medik8

Unfortunately, you speak the truth. Problem is....when it sucks you in...it's almost impossible to escape. It's like an addiction...as you know. I'm so sorry....thank you, from me, for all the years and for all you've done. I appreciate it...after all, you're like family, and it's best we all stick together. :wink: Best of luck to you... xoxo 8

I had 28 points.......I am Arnold. I'm the first one of those... Hmmmmmm...lol 8

Connie....It's unfortunate the way you were treated and the way you felt walking away from all of this. However, don't let it get ya down. :wink: I, like Rid, do not judge based upon weight or size. If you are able to do the job, you are able to do the job. If not, don't bother. That's my attitude. There are those that want to learn, and those that are lazy and want everything handed to them. Unfortuantely, in this business, just as there are lazy and unprepared students, there are also lazy and inappropriately behaved instructors and mentors. That is not acceptable any more than being a lazy student. As Dust and Rid both commented on briefly, education has been seriously lacking in EMS in a lot of areas for years. Unfortuantely, a lot of us have gotten jaded because of it. It's certainly not an excuse, and not because we mean to. But, more often, because it's the cold hard truth. Most students are not prepared. Now, for that I blame both the student AND the instructor. The instructor for allowing these students to leave their classroom unprepared. The students for not having the responsibility and good self respect to speak up and say, "Hey...I don't know what the hell I'm doing...maybe I need more practice before I embarrass myself." It's a whole lot easier to learn in class than it is to be looking like a fool in clinicals when you can't take a BP. I'm sorry...I didn't mean to get on my soapbox...but the way you were treated could be a result of someone just being tired of all the BS. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and will probably piss a lot of women off, but it has to be said.... I've never been disrespected in this field because I'm a female. Nor, do I ever suspect I will. Why? Because people who know me know that I don't play on the female bullshit. I don't want or expect any special treatment. All I want is the fair chance to be able to do my job and do it well. Nothing pisses me off more than a woman who gets into this field and then allows their lazy ass to not pull their fair share of the weight because they don't feel they should have to because they are a girl. That's crap. If I knew I couldn't go to work and give 150% of myself to my department and to my co-workers and my community, then I wouldn't be here. I've heard so many whiny women utter crap like..."It's TOOOOO HEEEEAVVVVVVVYYYYYYY"....or...."I don't FEEEEEEEELLLLLLL goooooodd" or "I can't DOOOOOOOOOOO thisssss". That makes me madder than anything in the world!!!! Why? Because it is a downright utter shame and embarrassment to our gender as a whole, and I take it personally. I guarantee you any guy that you talk to that works with me will tell you...I am able and willing to do the job and they have no issue with being my partner. It's not because of any other reason, than the fact that I've busted my ass to earn their respect. Now, I'm not overweight. Quite the opposite...I am small. But, I have that on my side, which can be just as difficult. But, I absolutely REFUSE to let it stop me, or to allow anyone to EVER be able to say that I can't or won't do my fair share. Instead, they are usually pulling me back going...."we'll get it"....and those that know me better are going..."let her go....She won't listen to you. You can't stop her"...LMAO. My point here is....there are certain sort of women that give us a bad name in this profession. You have to prove that you aren't one of them. Maybe that is why you were treated that way. It's not necessarily fair...but life is not fair...So, don't get mad....get even!! You have to be willing to kick ass at your job. The day I can't.....is the day I get off the truck. Please don't take any of this the wrong way. This is not meant for you personally....it's meant to help shed some light on what I think is a huge problem in this field. Just trying to help you look at things from a different angle... 8) Go get 'em girl.... :wink: xoxoxoxo 8

Absolutely...I've said it. I know it probably embarrassed them, but the thing you have to remember is...some of these kids are just that...kids. The come to class looking like slobs. If they aren't told in the beginning...that's not doing them a favor. My job is to teach and mentor. I take that seriously. I look at it simply like...would they show up for any other job looking like that? I hope not. :shock: And if they would...then it's time to put that thought to rest and learn that that is NOT acceptable. That's just how I see it.... Hopefully, at some point down the road...that same student will end up successful, or who knows, maybe a polished Captain and say...wow...I remember when that girl taught me how to present myself professionally. If even ONE thinks this...I'm happy. xoxo Luv, 8

Refreshing, isn't it Rid...someone who actually wants to learn.....go figure. lol... And...I'm glad you agreed with me. I was excited to see that my approach has your stamp of approval. It means a lot. After all...I certainly do respect your opinions, Rid sir. :salute: :wink: xoxo 8

