I've always thought that after the initial and secondary patient assessment, we followed up with what's known as a 'continuing assessment' to provide the results of our treatments and to trend the patients condition. It is during these 'ongoing assessments' that the modality of our treatments may or may not change.
I haven't seen a posting to this thread that advocates the "Let's try this and see what happens!" mentality. The responses that disprove Crotchity's premise of "I know everything NOT in the book!" seem to be based on solid evidence, rather than conjecture.
Crotchity,
Since you know 'everything NOT in the book", why haven't you followed through with your responsibility to furthering the field of pre-hospital care, and begun to publish what the rest of us obvious idiots don't know?
While I've got some experience in a really major EMS system (I think metro Detroit qualifies as 'really major EMS system') I'm far from ever being confused with any MENSA members, (past or present); but I would be willing to follow the teachings/orders/directions/ advice of the respected physicians that are assoiciated with this forum (i.e.: Dr. Bledsoe, ERDoc, Doc 'Zilla, et al) and the guidance of the 'rock star members' that obviously know more than this mere 'medic student' will ever know.
Sure, equipment fails, it has its limitations, but given that we mere mortals do not have xray vision, clairvoyance and the God like power to heal by touch, I'm going to have to rely on those electronic devices to help guide me in the treatment of my patients. They are not the sole source I base my treatments on, (thats where education comes into play),but they ARE developed and used to help diagnose whats wrong with our patients.