RogueMedic

To add my two cents, I don't have a problem with Intermediates givig Narcan. Given the current trends towards advancing skill levels and expanding protocols; it seems to be something that is looming over the horizon much like the next war we may have to fight. As an Army Medic, I stress to my soldiers either you increase your knowledge base or someone dies, then I get upset, take it personally and then kill you myself. Boundary lines in the Medical profession have become so obscured that everybody seems to cross into various realms and degrees care these days so it is only natural to let things flow this way. I would take 2 damn good EMTs over a half ass Paramedic any day of the week. Those who exemplify the skill and knowledge to do advanced procedures in the interest of overall patient improvement, should be granted that consideration.. All Paramedics should remember back when they were EMT-Basics and were regulated to "Gopher" status yearning to be on the cutting edge that which was reserved for Paramedics, Nurses etc. But as the old saying goes "Paramedics save lives, EMTs save Paramedics." why shouldn't they be allowed to help where they can. There is already a shortage of Paramedics out there and an even greater shortage of GOOD Paramedics with the street sense to keep from killing people. I say accept the help from whatever source it may come from. Besides, isn't it our job to always try to more for the people we serve? That's just my two cents. Leslie W. Brock Jr., EMT-P Operations Manager MedZone EMS

[/font:705c472c61] It appears that my colleagues have the school thing covered with very knowledgeable and sound advice. I submit that should there ever come a time that your Father needs EMS intervention (And I pray that he never does) that it there is still someone employed in the business. No matter which school that you decide upon, the outcome will depend greatly on how you apply yourself and what you take from it. If yopu focus on the visions of lights and sirens wailing in the night, you'll fail, if you stay focused on airway, breathing, circulation, for starters and build on that, the EMS World will be a much nicer place because you are in it. There's my two cents. RogueMedic

[/font:3e92c57220] As an instructor myself, I always say that the best material to use to teach is the material that you have available. My personal choice is Brady. If given the choicce, I wouldn't use AAOS to set fire to my enemy, nothing but the best I say. To solve the personal quandry that one may find themselves in, I would suggest that when the opportunity premits, review the books that others have used to get through their own personal EMS Training Hell and build your library from your own personal feelings on a particular piece of literature. Until the "Ultiamte EMS Book is written, the ones that we have will have to do. We still need the basics to build upon. There's my two cents. RogueMedic