Ok, I usually keep silent. I mostly read the posts, roll my eyes :roll: , laugh , and just move on. But some things just get under my skin and I have to break my silence just to relieve the need to yell at the screen when I read some of this stuff.
I will start out by saying that I agree, for the most part, about the amount of education versus just training that EMTs receive. I do believe that there should be more education as to the reasons, indications/contraindications for the things that we are trained to do, more pathophysiology. But that is the education side of it.
As for the age limits, the State of Texas, or at least my area, requires those taking EMS courses to be at least 18 years of age to begin with. But how about the logistics of it all? Many are stressing the raising of the minimum age limit of an individual to enter into the EMS profession. And still more are using this as an opportunity to restress the need for greater education. Changing the structure takes not only time but money. And are we forgetting that no matter how much education you receive, no matter how much time you spend getting that education, most of what anyone of any profession, especially the medical profession, learns is in the field/hospital/clinic? No amount of education or time spent in education can properly prepare anyone for any and every eventuality that can come down the pike.
A minimum age limit? Perhaps to raise the maturity level a bit. But does that not just throw a blanket over the problem without addressing the 35 year old Paramedic(yes I said Paramedic) who knows his stuff, but is the most immature person I have ever been around in my life?