Medic117

I always ease through them if necessary. Some people get upset, but I will not delay care to someone who I might have a chance of saving, in order to respect one that we couldn't. Logical people understand that. However, if our call is downgraded to non-emergent, or we are transporting non-emergent, I always have my driver stop...even if it's on the opposite side of the road. Living takes precedence over the dead.

This is a good point. I recently drafted a policy, which stated that the medic should operate lights, radio and all communications whenever possible. There are times when I am busy with a critical patient, and have asked my driver to notify dispatch to call the hospital, and give some basic information, but these are extreme and rare cases. Radio traffic is always very short. Drivers should not be having "conversations" over the radio, but providing status information only. I have worked for some cheap services that only had radios in the front. The reputable companies I have worked for always have had a remote module in the patient compartment for communications. The unit cell phone stays in my pocket, so there is no reason for the driver to be on....AND CERTAINLY NOT TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.

JPINFV, You made some great points. Thank you for posting the research to back it up. That whas what I was hoping to get in this post. You've changed my opinion. I have been looking for such articles, and haven't found any reliable studies. I will use this to make my case. Hopefully the facts will open the eyes of the administration. Thank you all for your participation in the forum.. I think we should stick to no cell phones whatsoever while operating an emergency vehicle.

...and you should be fired for putting the lives of your crew and patient (if applicable) at risk for doing so.

Some people can use a hands free device while driving, and others can't....if it in any way effects your driving, it should be banned.....

I did mention bluetooth. I don't have a problem with talking with a hands-free device DURING POST MOVES ONLY. It should never be done while dispatch is trying to communicate information to you, a pt. is on board, you are maneuvering traffic during an emergency, or any other time during a call...and I wouldn't be opposed to a complete ban on using them while driving period. Certainly, if you paramedic (we run one paramedic/AIC and an EMT/driver) has a problem with anything, they should have the authority to end the practice.

That was my point...shouldn't be used while in motion, or at any time with a patient, or on a call period. as for the argument that "we didn't have cell phones in the 80's, so we shouldn't use them.".....we didn't have seatbelts in the 50's, but we don't mind them. Cell phones are a great tool to help us keep up to date on home life. Personally, I work 40 miles from home, and may need to be contacted. Plus, working 7:30-19:30, if people leave messages, I can't exactly call them during business hours until 5 days later, if I can't call them from the cell. I am by no means glued to the phone, but I use it when parked in a parking lot. Furthermore, like most of us, I don't exactly make enough money in this field to work only one job, so I run a business on the side. The company understands that, and has no problem with conducting conversations if it does not conflict with patient care...which is my point precisely. Furthermore, the company says they reserve the right to hold you over indefinitely after the end of the shift (I've been held as much as 4 hours over because they couldn't staff enough units). In this event, it'd be nice to contact the wife and let her know that I won't be home for another 4 hrs. No, I don't remember when SSM came about, but I've done my research, and think it's bad science. Good theory, but without about 2200 years of data, you're not going to accurately predict a call....hence we run across the city on a priority one all too often, and are NUA multiple times a day.

We are a system status management system, meaning we sit in a unit for upwards of 12 hrs. a day. There is no way to contact us except for our cell phones. If you're sitting at a post for 4 hours (not common, but does happen), it would be unreasonable to tell someone you cannot use your cell phone during that 4 hours you are sitting in a parking lot of a 7-11 "waiting" for a call.

Thank you all for your input. Unfortunately, no the state I am in does not have a cell phone policy except for school bus drivers. I have addressed it as high as the CEO, but never get a straight answer. I love where I work because of the medical director, but the administration refuses to address issues preventatively. I even asked them to simply give me that authority (in writing) so that it was clear that I had the right to address these issues. Instead, every time I mention something to a driver, I am hit with..."don't start with me...you're just pissed off about something and taking it out on me. I'm not going to tolerate your knit picking." At first, I kind of thought maybe I was being too tedious, but it seems I can't say anything. If I go up the chain, the chain will deal with the issue in such a way that the "chain" hangs me up as a pinata to be beat by the staff. I am looking, but the only alternative is transport companies...and that's not what I want to do. Perhaps a fire dept. will open up soon, and I'll go back into that (got out of it a few years ago to do strictly EMS.). BTW, I grew up in the era of cell phones, but where I lived they didn't work. I didn't get one until my second year of college. The best policy I've seen, also the most reasonable was this: Absolutely no cell phone use by either member during ANY part of a call. While driving post-to-post, you may only use a cell phone with a hands-free device. The paramedic has full responsibility and authority to increase the standards of driving in their unit.

