MariB

All here know what they call the people with the lowest passing scores on the EMT, Paramedic, and Nursing class final exams, dontcha? They call them EMTs, Paramedics, and Nurses. While that's a LOL, it's also the case. I know, over the many years I've been in the EMS systems (date back to 1973), of many high scorers who have no real heart in what they do, and low scorers who are some of the most dedicated EMTs, Paramedics, and (FDNY EMS) Lieutenants and Captains one could work with, or be supervised by. I've left out the Chiefs, because they serve at the discretion of the FDNY Chiefs of Department and the Commissioner, none of which are medically trained beyond Certified First Responder-Defibrillator..

I think having your heart in the right place and being the best you can be is more important than high scores on tests. Some people don't test well. I personally believe, my opinion only, it is worth your best effort.

In an attempt to understand where you're coming from, Mari, are you speaking from your experience as a current EMT student who has not yet taken any Registry test? Or do you have an extensive background in education that you're withholding from us?

Both. We all speak openly about our grades and what not.Our tests are all based off past registry exam questions.And some, but would depend on your idea of extensive. :)Needless to say, the ones who took offense probably shouldn't have as it was meant as encouragement for one to do their best and was echoing the words of my instructor on the first day of class with the quote of "would you want them working on your family" I could mention the education of the lead instructor, but we only really saw him on the first day of class but i can assure you, his education passed mine up by years when he started signing PhD.

Don't worry about the students who are failing taking care of your family...they'll weed out of the program. Your comments struck a cord with me as well. I've always been the kind of student that can pay attention in class and do very well. I'm a few weeks away from finishing nursing school and still have straight A's yet I very rarely spend much time outside of class and when I'm tutoring my classmates. Broad generalizations aren't fair and should be avoided...on another note, where is your daughter in school? Second year of associates or BSN? I have a bunch of friends from Iowa and one of them is looking at possibly going to nursing school.Oh and I don't think I cracked my basic book until studying for my state exam...it is possible to pass basic on lecture alone, if it was a good lecturer.

Don't let my words of encouragement to one, offend you. Some people are lucky, others are not. My daughter will graduate in 2015 with her BSN. She got all her pr-nursing done in a partnership program in Highschool. So most of her prerequisites were done before leaving Highschool. Iowa has a few really good schools with great nursing programs as im sure most states do, but im very impressed with the program she is in

Mari, I was one of those people who could read the chapter once and retained 90% of the info in that chapter in EMT class. Medic was a different story. I scored 95% and higher on all my chapter quizzes. I did not have to retake a single test. I also scored a very high score on my state written test (back in my day we didn't have the registry). So I would read the chapter one time during the week and then once prior to the test the day of the test.

I did very well in EMT class. Not to toot my own horn but yes you would want me working on your family. That mindset is pretty high and mighty if you ask me but I do see your point overall though. Most of those who do just read the chapter once do very poorly. But don't judge those who read the chapters prior to class because you would be judging me unfairly and putting me in a bucket that I don't belong to as well as about 5 others in my class as well.

I've taught emt's and you put about 10% of students in a bucket unfairly when you judge them that way as well in each class.

But I really do see your point as I've seen those students come into class who have just studied the chapter in the last hour or so and expect to do well and they don't. But there are those who will do spectacularly on the tests and yes I do want them working on my family because they do know their stuff.

Just because you don't learn that way doesn't mean that others do not.

Do I want the student who consistently "studies her butt off and does not do well in class" working on my family, if I applied your logic, then I would not want them working on my family either. So where's the happy medium.

I am thrilled you did well! However, I was not judging you.

lucky for us, we are a tight group and all get along well but the constant joke is "if I had read the chapter, or had I actually studied, I would know that."

I had a gal laugh at me and ask me if I had a life because I took notes. She said she likes to drink too much to study. I actually responded with "no, I dont have a life. I am a mom, wife, student and work full time. What life?"

I can learn by just reading a chapter just fine and admit last week, I did do a fast read. I scored 100% on my quiz, BUT the next day, I did go back and re-read my chapter taking an outline of notes for further reference. I take notes that I can come back too before my NR test.

As for the ones who study their butts off and do poorly on tests, they will likely not go that far depending on the program. The NR? Forget it.

The Happy medium will be found with the National Registry. The ones who went through it fast and COULDN"T retain the information will learn a hard lesson, and unfortunatly, the ones who studied like crazy and didn't do well, will be weeded out also. Sadly some people just don't test well, but that is the breaks I guess.

The ones that can retain the information, great! I just refuse to do it that way as I will at times possibly have to run with just a driver, I need to have this burned into my brain.

My daughter is in this program with me, does she take notes? nope, does she study hard? No ! She knows her stuff though. The difference is, she is well into her second year of nursing school. This is review to her, but she does read it carefully.

Our program is strict. You have so many chances. We have several module exams. You can only fail a set number. However once you fail, you have one chance to retest and pass. You first score is still recorded and kept, but a pass is needed to go on in the program. If you fail it again, you are out.