Wow.... :shock: Evil bitch.....see....that's just mean. But it did make me laugh. hee hee. 8

I try my very best to talk them into going ahead. Most are content with this as they like to be there already when their family member arrives so they don't "miss" anything. If I can't get them to do that...Either I talk to the family or instruct my partner to, and discuss with them how I DO NOT want them to drive closely, follow us through lights, etc...and take a minute to explain the safety aspect to them. Most people seem ok with that and appreciate that you care enough to let them know. Most have also never really thought about the whole "no one is looking for a second car" theory...or should I say fact... Sounds like everyone handles things about the same way..... xoxo 8

I expect one major thing first and foremost from my students...and that is to do what you're sent there to do...LEARN. Don't be lazy, sloppy, or sleeping in the recliner. (And I'm not saying you are any of this...so don't take this personal...I'm just giving my perspective :wink: )... There is nothing worse than a student that comes in looking unprofessional as hell, shirt untucked, hair a mess, boots unlaced...trudging in...says hey...flops in the recliner. In fact..after giving them a few minutes, and the benefit of the doubt...if it appears this is what is flying for the next 8-10 hours, I will send them home with the message of..."Lesson #1....and believe me I'm about to do you a huge favor...Go home...start over...and come back when you look like you are here to work, learn, and can present yourself as a professional to the public and to the department. Think about what you think I mean by that...analyze what just happened this morning and when you have it figured out...come back. If you need me to enlighten you....I'll be happy to explain". Please know...I'm not mean...I just want serious students only. It's my way of letting them know...this is a serious job and it's time to grow up. You want to be a professional, start by looking and acting like one. If you make it to the truck...of course I will let you do stuff...you will take vitals, put monitors on, do sugars, compressions or bagging if you can handle it, God forbid we have to; and just assist with stuff in general...and by all means ask questions. You are not bugging me or inconveniencing me. In fact, I'm offended if you don't ask questions. A lot of it depends on who you ride with and how they work, the type of people they are. But, anyone worth a damn is going to welcome your questions and answer them. Ummm....know when to step back. If it's a bad call, ask what you can do, but observe mostly. Too many hands is not always good thing. For extra points..offer your help around the station. We love when students have enough initiative to jump in and help out...even if it's not about being an EMT. Be a part of the crew that day. Get a feel for what it's really like, even if it's helping with dinner. You will be a lot more liked and respected. Most of all...learn and have fun...and take the experience with you. Hopefully you can come home with something to reflect back on. Let me know how it goes! And...BEST of luck to you!!! :wink: xoxo 8

I had this one nailed....but only because it's happened to me before... :? ...and like I said before...it was with my dad. That sucked...but he's ok now. Sneaky...but now you know...and trust me...you won't forget this presentation again. I've never seen it since, but when it happens, I definitely will remember. :roll: xoxoxo 8

I've read his books. I liked 'em. I got a kick out of his humor. Pretty good idea of what it's all about...especially in the city. 8

Stick em quick....get it done....and watch out for the wigglers... It's just like any other procedure that's remotely painful...prolong it in any way and you will always make it worse. Be fast...and confident. Works *almost* every time. :wink: 8

You Are an Irish Coffee At your best, you are: wild, spontaneous, and outgoing At your worst, you are: too extreme and reckless You drink coffee when: you want to keep drinking booze Your caffeine addiction level: low What Kind of Coffee Are You? http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofcoffeeareyouquiz/ :shock:

Meh...sounds to me like you were just calm, cool, collected and able to handle chaos...which is a good thing. Important thing to remember is not to "stuff" your feelings. If you truly feel ok and like you were unaffected by this, and are wondering why...that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's kind of a gift...of a certain sort. I have that. I consider it a blessing. Not much excites me, unless it involves kids...I don't get all worked up. I just stay focused, calm, and do my job. Even when it DOES involve kids...I don't let it bother me on scene. I am able to hold it until later in most cases. There have been a few times that I really had to bite back the tears, or had to walk away for a second... Some wonder how I stay calm during bad calls. I can't even answer that. I just do. As long as you revisit the scene/situation in your mind and understand why things were being done, and are all cool with the order of it, and have any questions you may have answered, then the absence of any emotion is, like I said, not a bad thing. If anything, it sounds like you are on your way to possibly becoming very good at what you do. Calm heads prevail.... Ask yourself this... Do you want someone handling your emergency that is an emotional mess and frozen in their tracks, unable to think clearly? Uh uh....me either... xoxoxo 8

Wow....I'd say the majority of my patients have been gross in some way or another. Yeah...it's sad...and it does get SO old... It's a breath of very rare fresh air when one actually looks decent, has clean clothes on, nice/clean teeth and doesn't smell. And...sadly....most of mine ARE NOT homeless...and as mentioned here before, manage to have the other "necessities". Cigarettes...check. Alcohol....check. Cable....check. Chew....check. Drugs....check.