I would like to guage your opinions on cell phone use by emergency vehicle operators. As a paramedic, without even looking in the front of the unit, I know when my partner is using a cell phone. The company refuses to make a policy regarding the issue, but were we to have an accident, I would be held liable for "not ensuring safe driving." When I confront him/her, I'm "just being a dick", and he/she doesn't listen. If I report the issue, the safety officer tells the staff that I'm out writing people up, then conspiracies arise amongst the staff to write me up (I'm pretty "by the book," but no one wants to be a target). If I talk to my supervisor, they say,"we don't really have a policy..." However, the safety officer says that I am supposed to address issues such as this, though I have no actual authority. It would be easy to say that I should seek other employment, but the service I am with is known worldwide for clinical breakthroughs in EMS. Any ideas on how to deal with safety issues in this environment?

RN is not a mix, because it is a very different field. RN's are trained in long-term care, and in working under a doctor's orders. I don't see any difference in my area as to the skill and "level of training" from RN vs. Paramedic...many of us on both sides just forget that they are two completely different fields. BS entry level training I highly support...but this change has to be gradual, and allow those working to increase to that level, as they did in 1999 curriculum. And, you have to have enough BS programs in place for this to happen....the one BS-Paramedic program in my area just began in 2007. Remember that not all RN's are BS level, either...though it is becoming more popular. The greatest thing holding EMS back is our own lack of professionalism. Too many EMS providers live the "trauma junky" mentality, and have no sense of professionalism in patient care. Many of us have lost our compassion, and do not treat people in a professional manner. Then there is the overwhelming fear of lawsuits....but many of those will be eased with a professional outlook on everything we do. Jumping out of an ambulance with only a clipboard and cup of coffee with a wad of chewing tobacco in your mouth, and shirttail hanging out does not scream "healthcare professional" to the public eye. All of the ideas listed are important...but it must start with us, and deciding that together, we will become a better profession. As for the structure, we should be set up as a separate, but similarly structured system as Fire. The problem with Firemedics (not that there aren't some who are great medics) is that most of them are not really interested in quality medical care. Staying current on the latest EMS advancement is something that takes serious dedication to this. I think the volly services need to stick to a support role, and keep career EMS professionals responding to the scene.

No, I think I can top that. I was called to a store a few blocks away from the ER to take a man to Walmart to get his prescriptions filled.

You're dealing with two similar, but very different fields. I think it's great that you're doing both, and you'll be able to write your ticket with both. I know several people who do both, and love it. I think Paramedics are very underappreciated by Nurses and by the world, but we as medics underappreciate the nurses. Personally, I'd like to see nurses spend some of their clinical time in an ambulance so they'd realize that if we don't come in to the ER with a critical patient, always having blood drawn, 2 IV's, 12-lead 'ECG's, 3 sets of vital signs, intubation, and and a hospital gown....doesn't necessarily mean we're incompetent. I think we all just need to realize that we work in two different fields that MUST learn to work together and appreciate the work of the other. Good luck on school!!!

What is the problem with Hell, fire, and brimstone? "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."--Jude 21-23

You have the right to not believe. However, you must be willing to accept the consequences at the Judgement. One day ALL will believe. I do not tell my patients what they have to do. I ask permission to talk to them, but I will tell them the truth. They know I am there to serve, and I tell my patients that i will be praying for them...and I follow through. It's who I am

Dustdevil...it may pay you to study your History. King James did not actually translate any of the Bible for publication. He simply authorized it. The 54 (47 at the end) had to unanimously agree on the translation, which was ordered to be translated PRECISELY from the consistent 5000+ manuscripts, all found in different parts of the World...God's way of fulfilling His promise to preserve His Word. Funny how it withstood THOUSANDS of attempts to destroy it...and is still today the world's best seller.

