Ztenec

I liked it.

Interesting technique. I have never heard of this and would find it difficult as my service uses the Autoguard catheters. Which catheters are you using?

I don't normally have issues with those pt's so I'm also curious as to what the thought process of rotating the bevel would be and how it would benefit you. Also I think it would come down to comfort in your own personal technique.

The reason your getting so many responses to clinicals is because you added a whole story about a... clinical.

But it will be much less than if you show up with the grim reaper or even star of life on your forehead.

Thanks for the idea spenac.... Grim reaper for halloween

I will preface this with the information that I myself have five tattoos, none of which are visible in uniform.

About a year ago my partner and I got called to a 70ish y/o complaining of chest pain. When we got there the pt saw my partner with a few tattoos showing and changed his mind. He kept saying he was better and wouldn't allow us to do anything for him. He wasn't rude but he was very insistant about us not being in his home. Roughly about 2 hours after the pt's informed refusal we got another call to that residence. The pt was circling the drain now and we took him in. The wife rode with in the front to the ER and en route she told me that he had mentioned something about the "damn punks" trying to help and that he was referring to my partner due to his tattoos.

I actually believe tattoos should be covered for now until it becomes more accepted by the majority of your pt's. Lets just call it another 10-15 years.

We are taught to make a rapid first impression on our pt. Their appearance, posture, breathing, etc tells us many things. Likewise, our pt's will create a quick first impression of us and our abilities based on what they have available to them.... Our appearance.

From the NREMT Site http://nremt.org/EMTServices/reg_basic_his...ry_Requirements

# Successfully complete, within the last two (2) years, a state-approved National Standard EMT-Basic education program, as developed and promulgated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Candidates who are not state certified and fail to become registered within two (2) years following EMT-Basic course completion must retake the entire EMT-Basic educational program.

If the candidate's initial training is beyond two (2) years and the candidate has maintained state certification, the candidate must complete a current state approved EMT-Basic refresher training program. Refresher training programs must be completed within the past two (2) years and meet or exceed the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation EMT-Basic Refresher Training Program, National Standard Curriculum.

If the candidate's initial training is beyond two (2) years and state certification has not been maintained, the candidate must complete the entire EMT-Basic education program.

# Candidates are required to successfully complete, within the past twelve months, all sections of a state-approved EMT-Basic practical examination that equals or exceeds the established criteria of the National Registry.

I would assume its the same as for the intermediate that I'm testing for the NR in June. For the NREMT-I you have 2 years from completion of your class to take/pass the NR test.

Your 2005 Song Is

Beverly Hills

by Weezer

"My automobile is a piece of crap

My fashion sense is a little whack

And my friends are just as screwy as me"

You breezed through 2005 in your own funky style!

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

http://www.blogthings.com/whathitsongof2005areyouquiz/

Thanks Marty.

anyone got a pic? Apparently my google skills suck today.

and as far as being forced in to med. school by his father, sorry again, bad story line. Can not be forced into anything after 18yrs old.

Unless your father was controlling your entire life and he's ingrained in your head that you can't do anything right and in order to be a success in life you need to do what he does. No... No one in the world has a dysfunctional family.

So that doesn't fly either. The statement made by whom ever about this being a hobby and not a career is the biggest problem.

It's a father disapproving of his son's choices. The medic clearly thinks his father is wrong and is doing what he wants. Do you always agree with what your daddy thinks?

IF you have been reading the posts in other forums and notice the over all attitude of this site or at least of the main contributors you would know that professionalism and education are the paramount in the continued improvement as forward push of EMS. Those of us that have made this our careers and dedicated ourselves to the drive for professional recognition are the ones that can see the damage this can and will cause.

If you look at this site and other forums, honestly a lot of people don't speak up on their thoughts as the "main contributors" normally attack anything they don't like viciously and the person posting just doesn't see the point of arguing with someone who always thinks they are right. It's also why the boards become stagnant and only the select few post.

And as far as how the media represents EMS here where i am from ... well it is slowly improving. i can still see a young reporter seeing this as their first " experience " with EMS and letting it sway his judgment. We are consistently being treated like the red-headed step-children. Because of this kind of influence.

Just as we don't like stereotypes on us, lets do it our-self and say these young reporters are so naive they will be brainwashed by a show on TNT. And on the note of TNT... it's TNT no one really watches that anyway

In my humble opinion everyone now a days is so damn whiny, trying to be too politically correct and crying over everything that they don't like.

I WILL watch it, for nothing else than to maybe be like "huh, yep wouldn't have done that". Hell I watch Paramedics (what channel is it on Discovery? Can't remember) and sometimes you see them do retarded things, why aren't you up in arms that actual medics are doing stupid stuff on TV? I'd be more annoyed with that than a fictional show.

