runswithneedles

So sorry mobey. How far out are we from the appropriate facility? Whats his 2nd set of vitals while enroute. Is he developing SOB? Is bleeding still controlled?

Oh how fun. Sounds like Ill be here for a few years.

Yeah I had a similar situation with a fireman/paragod who Ive butt heads with when Im on with the ambulance company I work for. If he gets his neck ringed by his supervisor he will change his tune. Promise you that

And cue for the massive floodgate of kiwiology im about to be drowned in.

Welcome aboard. Sounds like you just have a medic who doesnt like students. Get his name and write a report to your ems program director about the situation.And if that doesnt work go up the chain of command. Get another preceptor or dont ride out with him if you can. I

Kinda have been itching to leave the US for a few years. Figured I might be able to go the UK as a paramedic after schooling is complete. What would I need to do.

That would take forever.... And im pretty darn sure what theyve taught isnt even the tip of the iceberg. Enlighten me kiwi as what I have missed.

May he rest in peace and go forth to the angels of the fallen before him and join them. My prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers.

I would have used two large bore IV's set for TKO since this patient is a trauma with a penetrating injury where the extent of the damage internally is unknown. Even though at this time he is presently stable it seemed logical to have the second line in place in the event he began to actively bleed again and require fluid administration. I kept it at TKO at that time because based on his initial vitals he was hemodynamically stable and to prevent a clot from forming in my line.

Ive thought about this question for such a long time. Ive worked in private since I acquired my cert and only began getting into 911 a few weeks ago. I always believed that in order to say one has saved a life they need to be able to treat the underlying cause of the chief complaint. When a EMT or medic brings someone back from cardiac arrest they have succeeded in prolonging a patients life. However the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest might not have been addressed, thus leaving the patient in a condition where it would be very probable another cardiac arrest can occur. Ive always looked at paramedics as the professionals who make the first critical decisions in the patients outcome. Treats the signs/symptoms of the c/c and keep the patient stable until they arrive to the hospital where definitive care can treat the underlying cause.

Regardless if its a test or in the field your gut is your best guide. If you sense that the scenario has a possibility of going south or you cannot manage the patient because whats needed is out of your scope.Call for ALS. Working with paramedics as a basic. Ive learned that by understanding what a paramedic can do helped me determine if I needed a paramedic with me or if the crew could be BLS only

2 large bore IV's set for TKO. 100mcg fentanyl. Also would place him on cardiac montior as well. Package for transport in position of comfort. make sure the piece is stabilized and bleeding is being controlled. constantly be reassessing for s/s of cardiac tamponade or hemo/pneumo/tension pneumo. Monitor vitals closely and head to nearest trauma facility code three *By the way not a paramedic yet. however Im trying to begin applying the skills I have already learned in the scenarios.* Can I go ahead and also administer 4 mg of zofran when administering the fentanyl or is their a contraindication or caution in this scenario Im missing. Or would it be better to with hold the zofran only if needed

I haven't been raising too much hell in the forums. Caught the cold during a pediatric ER clinical and had to fight it off and catch up on my homework. Figured its time to bring out my trusty gasoline and zippo. Anyways. Here's the questions I truly would like to debate. Can the paramedic save a life?(Medically speaking here, lets try to keep religion off the board for this one) And if so is he a hero for doing so. Is it arrogant of ones self to call himself a hero? And what makes a hero or a lifesaver?

mobey nailed it right on the head. I dont like showing my emotions during a run. Because Im concerned of starting a emotional chain reaction on a scene. But also I was touched and in some way in awe. The Mexican culture is so amazing in many ways. One of key points is that they are still extremely family oriented as a whole. And to see all of them come together as they did, it reminds me that even in a materialistic monster most of society has turned into. That some individuals know and understand what truly is important in this world. And by knowing what is truly important they can enjoy it as this family has clearly done so before like it goes away. Money buys alot of things in this world. But they knew money does buy time lost.

Last weekend I was dispatched to a residence to transfer a hispanic woman who was actively dying to hospice. Upon arrival all of the family was present. Their was something floating in the air other than the amazing Mexican food they were cooking for dinner. Their was a ocean of sadness. It wasnt the typical scene of a woman actively dying. They were all very quiet. Very solemn. The 2nd eldest son arrived shortly before us loading their mother onto the stretcher. He requested if time permitted a family prayer be done before we take her to hospice. My partner and I agreed to it. At this point this massive family gathered into the room and join hands and bowed their heads. We were not asked to leave or stay so to not cause a stir me and my partner bowed our heads in silence. The entire prayer was 2 minutes long and entirely in spanish. Through out the prayer the room remained silent. Not a cough, throat clearing, or sniffle. After the prayer was complete we loaded her onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. The 2nd eldest son asked if he may ride; my partner and I had him sign the 3rd rider release and were on our way. I asked him how he was doing. And he just told me hes hanging in their. We continued to talk back and fourth. I learned from him his mother was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer only 6 weeks ago. The doctors determined it was too late to treat it as it spread throughout the body.And as I continued the short transfer I had this huge urge to cry. But being professional I was barely able to hold it back. Once we arrived to Hospice and transferred care I went into the room where the family was waiting to see her. I gave a hug to each and everyone of their family members and wished them best of luck. Including the son who rode with me. I have never gone so far as to offer a hug to family members. I usually tell them best of luck and head on my way and maybe shake their hand and offer kind words and condolences. But for some reason this run really hit me emotionally. Why did this one hit me and not others?

you might be a backwoods EMT if your ambulance sees more dirt than highway you might have a redneck partner if their is tobacco stains running the side of the ambulance

Hang tough. When I got my card February 2011. I originally had a job lined up with a Ground/ Air CCT. I was only able to work 2 shifts before they realized how much it would cost to insure me since I am under 21. And they had to cut me. But luckily I got hired on with another ITFT that because of my co-workers at the other company recommended me. Definitely get on a volunteer squad if needed. Make friends there and work your ass off. EMS is like small town. Everyone knows everyone. You get a respectable EMT or Paramedic on your side it makes life a whole lot easier and the better your chances are on finding a really good job.

What shocks me the most is that the article is not coming from a local newspaper but a EMS news site.

I understsand where all of you are coming from. That is why im reading up on it further. My next OR clinical comes in a month. Hopefully Ill better luck. And maybe more sleep. looks like a boogie.

No kidding! Thanks very much paramedicmike.

AHHH **** Google chrome!!!! I'm so sorry. Who do I talk to in order to have that corrected?

Glad to hear I missed my foot. So was ACLS started on "it seemed good on paper" kind of deal and as time progressed/EMS became a recognized health field that required its own research and Data collecting they began removing alot of therapies?

Yes and no. I think some of these concepts of EMT's are still very prevalent.