DFIB

I never had a film crew although the local paper and TV hand around like vultures trying to get a shot with a little blood in it. Jerks. Most of the time they tic me off although i try not t show it. Once I was in the rain packaging a head trauma patient with AMS and Cheyne-Stokes breathing that had bled at least 500ml from the scalp laceration. About 6 LEO were on the scene. As I was assessing the patient someone behind me kept asking how to spell my name, I thought it was the police. It was a reporter. I don’t like them at all, a bunch of vultures. As far as putting a film crew on the bus with you, I don't know. I would hate to face a lawsuit with film! Lawyers could turn that into a nightmare.

EMS is an wonderful adventure. Enjoy the ride! Welcome to the City.

So ,,, What was her actual pulse rate? Good job tcripp!

I caught and removed a snake from a patient's bathroom once. That has a hoot!

I think the actual geography has an effect on people's behavior. Greater distances make for longer response time. Also sometimes the ambulance can't find the house in areas where they still have PO Box addresses. Most everyone has some form of transportation or someone who can give them a ride. Unless it is really serious you can probably get to the hospital sooner by driving yourself. Another important factor is EMS services diffusion and promotion. Since folks don't see ambulances that often they don't think to dial 911 in an emergency. Cost is also a factor; why pay for an ambulance if you can drive yourself? Also the odds of Joe lunch bucket the volunteer showing up first are pretty good and not necessarily what you want or need.

Edited because I missed the diagnosis. Deleted coments.

So the developmental stage of each individual child would be key. Maturity does not come with age but with the acceptance of responsibility. We could teach all the same and expect that some simply won’t have the maturity to get it. But hey, some knowledge is better than no knowledge. Or do an introductory "test class" to identify kids that are interested and able to learn more. First Aid team at church is very interesting. Do you include children, youth and adults? What church is it at? Do you have shifts during the services or is everyone just on standby? It is really cool to teach our own kids. My 14 year old is pretty good with the areas she is most interested in. She likes the Rapid Trauma Assessment but is less interested in interventions. My 19 year old will take his NREMT next month. I got to teach them both and it was a blast!

Basic skills proved to be essential for the survival of this group of kids after enduring a vicious bear attack. How young should we teach kids first aid and how much information can small children assimilate? http://www.minutemannewscenter.com/articles/2011/07/26/westport/news/doc4e2dbdbe97e4f600136599.txt

On my person Gloves Knife phone wallet duty belt Mechanic gloves (stored in the webbing of rescue helmet) In the truck Jump bag KED Splint KIT High angle rescue stuff

This thread makes me miss the days when the local Dr. could fix everything. They had to be prepared for whatever came through their doors. If they didn’t have a solution they pretty well made one up. So with this in mind a good dose of pre-hospital care knowledge would possibly be advantageous to make anyone, including Drs. producing more well rounded professionals and better citizens. Don’t get me wrong, specialization gives us great benefits and greater medical bills because so many professionals do not seek diversity in their training. Well rounded may not bring them more money but in the end isn’t service what we are all about? Physicians may never need pre-hospital emergency skills but if they ever do need them. I am sure they will be glad they took the time to prepare. It shouldn’t be the backbone of a medical program but would surely add value if included in pre-med education.

Hello everyone. I will be begining clinicals to finish EMTB and move on to national registry exam soon after. It is good to find a forum for EMS providers. My name is Grady and I am studying in Texas although I will be working outside the continental US. I hope to be able to stay in contactwith US providers to kinda stay in the "know". I think EMS world will help.

Congratulations on the career change. I am 44 and kinda doing the same thing. I wonder how the job market works for guys our age. What have your experiences been so far?