Ridryder 911

I am sure you had to go through the usual disciplinary rituals ( writing, counseling) & documentation. As a former chief, he KNEW better, if he didn't .. then be glad he is out of there. It is always hard to be the big-dog then come back as a pup. Sounds like he thought he was above approach, & tried to use his seniority. Your job is to maintain the "best" for the company. You are responsible for what is in best interest, just as the medics do for the patient. Don't be too hard on yourself, he knew what he was doing. Looks like you have encountered one of the hardest parts of management, but; as you have described look at what you have achieved for the services (add'tl pay, equip.) be proud & stay strong. Be safe, Ridryder 911

In Oklahoma all EMS levels are licensed not "certified". It has been here since the Early eighties when I was in a group of members of the EMT assoc. along with an eager Legislator developed this. I believe this has helped our profession here somewhat, by allowing us to have our own division to monitor licenses and regulations as well as professional peers know we are licensed 'not just certified". I wished we could develop our own boards and regulate & maintain, control & develop ourselves, with only EMS personal for EMT licensees. I highly suggest states that are certified levels consider amending to licenses. These are not just semantics, but really have a long term professional standard goals. Be safe, Ridryder 911

I consider it a profession but; unfortunately, it is a vocation (no degree required) and placed in several trade schools for the TRAINING, not education. Also, still a vocation due to the technician rating, .. technician is a role is to perform prescribed procedures. That is why several EMS organizations is trying to take away the technician wording from the Paramedic. Especially, advanced level Paramedic. That is why LPN or LVN in some states, are considered vocational nurses is because training vs. education (no it is not semantics,yes there is a difference) where an RN is considered a profession ( can obtain a doctorate level). Be safe, Ridryder 911

Overall, a great working relationship. However; we do have a few, that are 1'st-2n'd yr. residents. Still have the resident syndrome. Everything by the textbook, no common SENSE.. would argue with a fence post.. I usually ask if want a centrall line immediately, "2'nd year .. huh ?" ( when they learn int. med) Yep, just what I guessed.". Reminds me of a joke..: What is the difference between God & Doctor ? ... God doesn't think he is a doctor....lol Be safe, Ridryder 911

How about don't do either ? Nope... i Ridryder 911

Full time CCEMT/P, full time ER/ RN. , Flight Nurse/Paramedic PRN; 27 yrs exp. as Paramedic, been there done it EMS F/F. Police Tactical EMS, Federal & State EMS Consultant, EMS Professor, ITCU, Level I Trauma Ctr, Burn Nurse, etc.. whew I'm tired ! Ridryder 911

First, the woman is NOT brain dead... as even evidenced by medical definition. Who is next ? Patients that have had a CVA & has dysphagia ? Be careful you might mention in gest : " I don't want to be that way"; But what if .... you are able to have cognitive thoughts, & able to hear & rationale things, but are not able to express self as so many brain injury patients suffer. What was it ?, Last month we had a woman awoke from a coma after>10 years ? Thank- God, she didn't have such a loving husband as Terry ! Is this really " Death without Dignity " case ? Depriving the body from nutrients, and basic essential elements... This woman is not on a vent or any mechanical life support measures, as used commonly respected by the medical community as "Death with Dignity" criteria. Did we forget the motto" in the patients best interest "; we always assume this when we treat patients, under the implied consent ruling. So now shall we ask before treating a code "Oh by the way; hey, did he ever mention not wanting to be resuscitated ?" Definitely, make my call volume a lot lower. So now,can I throw away all those darn living will & DNR forms we tell people to fill out if THEY don't want mechanical means, food & water, etc.?. since now we won't need them anymore. We are OPENING Pandora's box, and are expanding euthanasia. The family is even offering to pay for treatment, and the so called husband can now go on with his life. Let us remember to always ACT in the PATENT'S BEST BEHALF... Be safe, Ridryder 911

Master cardiology .. I bought 20 yrs ago, still works fine. Be safe, Ridryder 911

As I discussed I am also in the same predicament. I am doing 2 things .. 1) Asking what programs or ideas they would like to do. 2) Administering a general Paramedic test , this is not graded for job performance etc.. just to see the weaker areas & and to help point out those areas that might need to be reviewed. We are planning a "skills fair", session in where each medic will demonstrate, the proper use of equipment. Use of nebulizers, to I.M. injections on ped.'s etc,. This is to review some things we don't do every day as well as to document for adm. purposes. Other classes we are including are advanced neurology assessment, public image & professionalism. Again, I wish you the best of luck. Ridryder 911

I also ask the same question on a another EMS web site.. I received several helpful suggestions. Some were, Documentation, Abuse in the elderly & spousal, crime scene preservation tech, etc... I am developing some programs including "lab interpretation skills for the Paramedic". Just some ideas.. Be safe, Ridryder 911