If this happens 4 times, you have 3 chances to retake and pass, the fourth time you are out.

If you miss more than four classes, you are out.

Our program is 9 months long and we have passed the half way mark which means our progress is now up for review by the programs medical director. He will be reviewing test scores, quiz scores and the instructors review and he will decide who stays.

I would rather my review be "studies hard, takes notes and scores high on tests" than be "doesn't take class seriously, skims pages in class and does poorly on quizzes"

I was not judging you, or anyone who can retain knowledge by reading alone. This is not what I am speaking about

Unless you know these students, don't put down the student reading the chapter just before class. They may be re-reading, as a self-imposed review. Also, study comes easy to some, so all they need, after reading the chapter while out of your view, is the lecture (wish I was one of them guys).

I elaborated more in my response. We are a small group, good girls and guys so we all get along well, but yes they will joke about how they have never actually opened their book.

One of them is a friend of mine who has just said to me they need to start taking this more seriously as they are not doing well.

Unless you know these students, don't put down the student reading the chapter just before class. They may be re-reading, as a self-imposed review. Also, study comes easy to some, so all they need, after reading the chapter while out of your view, is the lecture (wish I was one of them guys).

No, they admit if they had just studied, or read the chapter, maybe they would have passed the test etc.

I am studying my butt off, not because I find the material particularly hard, but because when I'm on my my own, I want to provide my patients with the best care possible. I see people in my class reading the chapter fast before class, or trying to get by with just the lecture and think to myself "Would I want them working on my family? " give it your best. Peoples lives will be in your hands. I am on a volunteer squad. I am obviously not doing it for the money. I will be pursuing my paramedic, again not for the money, but will be doing all I can for my patients.

Alrighty, there is a reason that I am not yet a paramedic yet, I did not think of that. Heh. Yes, I do know our medic would like a line going to have iv access avaliable, however, I am going to now sit back and learn from this, carry on

That's interesting. Actually, the ideology that "fluid is always good" has been going out the door for a while now. But I do agree that it's preferred to have a line established in case this patient crashes or needs meds. However, you only want to give them just enough fluid to keep the vein open (TKVO). The reason behind this is that, like all drugs (and yes, saline is a drug), giving too much of it or giving it when it isn't needed can be detrimental to the patients health and worsen outcomes. The days of bolusing every questionable patient are far behind us; you have to have a reason to give it if your going to give it. Some reasons why this patient doesn't need a bolus; his pressure is 114/76, he's not showing signs of hypovolemia, and he is showing signs of cardiac decompensation, which means that he's highly vulnerable to fluid overload, and would likely not benefit from having salt water dumped into his body. However, I would gladly accept that it is appropriate to establish intravenous access on this patient

Yes mari, I read her entire post. Unlike you, I have professional experience in matters like this. Both as a police officer and as a Private Investigator under contract for lawyers. I have spent hundreds of hours in a court room on both sides. I would suggest going back and re-reading what I wrote.

To the OP: Got your message, will reply after I get some sleep.

how exactly do you know I do not have any experience in this kind if situation? Do not speak of professional experience until you know.

To the op, best of luck to you. Your children are not safe until they leave the situation they are in. Good luck to them and you.

Fluid always good, plus you have a line in for future possible need.

Im not a paramedic, but know many that like to get fluid running and a line in for any high suspicion cases

Yes, he apparently missed the part where she stated this touching was still going on. It wasn't done a long time ago, the child is still living with the father and the father is still molesting the daughter. He missed that part

Most of the time, kids will not need to testify against their parent in court. Their testimony can be done privately behind closed doors. The court assigns people to protect the children from being raked over the coals.

Well, now is the time to buckle down. Our module tests are based off Past NR test questions. They will throw you for a bit of a loop. Be prepared for the trick questioning and narrowing it down.

So you have a head start, great! Use it to your advantage. Read carefully, Take notes and shoot for an amazing goal. Try to ace the registry. The more you challange yourself, the harder you will work.

Thank you for the advice. Yeah we really can't miss class because its 2 times a week at 5 hours each so its a lot of credit hours to miss in just one class. Its kind of hard for me to pay attention right now because I have taken all of the medical assisting classes at my college so all the the basics (Medical ethics, HIPPA, OSHA, hand washing ect) I already know but I am trying to review the information as the rest of the class is learning it. I want to be a paramedic and 99% of my class is firefighters/ people who want to be firefighters, there is one 50 year old woman just looking to find a job, a 18 year old wanting to do the same and me the only person in the class who wants to be strickly medical.

As a former cop myself I will tell you that Police involvement isn't always the best. People often misunderstand what the police are for. Criminal charges can be brought forth without police involvement. If this alleged touching occurred recently then by all means call the police. However, if this has occurred months ago then police involvement is not likely going to help. A lawyer can do what a police officer can as far as recommending charges, getting a no contact order, etc.

