Mastabattas

tniuqs... I know how much you adore those bean counting turned EMTs. They make darn fun pardners non?! don't forget to turn up that hearing aid! :wink:

As much as I understand what you're saying... I really don't think the time of year is something to make an issue out of. It's like rent, credit cards, tons of other bills and responsibilities...we all know it's there, when it's due... it really doesn't take much to plan for it. Ok...this I can kind of concur with. However for those that were in attendance at the last AGM this was something that WAS covered. I got the impression ACoP was looking to move away from representing US and instead focus on protecting the public. Fair enough (this is where WE need our own association now...like nurses, like teachers...). At the end of the day though...those who attended know that the issues of the calendar year as well as the cost of registration were raised (amongst many others). If you came and voted then GOOD FOR YOU (and you must have seen me there)! But for everyone else... did you come? did you vote? if you were unable to attend, did you arrange for proxies? If you can't answer yes to at least one of those... well... then... your apathy towards the system in place is our profession's worst enemy. If you want change... if you want progress... it requires substantial effort, devotion and passion on your part. For all the complaining about ACoP (which I do as well) ... it becomes meaningless noise when an AGM struggles to even achieve quorum. Step up, or shut up.

Sorry to butt in on you folks as you connect with each other but it seemed like a great way for me to catch a bunch of you. I'm an EMT in Alberta and am heading to Nova Scotia in a couple weeks in hopes of finding out more about NS EMS... I've gone through the EHS site and all but always find it's more effective to see what it's really like by meeting with practitioners in the area. If you're on the Canadian Paramedic Web you've likely seen me posting there...I've been a bit busy with school and work and such that I've been pretty non existent here for a while now. I don't have specific questions at this point, but rather hope to get contacts so that I can meet with folks when I arrive. A visit at the stations... a tour... heck I'd even take a ride along if I could swing it.. or even just a pint to talk shop. Never been east of Ontario...from the Peg originally....always wanted to check out the true East so no matter what I'm looking forward to the trip (Sept 19-26). PM me if you want.

Ya'll forgot Wendys! Nothing like a spicey chicken with cheese for me. Mmmmm Cheese.

Let us first verify the specifics of this allegation. The best situation would see the students involved (registered EMRs) come forward rather then those on the outside merely hearing of it through the grapevine.

A person's reputation is all one has, especially in an industry as cut throat as EMS. I have been witness to some of the oldest 'friends' ruining one another's advancement in this business...I would encourage everyone to read the following definitions carefully if for nothing else but to protect yourself. Libel and Slander are punishable by law as well as within one's own governing body...and not as difficult to prove as one might think. Equally so, nothing is ever completely anonymous online: LIBEL Law a. defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures. b. the act or crime of publishing it. c. a formal written declaration or statement, as one containing the allegations of a plaintiff or the grounds of a charge. SLANDER Law defamation by oral utterance rather than by writing, pictures, etc. There is an excellent novel which provides a humourous explanation of this topic and it's implications: "Leaven of Malice" by Robertson Davies. I read it in Junior High so it should be well within everyone's reading comprehension level.

I agree as well.

Knowing what I do, I would predict it's more a case of immature professional judgement...a big kid wanting to play and show off for his new friends is all.

Dust I am pretty sure I know what school... and possibly who.

I don't know about fluid time although it's always neat to entertain a totally different idea... we can't progress as a species without challenging existing ideas...and you would never want your 'thinking muscles' to stay inactive... But I've noticed this sort of thing with my cell phone, my alarm clock, my cordless phone...and yep my pager too. If you ever listen without any other noises to take away, there is a quiet electronic something or other that occurs shortly before the object in question is going to ring/beep/whatever. I've worked in a telecommunications group for the last few years and have absorbed vague understandings of things from them... I figure there is a delay from the point the transmission originates, to where it is going...and as that transmission is coming through the recieving device is preparing to recieve it and that's what (over time) my body has recognized and wakes me up from. As for knowing what kind of call... experience and 6th sense for sure.

My EMR (EMT-B equiv in the states) was $700 books included. My EMT was about $5000 after all incidentals are tallied up (books, extra uniform, criminal check etc). When I do my Medic it will cost somewhere between 10-20000 for two years. Not to mention the liscencing exams in between, the fact that I am now unemployed to do practicum, travel to get as much experience and exposure as well. All of it...worth it in the end because I'm doing something and working towards something I am truly passionate about.

You should come post this in the Canadian Web too...

In EMR and EMT school we've only been taught same side. Never would have even thought about the other side.

Oooh I LIKE that idea... an x-rated version of the kits... In a standard airway bag..what would you put in place of the O2 tank? Maybe a bottle of champagne?

I've done as many ride alongs as I possibly could as I prepare for my practicum in less then two months. It's brilliant and I've learned tons that will save me some trouble when I start. Things I've observed, and experienced are this: -Unit check each shift is great but offer to do the complete inventory check. Helpful...as well as great way to familiarize yourself with where everything is. And (if your service is slow) offer to do this every day so that you can be as familiar as possible with the contents. -Keep your unit sparkly inside and out. -Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands in pockets mean you aren't working hard enough and could be doing something more useful. -Practicum is not your chance to catch up on sleep or studying. Although in the real world you might actually nap when you can and read when you can...practicum is not the right time. -Know your preceptor's drink of choice (coffee? tea? etc.) and how he/she takes it. -Do not even think of sitting in the big comfy leather chairs or couches...you haven't earned that right until they invite you. Get used to that wooden kitchen chair they reserve for students. -Baked goods are never wasted. -Clean. The kitchen. The bathroom. Your unit. DO NOT use the station to wash your personal vehicle. -Be prepared for criticism. Assume there is a positive thing to be taken from it no matter how much it hurts your feelings or ego. Put your personal feelings aside and be gracious for the chance to learn from someone else who has experience and is willing to share it with you. -Remember that usually preceptors get nothing for their time. Some are great. And some not so much. Some want to do it. Some not so much. Your interpersonal skills are just as important as any of the EMS skills and knowledge you gained in school. Check your sarcasm, your percieved smarts, your preconcieved notions about anything at all at the door. Hopefully you'll never go back to get them. Book smarts are all find and dandy...but they mean nothing if you get booted from your practicum.

