paramedicmike

Here's another good demonstration of why you should wear a seatbelt. While overall it's not very humourous, please take special note of the t-shirt our poor driver is wearing. http://www.safeprogram.com/video7.htm -be safe and please buckle up

I disagree. If I contribute to a conversation with a "One time at band camp" moment and I'm countered by someone who can legitimately say, "No, in school I learned this..." I lose the debate. Why? Because education trumps hearsay. And if that card needs to be played in order to have correct information played into the discussion then so be it. Can it come across as snotty (which sounds like more what you're concerned about)? Yes it can. But otherwise, you have a bunch of uneducated buffoons standing around telling stories about all the whacker calls they did back in the day before people knew any better. Unfortunately, too many people in EMS still fall into this category. Is common sense important? Yes. I don't deny that. However, there is a difference between uneducated "common sense" and educated "common sense". Many times, especially in health care, the difference between the two can mean drastic differences in patient outcome. And if it takes someone pulling the educational trump card out of his wallet to get the idea across then more power to him (or her). -be safe

Wow! Now you've resorted to name calling and further derogatory comments. Isn't this the pot calling the kettle black? Regardless, it's merely the sign of a defeated individual. Perhaps you can learn from what you've posted yourself. It's great that you're passionate about your work and the care you provide to your patients. But if this is how you handle your industry level discussions I'd hate to see your bedside manner. -be safe.

If you don't have the theory, you can't apply it in the field. Unfortunately, there are too many providers out there applying in the field information and eductional theory they don't possess. Is that the kind of provider you want taking care of you? The largest issue facing EMS right now is lack of education. Having an education lends credibility to your position in an argument. "One time in band camp" stories are neither educational or authoritative by any means and should carry little, if any, weight. Which I think is part of the larger issue. It's not a matter of "how is all that book learning going to help me start that IV better?". It's a matter of, "I'm well aware of not only the infection potential that exists in this compound femur situation but also the surgical considerations once we get to the hospital. However, since I know that he has 12 bullet holes in his chest and belly, I'm going to ignore this compound femur for right now." If you're not thinking about what you're doing and why, you're hurting your patient and the industry as a whole. The only way to get around that is education. What's more, field experience comes with time. It can't be learned by anyone out of a book. That goes for EMS, nursing and yes, even being a doctor. If you know the theory, the transition to the field will be much easier than if you're just trying to wing it based on training six hours a week for three months. And yes, decaf is good. But maybe that's the problem here. Maybe someone switched to decaf and that's why the guy's so edgy! I smell a closed thread coming on. -be safe

disregard

First he said: Then he said: Illiminating? Equipoment? GED courses? Sounds like this guy is just a tad out of touch with the changes in today's economy overall. I wonder if he's a HS graduate himself? I second the motion to like the site from where this quote was taken. I'd like to see it, too. -be safe.

"I got a rock." -charlie brown -be safe

There are places in Europe where having a doc on the ambulance is standard practice as well. They, too, see an increased on scene time with the docs trying to do more with/for/to the patient instead of taking the patient to the ER. A point is reached, rather quickly at that, where you just need to pick up and go. Unfortunately, in these cases, the docs are thinking more long term. In a sense that's good. In a sense, they need their head smacked. The balance is to get them to start moving while letting them think it was their idea. -be safe.

Not as a tourniquet, but I have used a disposable BP cuff to apply direct pressure to a wound. The wound was bandaged and wrapped. The BP cuff was wrapped around the wound and inflated only enough to keep direct pressure on the wound. The patient maintained pulses distal to the laceration. It works. You just need to watch what you're doing. If you've got other things to do it can be a little difficult holding direct pressure in the back of a bouncing ambulance. This works well. So, to answer your question, it could be appropriate for the situation. -be safe.

I agree with the above except for this statement: I'll agree that traditional hiking boots aren't very professional for most urban/suburban jobs. But dress shoes are for just that, suits and ties. Unless you wear a tie with your uniform, which I would hope you don't, then you don't need dress shoes or ones that resemble dress shoes. Besides, with the abuse work shoes/boots take they wouldn't last very long. Definitely no dress shoes. (Nothing personal Lucky 13) -be safe.

I was going to say the same thing!!! :shock: -be safe

Sorry, Doc. The feet are at the other end. -be safe.

That's alright, akroeze. I'm missing the significance, too. All I see are a few ambulances outside what I presume to be an ER entrance. I fail to see the intrigue with this picture. Or even how it relates to the thread at hand. -be safe.

And you glow in the dark, to boot!

I agree with AZCEP. Start documenting everything. Take it to the boss and go from there. If everything you have is documented and is accountable to all records, I suspect it's been there longer than any of the current employees. Or, someone has some sticky fingers from the pharmacy. I'd also question what, exactly, is in the vials of what you think is morphine. I'd hate it if the bone head who put the stuff in the ambulance narc box switched morphine with saline. So, Dust, hypothetically speaking, how did you...I mean, would you handle the situation. -be safe.

Ditto. I've done a variety of jobs from landscaping to retail to office work to EMS. This was the only thing I found that I could do without people constantly telling me I fu%$ed something up. And, if my boss and medical director are to be believed, it seems I do it well. Add all that, plus the fact that I enjoy what I do, I find I'm still here. So there you go. Not that I don't keep an eye out for what else is out there. Not that I don't have a variety of interests. But, this is my job. I do it well. I strive to do it better each day I go into work. And for now, that challenge still motivates me to continue and improve. When it no longer does is when I'll leave. -be safe.

I also suggest layering your clothes. Winters in NC can get chilly...especially if you have reason to be outside for an extended period of time in less than accommodating circumstances. Poly-pro works well (but once it starts to smell, and it will start to smell, the smell won't come out). However, a silk long underwear base, with capilene as a second layer then your uniform works well. Throw on a sweater, and a winter hat if you need it, and you should be good. If you find that you'll need a jacket on top of it all, I'd suggest looking for one of those military style flight jackets. They're comfortable, durable and warm. I've seen them on people close to your size. The hard part, of course, is finding them. Ultimately, I'd suggest layering as your best option. It really does work. You may feel a little bulky...but you'll be bulky and warm. And it's easier to find base layers in your size than it is try find professional durability outwear. Good luck! -be safe.

I didn't until you said it...that's a riot!!! And seriously...what *is* up with Lindsey Lohan? -be safe.

I agree. But I was thinking along the lines of, "Hellooooooooooooooooooooo nurse!" -be safe

1. Education 2. Education 3. Education 4. Education 5. Education But what else did you expect coming from me? -be safe.

And therein lies our problems. -be safe

Yikes, indeed! Doubly glad you're doing better. And the young 'un, too! -be safe.

Don't laugh. There is a pet CPR course out there. The vet I take my dog to teaches one. Although, I have yet to take it. Ask your local vet. I'm sure s/he could help you out there.

What this? A new isotope for iron? Spelling counts! Glad you're feeling better, though. -be safe.

Oh come on Rid! They're dead! Who needs informed consent on a stiff?! And before the rest of you get all uptight about this...I'm joking. -be safe.