emskp1

I am applying to take the Mass. State Test. written. I have been a paramedic for 6 yrs now. Is there anything different between this exam and the NREMT-P exam. If anyone has any insight I'd appreciate it. I have a very big test anxiety so anything would be appreciated. Kim

On a transport to a childrens trauma center, I had a 11 y.o male. He had a subarachnoid bleed from a bicycle accident (yes, not wearing helmet). The story from the ED was his C-spine was cleared and he was taken off the board and collar. Once this was done the kid began having seizures. He was rushed to the CT where bleed was found. Kid got Ativan, and transport was called. When I arrived, kid had collar on and was on board. I noticed the kid was coming out of the Ativan, began moaning and so forth. All of a sudden I heard one of the nurses call out, before we transport him we need to foley cath him. I looked at my partner and said to him, "The moment they go to put the cath in he is going to kick them in the head." Sure enough once they tried he was fighting everyone off and stating I have to go to the bathroom (over and over and over again) :roll: ....He was complaining he was uncomfortable on the board. MD and RN stated he can come off board his c-spine cleared. (I knew that Trauma Center wanted him on a board fought for it, besides it would've restrained him a little, but lost). As soon as he was taken off board, kid began trying to sit up. Well, my pressure blew, with staff and parents waiting outside curtain I say in a very loud voice "If you try and sit up again you could die.". Oh did I get the look of death from the entire staff. I apologized to all staff and family for my inappropriate comment, and still was brought into the office for a talking to. My win on this was when the trauma surgeon looked at me and asked my why this kid wasn't on a long board. I looked at here and said "Ask the nurse."

Hi Dust, I wish you all the best. You take care and stay safe. I look forward to hearing all your words of wisdom. Its nice to be guided by someone so wise as yourself. emskp1

Ours is We serve so others may live" My favorite Quality service by chance not by choice....

Mechanism of Injury, on the accident scene what do you see that can cause injury, ie cracked windshield, front end damage, air bag deployment. Life threatening-what injuries do you find on the patient. Bleeding from head, neck, ears, nose. Broken legs, unconscious. Head Trauma. Don't explain what you see (evaluator is telling you what you see)...It's one step after the other... MOI you see it ok (or evaluator states it)...say duly noted...Life threatening injuries....you're doing your assessment abc to toe. ABC's first as you assess and evaluator tells you about injury, state how you would treat and move onto the next. Just one step right after the other. Move on down the line, and don't look back.