My understanding of the US structure of EMS is that the EMT-B is a loose equivalent of the EMR in Alberta. That being said my only questions is this: Is it within the scope of an EMT-B to rule out C-spine? In Alberta it is NOT within the scope of an EMR.

So far I'm loving my Milarm special! Original Safety (related to Original Swat I believe). Green triangle approved...Composite toe and shank. Good sole that carries me well on ice. Has the sexy side zip! Large fit to the point where I got away with a 1/2 size smaller then I've worn in years. Accomodates my 'man feet' with the wide heal (MAJOR problem for me in many of the snobby boots like Red Wings and Danners). Comfortable as is...and heavenly with a simple Dr. Scholls insole from Wal-mart. Boots were $139 and some cents in Edmonton, Insoles were maybe $10 at wal-mart. And to boot (haha I made a funny) they actually make my feet look smaller rather then huge like most boots. Was recommended them by a Paramedic student that works up in Grand Prarie...haven't been disappointed yet.

Interesting thought. And well timed as I narrow down my top 5 choices for my practicum for EMT school. There is often the debate of which way to go for practicum. Common conceptions of either option are: Urban = higher call volume, greater diversity in type of calls, guaranteed to be working with Paramedics and so being exposed to skills out of our scope but highly interesting...here in Alberta the chance to witness thrombolytics. Rural = greater lengths of time with the patient regardless of what level of care you are in a position to give (ALS versus BLS), although longer time required to complete practicum requirements...slower pace to possibly build stronger skills. I did ride alongs with both an ALS and BLS rural service and found it very interesting. I have another run of rides with an ALS rural service this weekend. What stands out the most to me is the exposure of ALS in a rural setting as compared to an urban setting. I haven't yet ridden with Edmonton's EMS (need certain certifications first) but what I have heard is that there are some limitations to scope here because transport times are so short compared to those that are hours away. I think any exposure a student can get to the different kinds of EMS services in their region is good. Is it the schools responsibility to provide that? Maybe in a perfect world it would be nice. But like so many of the veterans on here will remind us newbs and students: our education is what we make of it. My program is one year in length...6 months school and up to 4 months practicum depending where you are placed. I work full time while going through the didactic portion too. And have zero on car experience outside of my ride alongs. BUT I have taken every initiative to get exposure (even in just the ride along setting) wherever I can and even that has helped cement concepts from school. It'd be nice if they had certain exposure worked into the curriculum, but sometimes resources both time and money...can make it an unreasonable expectation. Especially if you consider how challenging it is in a market such as Alberta. Still interesting thoughts. I like where you are going with your thoughts... perhaps the initiative taken on the student's part to gain such exposure on their own time will help them along the way in their career. It will "separate the men from the boys".

We are still talking about shaved heads right? :wink:

Dust! What's wrong with a shaved head. Even Britney saw the brilliance in my fashion sense and followed suit.

LeeAnn... best of luck in the career change... I'm doing exactly that by getting INTO EMS. Change is always exciting. Feeling surrounded by Canucks might have something to do with this being a Canuck "Where are you from" thread. Wyoming...nice place. I had a good time when I was there a few years back.

“Professionalism is knowing how to do it, when to do it, and doing it.” Frank Tyger Cost $0.01 “Professionalism: It's NOT the job you DO, It's HOW you DO the job.” Unknown Cost $0.01 Total cost $0.02

Code 8 No worries. Life is gooood!

I completely agree we give NTG for both purposes. But what I understand is that the risk with Rt. Sided MIs comes with the preload aspect more. I actually listen to my instructors, and textbooks but also seek out others as alternate ways of explaining. Sometimes it takes different wording to get a concept ingrained in the brain. Never said he was the end all-be all of anything. Just another dude...like you...like me...like everyone. Well gosh darn it...why didn't ya say so in the first place : ) Actually, yes I have. I fully acknowledged you as having further education... and then went on to say what MY understanding was... Leaving it open for correction/clarification as I AM still a student (aren't we all...always?) and totally want to get a better grasp on all sides of this issue as it's frequently debated. No need to get your panties all up in a knot, we're all here for the same purpose. Now Rid...you make (as usual) a solid argument for why it's too great a risk. I hear from a lot of other sources the standard "benefits out weigh the risks" but it just doesn't sit as well with me...maybe I'm not as much of a risk taker as some.

Code 8 Why take the chance with one life, when it can quite possibly be protected with a line. Do you still drive without a seatbelt? Because to me...that's what it compares to. You are an EMT-P so surely you are aware of the kinematics of NTG and it's affect on an right sided MI versus left. My understanding of why we want a line in place is this (this is good for me for review for school too): First, Nitro = vasodilator. Second, Mechanism of Action = relaxes smooth muscle and causes vasodilation resulting in increased coronary blood flow, decreased preload reducing myocardial workload. Contraindictations include BP < 100. paraDOc16 from another site explained it best for me: In this situation, a fluid bolus is indicated increasing preload hopefully improving pulmonary flow and ultimately cardiac circulation. But if you can't do a line...then what? Mobey I'm in AB and so we have to have our line before we can admin NTG. I find it interesting how our provinces can't even agree on something like this. And there is enough controversy in us being allowed to administer it even with a line. To me...the pathophysiology seems to indicate what would be naturally safer...