LMFAO! Dust hit the nail on the head, as much as I hate to admit it. *Dust....I want you to take great pride in knowing that even though I am sick right now and feel like hell...you made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt...and now my headache is even worse...but I love ya for it* :wink: A Fickle Bitch indeed.....I confess there are many times I'd like to smack the hell out of her...but I still love it. So, even though I will end up poor....lol...oh well... But, Dust has a good point. It definitely has to be that you love this crap. And don't be surprised later when you are wondering why the hell you gave your life to it. It's actually more of a sacrifice. But...meh....too late...the seductress already has me under her spell.

Freakin' hilarious! I agree....I'm stealing the Mickey Mouse question for LOC....but only for those unique situations....

LMFAO...that sounds like something I'd be thinking...but just not say aloud. Thanks for the laugh, Hammer. A fall is a fall....it is measured from the height they fell....and the treatment depends on the injury... If I would throw Hammer off three completely different 10 foot ladders...I'll bet I'm going to get three different results...one may be significant....all may be significant....none may be worth a damn. The only thing certain to be sore there is me. LMAO. 8

Well said, AK. Longs....we certainly DO NOT want you to feel unwelcome. So, like AK said, I can appreciate your situation, and I'm sorry. Things will get better...and I admire you for trying, putting it into gear, and not sitting on your rear. BUT...please look up your protocols and learn them. It's to your own benefit of becoming a good EMT so you can KEEP that job you so desperately need, FOR your family. In addition, for your own pride...to know that you've become the best you can be so that you can serve your patients and community well. Good luck! :wink: 8

Cell phones....GRRR..... Mine is a necessity to my life...but my students know that theirs better not interfere with class. We're here to learn. If you want to talk to your girlfriend....do it on your own time. Either that, or invite her to come participate as a patient while I watch you do the assessments that you so desperately need to learn. LMAO...

HELL NO!...You're not too old. It's a job, everyone has to have one pretty much, you're most likely (the majority of us) not going to make much money.... BUT... if you've found this profession AND fallen in love with it...then you're very, very, rich in many other ways. EMS is one of the great loves of my life...and unlike some of the others from the past (gulp..we won't go there)....it's one that has NEVER let me down. The benefits and rewards that have been given back to me, in my heart and mind, are incredible. I will cherish them forever.....and welcome them every day I work. If its what makes you happy, then there is nothing more to question... :wink: That's just how I see it.... 8

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO there!!!! I can't wait!!! Where is everyone staying? Anyone want to share a room?

You're quite welcome xsel....it's just who I am....that's all... :oops: 8

I like this....Good answer AZCEP! These pneumonics are provided as a helpful tool to learn to ask pertinent questions and to be thorough...but nothing replaces getting the job done and having the good common sense to know when to get the hell outta dodge. Covering all your bases is a good practice to be in...but when push comes to shove...it's not gonna matter when he first couldn't breathe, how bad it hurts, whether he had a ham sandwich for lunch, or when his last drink was. If he's not breathing, or he dies because you spent too much time on scene and not on patient care...it's kinda irrelevant. :roll: 8 :wink:

Do like Dust said.....and run like hell...but be diplomatic and professional, not whiny. You will be more believable and respected. It's unfortunate that it has to be this way, but sometimes...it just does. I'm like Race...I'd rather jump...and I always do (thank GOD), but...to each his own. Some things have to be taken to management....that's what they're there for. This lady sounds like a real bitch...sorry...lack of a better word here. As far as I'm concerned....it's ON.... Good Luck.... :wink: 8

Wow... :? What a tough situation. It has to be so incredibly hard to let something so precious go. It's obvious these parents are holding on to that last little bit of hope, for one shred of a possibility for a miracle. I sincerely hope I never have to feel the pain of losing a child, or even worse, of fighting to try to hold on to one. It's hard enough when they're not mine. Kinda makes you want to count your blessings and quit sweating and complaining about the small stuff, huh? Reality check... It's kinda funny how life throws you little reminder wake up calls about the important things...that's two I've had in the last two days. One personal, one in print. Either way...same effect... 8