I am going to be brutally honest, both as a former cop and a as a former private investigator working on cases like this. Your daughters' word wont have much weight in a court of law. Courts rely on Physical Evidence which can be proven. While hearsay and circumstantial evidence can be used to get a conviction it is much more difficult. In addition, the legal process is NOT kid friendly. Your kids will be cross examined on a stand. They will be called liars and other terms by the defense. It is what they do. Many kids who testify require extensive therapy afterwards. I have been associated with lawyers on both sides as a PI. It is ugly.

I do NOT want to discourage you from going forward with legal proceedings if you feel it is necessary. However, I feel that people should be aware of what they are about to get into. It wont be fun for you or for your kids. If you have any questions about the process feel free to PM me.

I wish you the best of luck.

she stated "Dad is touching her" it is currently happening and her daughter is still living with that man. He is a danger to a child. What good would leaving a child in a dangerous situation do while screwing around and trying to get a lawyer when she clearly stated that is not an option right now?

Police! If he is touching them inappropriately, call the police!

The classic SE is where I started. Sturdy scope. Very nice. Our school bookstore sells them at a very reasonable price, if you have hearing issues, look into something a bit better.

I only have to hear the breath sounds being equal and present and for stridor, etc.

Most can hear that with a cheap one, I couldn't hear breath sounds at all.

I'm pretty sure that Kiwi was being facetious.

lol

Yeah, to a point. However, I do know some people are a bit nervous about driving in emergent situations. 99% of the time we drive without lights or sirens and then most the time after that it is to get to the scene. Then still you don't want to go to fast or running through red lights.

It takes a lot of caution. Yes, I will go through a red light, but I still must stop, look both ways before proceeding. Etc.

I started out with the classic SE however, I now have the Master Cardiology.

For most EMTs it is unnecessary to have such an expensive and high end scope, but I have hearing impairment and could only hear the pulse during bp in a silent room and breath sounds I could not hear at all.

My ambulances have Cardiology stethoscope in them and at first I was switching mine with one from there for tests, but now, I need them in class too.

I got mine on sale at allheart for like 189. Had it engraved with my name.

If I do not need it later on, I can donate it to school or daughter who is an rn student.

No, you have to show them you know what you are doing.

We need 12 to start, no maximum, they will break up into more classes if need be

Here we have a two volunteers that are policemen. They are also first responders. They are the only ones not either EMTs or emt students that drive.

I am an EMT student. After several runs as a student, they were letting me drive home. The training officer out me through drivers training and after that I was good to go. However if I am not on call. If the policemen are not on call, this is how it works.

First EMT to arrive unplugs ambulance, pulls out of garage, starts odometer paperwork and makes sure trip odometer is set.

Second EMT to respond is the primary care giver. The one who will be doing run report in the end. They get out the jump bag, the defib, traffic vests, KED vests or whatever else needed by what we can gather from the dispatch call and waiting for this to show up.

Once third jumps in, driver then radios we are en route and we roll.

Once on scene the two EMTs jump and run taking their bags and defib, whatever. Driver notes mileage and radios dispatch, grabs whatever they had out but left, puts on cot and gets cot from ambulance and brings it to them.

Once there driver will help load patients on cot, grab anything else needed. Also assist in care ( if an emt) help lift patient to ambulance, radio dispatch enroute to hospital. Etc etc.

Ambulance driver also cleans, stocks and fills gas tank.

Oh and yes, I agree with Kiwi...

Nothing like throwing the switch to the lights, wailing your siren and driving down a highway in the middle

Oh, however, if we have an emt who states they are not comfortable driving, or a 10-33 is dispatched and we get there and they jump out and say they can't do it... they don't do it!!! Never force anyone to speed through oncoming traffic at a high speed if they are uncomfortable

I was told EMT jobs have a very high turnover rate and there's always jobs available

Why are there always jobs avaliable? Ask yourself that.

I am going to be an emt because my community desperately needs them right now. I am not worried about the pay or the rest, I am a volunteer.

I am, however addicted to school and EMS so looking for a way and at starting medic school, but again, on a volunteer squad.

Obviously, to me it isn't about money.

I am over half way through. I can tell you it is pretty hard, requires study, commitment, showing up and taking it seriously. If you do that, you should pass if you try hard enough. It is just a lot to remember.

Our mod exams is where it gets tough. Quizzes I ace. However the registry loves to word things in trick questions. Our instructor puts at least 50% of our questions in registry form to prep us. That's where reading that question carefully comes in

You did the right thing

I have never waited as of yet. I have been on many calls as a driver. We call in, the door is opened for us, our room is verbally assigned as we walk in, and we go in.

We give verbal report, do a PCR, print off, clean up and go back in service.

I am an EMT student and will start medic classes shortly after. I am part of a volunteer squad.

Oh no! Oh no! We have called Mercy before. My condolences to the family and friends

I just read about it. It is a different Mercy than the one I was thinking. Very tragic news. Prayers

I refuse to read ahead, I study the crap out of the assigned chapters and excel in the ones assigned. Why confuse myself?