Will I come back to this thread? Probably not, arguing on the Internet is like the Special Olympics, even if you win your still retarded. <-- see not PC

First person to say "What's the difference" gets shot with a 12 gauge semi automatic.

I won't say "what's the difference" as I don't want to get shot, however.... There is a difference?

Sorry had too.

Are you working right now with an agency? If you are ask them if they have a program similar to the company I'm with, they give a discount to employees and will put them on a payment plan if need be which takes so much out per check. Also check into loan forgiveness programs with either the company or your state. I've heard of some companies paying off portions if you work for x amount of time and then up here in ND if you work for a medic you get 2k back per year on your loans.

Also on your myspace you state you want to go to medical school. Why are you thinking about going for medic school first?

Most programs associated with colleges will allow you to apply for financial aid (grants, loans, etc). I was paying 10k for an 11 month medic program and seeing it was through a college I got a Pell grant for 3 semesters which helped considerably.

Well good luck on your class RandyTisha, and for the others hopefully she's done with her class seeing she posted that in May of 2005... So if she still needs luck with the basic class....

DONT BLAME THE MEDIC, LOOK AT YOUR SELF. YOU CAN NOT BE A GOOD EMT WITHOUT BEING A GOOD MEDIC.

8)

As you also cannot be a good Medic without first being a good EMT. Don't forget all medics were at one time a basic, if for nothing else than having it as a stepping stone to in the education towards medic.

I won't be getting into this rant as I have never had a problem with a Medic looking down on me. I believe the reason I get respect is because I do exactly what is expected of me, but also continue to practice my skills and learn. I almost consider myself as a tool for my partner. By all means use me and my skills to provide faster and better care to the patient. After all that is why I am there.

I know I'm kind of weird, but anyone have a copy of this commercial on the computer or know of a place on the web. I'd like to view it.

Why do I compare the I/99 to paramedic level medicine? Because @ least around here, I AM an ALS provider. I work a code the same.

So an an I if your pt goes from VTach to PEA you are authorized to use full ACLS protocols? You can push Amiodarone, Vasopressin, Epinephrine, Magnesium Sulfate, Procainamide or any other drugs which may be necessary (depending on what the pt goes between)? Also you know how they work and why as an "I" (not using any of your medic class information)?

This is an honest question. I would really like to know the answer to this one.

This gave me a headache.

Although a good question for argument's sake. I concur with PRPG.

Either way, both pay scales suck.

If I were making 9.00 an hour in a metro area, yes that may suck. However, you also have to look at cost of living in the area and benefits that the employer offers.

So with this company (and in this location) the pay is not bad especially with the benefits they are offering.

To continue the thread further you have to take into account means of lifestyle. To some people they need 40k, 50k, 60k or more to live comfortably. I grew up saving a lot and not being materialistic, so I don't purchase many things now which makes the money seem better.

I have no idea what I'm writing now, I just woke up so hopefully something up there made sense.

Recently moved to a job that has 1 crew on for 24 with sleep time from 2300-0700 without pay during that time unless on calls. After reading this I'm interested to find out more but I have to wait until Monday. I also don't want to rock the boat too early... at least wait for the probationary period to end

*edit* there are other crews on, but just one 24... I'm a bit confused but I will surely see the light soon enough.

I actually found something rather interesting today. A sort of reversal from which I have been accustomed to. The largest city in the state will start out basics at 7.35 but smaller cities (1/3 of the size) will start them out between 8-9. I guess looking at it more I would guess it is because the larger city pumps out more basics in the school and with more basics competing to work they can pay less as they will always fill the spots.

We were informed of this. I don't like it. We are going to wear ourselves out! But if it works... then one more saved!!!!!!

As for getting tired, If your doing two person CPR you can switch; If your doing one person CPR your going to get tired anyway. Unfortunately (because I like my pts. alive) I have had the duty of performing CPR over 10 times in the past 8 months. With the proper mechanics it reduces the stress on your body and increases efficiency.

My point is either way 15x2 or 30x2 your going to get tired eventually.

I've been gone way too long Two quick things about Altru in GF, 1) Hospital based and 2) very nice people. That is about what I know of them. FM (Fargo-Moorhead) I know a bit more about. They have Medics and Basics ~15k calls a year, on occasion they ask you to drive a "Ready Wheels" which is their local transport vehicles. Most of the shifts there are 12 hrs with a few 8hrs during daytime.

Wage is less in Fargo than it is in Grand Forks or other ND/MN areas due to the surplus of EMTs They have several classes a year and 2 medic classes (one 2year night time and one 11 month daytime).

I would also say that FM people are nice to work with, they have a good relationship with the other communities.

Their website is www.fmambulance.com

Any other questions feel free to ask And ND isn't as bad as people think it is... sometimes 8)