He even predicted you would say that in 2 Peter: "3" Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, "4": And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. "5": For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: "6" Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: "7": But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. "8": But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. "9": The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. "10": But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." ***willingly ignorant means in the greek, "dumb on purpose"

Uh, that would be God's word. Do you believe everything you learn in Paramedic school? Nursing School? Ah, only that which is proven clinically in your field. Well, actually everything God said in His inspired Word...proves clinically. Science proves the Bible...contrary to popular statements. In fact, you will notice that Atheism is the state endorsed religion. Yes, I do believe all that God says. Period. Prove him wrong. And at the end of this life, when I spend eternity with Him, He will gladly prove Himself right. I certainly hope you will join me on that Day. I do believe everything He says...and even more, I believe all that he has shown me. I grew up very poor with a family in the ministry that had nothing. So many times when life didn't make sense, and the money was not there, God provided exactly what we needed. God leads me in my life, disciplines me when I'm wrong, comforts me when I'm discouraged, strengthens me when I am weak, loves me when I am unloveable, teaches me when I am foolish, forgives me when I sin against him, and most importantly, He died for me when I deserved to die. Now I will live with Him, not because of what I am or have done, but because of what He did and who he has made me. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM A-L-L BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!!

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." -Acts 4:12 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:5-11 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 His Word speaks for itself. I don't make the rules...I just live by them. The fact of the matter is, if you don't believe, it doesn't make it any less true. One day, all will believe, will bow, will confess, and will worship. Some will do it in joy and peace, while others in torment and shame. You will live forever....it's just a matter of where. I like the idea of a Christian EMT Association. Let's work on that. Great opportunity to share with other Christians our successes and struggles in sharing the Gospel in this mission field.

I think the ideal place for First Responders, given by the cert. description, is in fire depts. They are a great asset to the ambulance crew by providing "life-saving" care, and stabilizing patients until we can get there. Our responders usually have the patents ready for transport when we arrive. That is was we have trained them to do. However, they do not have the length of training to provide transport, or to be the end of the road for that patient's care. It is ok for them to function as a driver with a paramedic or EMT, but should not be the primary care provider. Our fire dept. has at least 2 EMT-B's that oversee the First Responders. Our First responders do undergo thorough training, but only enough to stabilize for the next level. To some extent, this is what Basics do on ALS calls. Our FR's are taught O2 therapy, CPR/AED, spinal immobilization, traction splints, oral glucose, assisting with NTG, Epi Auto-injector, Activated Charcoal, and metered-dose inhalers. They do a great job in this aspect, but I would like to see them at least EMT's to be on an ambulance.

Brady's 2005 Paramedic Drug Guide has a "card" in it. You can get all the information, including mechanism of Action, Contraindications, Indications, Pre-Hospital Uses, Adverse affects, Cautions, etc. Great book, and pocket sized.

These are true: **Calls are dispatched by patient name rather than address.... **Your EMS unit is an F-350 utility truck found in a field behind a local business.... **You AND the wrecker got stuck.......ON THE MAIN ROAD. **You can see the ground through the floor of your main firepumper. **Your ambulance siren plays "Dixie".

Christianity has a part in everything in the life of a Christian. Whe people tell me I should not bring it into my job, I simply tell them that I am more Christian than American: if I can be American on an ambulance, then I can certainly be a Christian. Does it interfere with patient Care? Absolutely not!!! What kind of care would I provide by meeting physical needs and sending them to Hell? I know that He is the only way because He told me in His Word. My life is different since knowing Christ...it has purpose. I know that Christ lives just as I know my mother lives. He has directed my life in all that I have done, and has provided my needs in the most impossible circumstances. I have seen God make sense when nothing else in my life does (you should look at my budget:). The difference in Christianity and all of the World's religion is RELATIONSHIP. I am not "living a good life" in order to get to heaven. I am a sinner of the worst kind, but I have a Savior who loves me so much that He paid the payment of death for me, then rose again to conquer it. I wake up every day and serve him on my ambulance not because I have to, but because He brings me joy beyond imagination, because he has taken a worm and made him His son. My "job" is to bring hope to the hopeless. I happen to know Hope himself. Certainly, I respect those who disagree...but I will respectfully share what Christ has done for me. For those who say God has caused your problems...God promised that He does not tempt, and He does not cause evil. However, sometimes he directs us in paths that are not easy, and that we do not understand, so that we will depend on Him. We don't understand His ways, as they are higher than our. Read the book of Job, a man who never understood what God was doing by allowing Satan to take all that he had, including His family. Job proved Satan wrong, as He stated, "though he slay me, yet will I trust him." God is a great God, and one who will never leave or forsake you. If it seems you are alone, know that He has not moved. He is real, He is Faithful, and HE LIVES!!!!! DWade, EMS Training Coordinator

Experienced paramedics who "skip steps" in patient care for laziness. I'd rather be treated by a firefighter than some Paramedics/EMT's I've seen who have become so tired of the profession that they do as little as possible to get by.