doubledog8

I've probably introduced myself at some point in the past, but seeing as I haven't posted much, here goes: My name is Joe, and I'm an EMT-B from N.E. Oklahoma. I've spent the past 8 months as an ER tech at a busy local ER/Level 2 trauma center, as well as some volunteer time at a nearby BLS service. On Tuesday, I'll be starting at the largest EMS service in the state, and in January, I'll be starting school for my Paramedic. In between, I might actually have time to sneak in a post or two....thanks, and be safe out there..

Personally, I was amazed that he hit hard enough for both his shoes to go flying off...I don't care how tough you are, thats gotta hurt

I'm currently an ER Tech at a busy Level 2 trauma center in my city. My duties: Vitals, 12-lead EKGs, blood draws, splints/dressings, transports, setting up sterile procedure trays (suture, I&D, lumbar puncture), assist as a member of the trauma/code team, as well as assisting the RNs or the docs as needed. The pay's respectable. My goal is to work on the streets full-time, though. In the meantime, however, the ER has proven to be invaluable experience for me.

I took mine this morning. It shut off at 70 questions. There were definitely a few questions where all 4 choices sounded like they could've been right. My gut feeling, though, is that I passed. I guess I'll know in a couple of days..

I job-shadowed at the ER I'm going to be at (a level 2 trauma center). I know every ER is different, but here, the ER Techs do pretty much everything but starting IVs and giving meds. They do most of the blood draws for labs, EKGs, splinting(the techs do apply most of the splints), etc. Basic stuff, I realize. However, the EMS service in my city uses 1 Basic/1 Paramedic crews, so the Basics don't get to do much more than vitals, moving pts, and driving the ambulance (at least that's what I've gathered from the ones I've spoken to). If I can fine part-time work in the field, that would be great, since I know there's no substitute for real field experience. Right now, though, I feel like the ER is the best choice for me. At least for the moment

Congratulations. I just finished my Basic class tonight. Aced both the practical and written exams for the class, am taking the Natl Registry practical on Sat., and the written in probably 3 weeks or so. I definitely agree with the advice about volunteering for the scenarios. I'll be working in one of the bigger ERs in town. I like the field, but for right now the ER is the right way to go for me. Higher pay, more opportunity to use my skills, etc. I'm hoping to get out in the field more as I get closer to my Paramedic. And good luck to those just starting

This topic brings back memories...Here's a few off the top of my head Schoolhouse Rock...Buck Rogers (the TV series)...parachute pants...MTV, back when all they played were videos...25 cent candy bars, 50 cent pops...the Atari 2600...afternoons at the arcade after school. There's more, but's thats's all I can come up with at the moment