FireMedic_1979

Yes DFIB I've shocked (cardioverted) an alert patient that was in symptomatic V-tach. He was presenting with chest pain, diaphoresis, palpitations. He was fully alert and we pre-medicated with Versed or Valium (this was about 9 years ago in another system so I cant recall which med was in our protocol). After 1st shock at 100j, he converted to normal sinus and his symptoms subsided. As far as his response, we explained the procedure, expected pain, etc. He did jump and use profanity right after, but then he said he felt 100% better ! It sucks but it works I guess

If it's proven that it is a reasonable assessment and assumption by the paramedic that it would be safe, then no he/she should not be held liable. If it's proven that maybe there was some negligence, then yes. I dont think that a paramedic initiated "refusal" would be right....like....basically us refusing to take somebody...or forcing them to sign a refusal when the truly want to go with us......that would be wrong, after all....it is their right to call us and our job to transport if they want. However, I dont think it would be wrong for those calls that we truly feel would be safe going themselves.....then we can suggest that option to them, and then leave the ball in their court....their decision.

Very good points. We should be able to tell somebody they are ok, or that it is safe for them to go to the hospital in their own car......the problem is, everybody is to afraid because the world is sue-crazy.......it's all about CYA these days.....which is what stresses many of us out.....doing things JUST for CYA, and because of technicalities....when you KNOW deep down that it is absolutely unnecesary.

Michael.....believe me I know how hard you studied, and how much time you put into it.....that was absolutely incredible.....I mean......it's everything I was looking for. Where did you learn to do that ????

lol...no micheal your not chopped liver.....there was just a few things out of each reply that i wanted to hit on

First of all, WOW....I never expected such a huge reply and concern from everybody....thanks a bunch for that ! You all have good points, and what your saying makes sense. A few of you mentioned a career change.....I dont think that is necessary. All I'm looking for is more balance, just the edge off the sword. A few of you mentioned a few things, and I'll kind of respond to it.... Scaramedic --- You asked if it was possible to switch only to only being a firefighter. The answer is no...all guys hired after a certain date a few years back are required to maintain their paramedic cert, no questions. You mentioned a career change....and I dont feel that is necessary. A rotation onto the engine, or even an ALS engine would be nice...key word...BALANCE. Last year before our HUGE manpower crunch, we rotated off the ambulance, and onto the engine. Things were great then.....but.....not like that anymore. We still fight fires, but dont physically have any more days off of the ambulance. HammerPcp--- When you say that I've violated "do no harm", well I think maybe I worded my original post wrong. My skills and patient care havent declined to the point where the patient is in jeapordy. I still maintain a positive attitude, and actually recieve many letters from patients saying that my treatment towards them is very warm and caring. When I say declining....I mean more along the lines of...running the borderline calls Basic....to pass it off to an EMT, or to shorten the length of the report. Good example would be.....flu like symptoms, feeling ill....probably should and could go ALS....but I'll run it basic to make the paperwork shorter or pass it to an EMT. I would never mistreat a patient....I took an oath and that means a lot to me. Now, I do admit....when its 3 AM and we are called out for somebody with a cut toe ( last shift lol ), yes maybe the person will notice that I'm not the most happy or awake camper in the world...but we'll make it work ! Medik8-----Thanks for the kind words, that was really sweet of you. RogueMedic--- You mentioned that my department needed couch time....well your not lying !! My situation is not nearly as bad as some of the others. Like I said, we had one guy go out on psych. I've seen guys yell, scream, even throw things. It is pretty ugly, and we are all for the most part pretty tired of it. As far as me needing skills training, naw.....skills are fine here ! See above.......I kinda worded my original post wrong. And...we do routine skills training anyways....in house, and with the EMS center. HFDFF422---- You pretty much hit the nail on the head. I went to medic school to strengthen my resume for a career fire dept. I was always told, that is what you need to get hired somewhere. Well....it worked very well. My main career goal since I was small was to be a firefighter....and I made it. Being a paramedic...well....that kinda just came with the package deal. But now that I made it, I'm realizing....wow we hold the title of "firefighter"......but we RARELY see a fire....you know how it is. You mentioned relief when we hear tones....well....we do....we feel relief when the FIRE tones go off...the general attitude is......finally a break from the norm...finally a call where we get to do what we want to be doing....and we are reminded why we are there. Well...thanks again for all the replies. I'm sure this reply will spark off some good discussion.....talk soon !

Hello all, first off.....great site...glad I was able to find it. Unfortunetly my reason for coming is to seek help. I was wondering if there might be any kind of support service out there...for EMS workers that suffer from severe burnout and stress. I think I really could use it BAD......I mean BAD. Myself and even some co-workers could use it. I've kept quiet for a long time about the issue, but it's to the point now where I need to take action. It's not really something I feel I can go tell my employer, or take a psych leave, or anything like that. We had one guy do that years ago....and his reputation was absolutely destroyed....he was totally outcasted. My employer and most fellow co-workers dont take to that well....so it's not really an option. I figured there has gotta be something out there for guys like myself. When I read through some of the other posts on here about burnout, I realize that what I'm feeling is far from the norm. I think it's compounded by the fact that I tend to hold everything inside....people I work with would never know I was feeling negative at all....I'm very good at covering up true feelings and keeping everything inside. So really, this is the first time I've came forward to discuss it openly. I mean yeah, we have our little chats here and there in real life....but I've never really revealed how bad this is actually affecting me. Well, let me sort of let you in on what I feel. Maybe there are some that actually are having the same problem(s). I've been a medic now for going on 8 years. I've worked in the privates, some part time fire based EMS services, and currently I'm working for a career fire dept as a firefighter/medic. I cant really say that we are overly busy....we really arent. We average maybe 5 or 6 calls per 24 hour shift. But for some reason....my stress level keeps increasing more and more. Part of it is, I mainly want to fight fires. But as you all know.....fire depts today are 90% EMS calls. That is part of it I think....the stress of really not getting to do what you want to be doing. You probably are thinking...well go to a different fire dept that is strictly fire.......well I am....I've taken tests and will continue to do so until I can get out. I'm just basically 110% sick and tired of every part of the job. It has nothing to do with seeing bad calls, or tough calls, etc. It's just being sick of the routine. I'm tired of paperwork, and computer reports. Tired of getting up in the middle of the night. Tired of being absolutely nothing more than a glorified taxi service...transporting people that should be going in a car. There is nothing that really gets me adrenaline going at all......even on what is considered a "good" call. It's just not there anymore. It's to the point now where I just always feel negative......and every single time I hear the tones my stomach turns, and I just feel absolutely miserable inside. The only thing that makes me feel good is knowing that at 7 am....it'll be over...and I dont have to worry about it for 2 days. This not only takes it's toll on my work life. On my days off, I can only keep thinking about how I have to go back. My family notices that I'm always quiet. I've had outbursts at my dad...who absolutely doesnt deserve it. I've been having depression, difficulty sleeping.....and sometimes even this same dream where I'm riding around in an ambulance, and I just cant get out. And the worst part about it....my patient care and skills are begining to decline. The only thing I find that helps me....is at night to just lay there and imagine that I dont have to do it anymore...getting hired by a fire dept....and doin only fire related calls and EMS assists. I'd hate to say it...but when that day comes I think I'm gonna drop everything....my certs I mean. I'd love to keep it, and try to make it work as a part time job....but this is just to much. Well...in a nutshell....there you have it. I'm pretty much a disaster inside.....just torn to pieces by this. Any advice or suggestions...or referrals to the right place would help......thanks