Neb.EMT

I was dropped from my old program b/c I was 12 hrs. short on clinical time. My daughter had to have surgery so I missed a day. I contacted the facility prior to my scheduled date and attempted to contact my clinical/field coordinator. She didn't respond to my messages or e-mails until after the deadline. I think I pretty much got screwed. But what can you do? I'm now in a different program (starting over) which I honestly feel is of a higher quality anyways. Just remember, everything happens for a reason. At least I got my I-99 out of it. (And by the way, my average was never below 96 percent.) P.S. Administration was ABSOLUTELY NO help.

I was wondering how quickly this would be brought up.

A&P is a great course for any level provider. It may be a little more difficult since you won't have direct contact with your instructor. I would by all means suggest it though.

I know this sounds bad but, excited. Actually, it was Tuesday. Pt. had been down for awhile (exact time unknown) but we worked him for his wife.

It doesn't say this on our ambulances, but it does on damn near everything else with the company logo: "Medicine in Motion"

Dust, I appreciate keeping it civil. I'll admit that no, I don't score 100% on everything, all the time. My current grade in class is a 98% though. So no, I don't know everything, and I know I never will. However, as I said different people learn in different ways. Personally writing a bunch of stuff down doesn't help me very much. When I read things they pretty much stick with me. The things I don't understand are the things that I bring up with my instructor in class. There are just some things that take me a little bit more to understand. And as far as "school just to start IV's, intubate, and give drugs." I am not taking this as an attack on me. I understand my opinion of homework sounds lazy. However, if that was the case I really wouldn't have much need to go to medic school. I can do most of the "skills" a medic can. I'm going b/c I want more knowledge. The more I know, the better I can treat my pts. I honestly don't like the fact that I/99 exists. For some it's like a wanna be medic. You can do most of the skills but only have a fraction of the knowledge. IMO that's just trouble waiting to happen. Same thing as "why can't basics intubate." (By the way, in NE they can). If somebody is just following protocols and not thinking for themselves there will eventually be a problem.

Overall, I think getting into EMS is too easy. Classes are too easy. I'm an I/99 and I'm in medic class. My Basic class was terrible. I think out of 15 of us 3 passed registry. This was a combination of instructor and student problems. My I/99 class wan't much better. High quality instructor, low quality administration. There were many students, who IMHO, shouldn't have been there and I pray either didn't pass registry or never work on me. My medic class is actually the best of what I've seen so far in EMS education. Our instructor is excellent, administration works for us, and most of my classmates either work full time in EMS or have plenty of experience. That being said, we are quite casual. Our instructor is by all means respected, but he is also very approachable. Our class gets along w/ each other, which makes group projects and study groups work better. The program I was in taught I/99 first year, P second year. This program starts w/ A&P, followed by P. Takes the same amount of time but it's P straight through. I will be repeating alot of what I already know but find it worth it due to the quality of this program vs. the other. Now, on a sidenote. I completely agree w/ knowing your material. However, when it comes to homework I have some complaints. Personally, I don't agree with it most of the time. I know the information and can show it when test time roles around. I can and do actively participate in class discussions. I (b/c I'm an I/99 and have a head start) also help my class mates as much as possible. Homework is something that I honestly have little time for. Everybody here knows that using the words scheduling and EMS in the same sentence is a joke. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I could use what little free time I have studying things I know I have problems w/ rather than doing some busy work to make sure I read a chapter. I believe that at test time it will show who's been studying and grasping things. Why must we waste time doing homework that isn't really needed. Papers, presentation, etc... are alright, I can understand the purpose in those. It's the mundane everyday "answer these questions at the end of the chapter" or "write the deffinition of these words" kind of thing. If you are a responsible and dedicated student wouldn't you know where your weaknesses are and work on them anyways? As I said, this just takes away time from doing just that, studying what is difficult for YOU. Let the test show if you know what you should. If you don't that is your own fault for not knowing your material. Everybody learns differently, so why have a singular approach when it comes to homework. I'm sure I'm going to hear plenty about my anti-homework stance, all I ask is to keep it civil. I actually would welcome some input.

Other than supine hypotensive syndrome does anybody have an idea of what may cause hypotension in an 18 week pregnant pt. Dehydration has pretty much been ruled out. No pertinant Hx. Pt c/o "lightheadedness" and slight nausea (no vomiting). B/P 90/58, HR 120, respirs 16, monitor shows sinus tach. S/S come in spells, aprox. 3-4 x daily. Pt. eats good, has had prenatal care, and is otherwise having an uncomplicated pregnancy. What might we be looking at for Dx and what Tx. At this point MD has had no success with Dx. Let me know what you think.

I agree with emsgirl. What days off? Can somebody describe what one is to me?

Go with the I/99. Basics can get the extra certs to do pretty much everything the I//85 can anyways.

I may only be AT work for 8-12 hours, but I'm on call 24. If all station and sqaud duties are done we are allowed to sleep. Juse b/c I get paged out at 0330 doesn't mean I'm going to be allowed to be late or miss work the next day.

96 Cadillac DeVille

If your hair requires a brush or a comb, it's too long. You've got other things to think about when responding to a Cx pain at 0330.

My old partner got a new job. This leaves me to fill his old position (ALS instead of BLS-I'll have my I/99 in about a month). In the mean time I have to break in my new partner, who will continue in my old position. She just got her certs about a month ago. I think she's got good potential however she is very passive. If you ask her to do something she'll do it. Otherwise she just stands around. How do I get her to start being more confident and get us working as a team rather than the current situation? I understand it takes time to get used to a new partner especially if you are new to EMS but as it stands right now I need help to speed this process along. ANY suggestions would be appreciated!

I wasn't asking for specific freqs. I was just asking the range ie. UHF, VHF, etc..

What radio freq ranges does you service use? What do you consider to be best and why?

private transport- we do some pre-hospital and event standby as well