roast bbq was fantastic I think I might make this http://miasmaticreview.mu.nu/mt-static/bac...cheese-roll.jpg

Oh it was fabulous! eating is up in the top 5 of my most favorite things to do.

anticholinergentic overdose

Italian with capicola, provolone and american cheese. mayo, zesty italian dressing, banana peppers. a bag of chips, and a dr pepper. the wings were extra extra crispy, with a hot n honey sauce

*waves hi*

Great link!

Bracelet or not... you still need the written documentation, signed for a valid DNR to be in order.

You are supposed to be waiting by your mailbox for the fedex guy

Yes, there is that slight chance that NOT wearing a seat belt will benefit you. This is a very low chance though, and quite rare. Seat belts save lives. Statistics prove it. I have been one way too many accident scenes where that if the patients were wearing their seat belts, they would be alive today to tell you they did.

ok folks, I got a sandwich from the local deli, and wings

I did some investigation on this... there is a company that specializes in making such "toys". These idiots probably got bored watching one of the various adult fun sites and decided to save a few dollars. I would link the company site, but it is HIGHLY inappropriate and unsafe for work. People are.. strange!

on the way! wait outside by the mailbox for fedex

Actually my options are pretty limited. I live in hickville. We have a few diners that are a last resort, fast food like BK, Mcdonalds, a subway, and a tex mex place thats hardly tex nor mex. BLT is sounding really good. I put a pork roast in the slow cooker a little bit ago.. but I want food nooooow

Yes.. I am really bored and need opinion on what to eat for lunch. suggestions anyone?

AH ok, that makes more sense. Kind of figured it was a typo. Well, regardless.. Hello

Sorry to hear that. Welcome to the City.

You were working as a pharmacy tech at 14 years old? I thought you needed a 2year degree to do that?

Tell that to my medical director.

That is a great looking ambulance. No secret passage to the cab though? I would love to be part of the design of a new ambulance, I am sure a few of us could put together something really nice. Most ambulances now, almost force you to reach over the patient to grab something, or move around the box to do things. Not very safe for you at all, nor for the patient if the driver has to suddenly stop, or worse!

That's what I am saying. We learn a skill, and some people just say ok, I learned it, and that's it. We need to keep up with these skills and practice them. Those who do not practice their skills, are usually the ones who lower the success rates on such skills.

I suppose I am in one of those regions where we don't get to do much of anything. We don't even have needle crich! I am all for the advancement of skills for EMS. Not taking them away.

5, when I jumped out of a moving car because I didn't want to wait for my parents to park the car so I could go play. (Gravel and blood do not taste good) How old were you when you first drove a car?

If you are quick enough, you can start your IV while the cuff is inflated No really, I am only kidding. Automated things are there for a reason. To make your job easier. It doesn't mean stop using the skill though. Like others said, I myself will always get manual vitals first, then allow the machine to monitor them for me. If the ride is really bumpy, it can sometimes throw off the monitor. Then again, ever notice how the cuff deflates, but then inflates again? That's the monitor detecting noise or movement and readjusting to get a more accurate reading. The technology really has come a long way. I was taught a long time ago that a machine is a machine, and machines break. This doesn't mean we shouldn't trust them though. They aren't made my Fisher Price and sold at walmart (although they probably will be soon!). With routine maintenance, charged batteries and calibration these tools should function just fine.

What needs to be done is have ALL EMS on the same page. Instead of each state doing their own thing, and even down to each state having regions doing their own thing. National Standard my butt! If we all work together, and get on the same page. Get everyone trained, properly, do the right documentation, and all follow the same standards... this kind of stuff probably wouldn't happen.