Katie94

6 hours ago, Just Plain Ruff said:

Why are places still using manual cots?  I would be curious as to the numbers of back injuries with manual cots versus the automatic cots.  I'm sure that they are night and day.  

 

I agree. I am not sure about how the ones where I get stationed will be. I'm not the most patient person, so waiting to find out where I will be, etc is killing me. Once I start I will update any info I can

3 hours ago, Lili said:

 

Glad to hear you passed! 

For the cots, what does the company or training source use? Are they manual or automatic? Just given that some "newer" ones are automated, which will allow for easier lifts/transfer.

As well as I am short, at  4,11" and have stopped growing... Obstacle much? Haha. 

Thank you, and the one I used was manual, but im not sure where exactly I'll be stationed. Lol eh, we fit better into confided places

I'm not sure if you work for amr, but if so, do you know when I find out my hours? I'm waiting on an email with orientation info, so I am completely in the dark about the next steps.

Just now, paramedicmike said:

Re: back braces

Here's a Cochrane Review of the literature.  Probably worth a read.

Congrats on passing the test.

Thank you, ill read it tonight after work:) 

2 hours ago, Just Plain Ruff said:

Well this is awesome news,  now go out and save a life.  You've earned it.  

Thank you, I am excited

13 minutes ago, ClutzyEMT said:

Great to hear that you passed it! Congratulations!!!

Yes, you can have a long career in this profession even if you are STA (shorter than average) lol! But I do stress the back brace and going to a specialist or experienced practitioner who will fit you with a custom one if you plan on remaining in EMS for a long period of time. Many have told me that it is not needed anymore since technology has advanced to the point of loading stretchers into the rigs, etc. but you will still have those scenes in the back corner of the only apartment building in town that doesn't have an elevator in which you will get to carry the patient down 15 flights of stairs, etc that will put tremendous stress on your back~~ I wish someone had told me this when I started but I'm fortunate that I didn't destroy my back before it was too late~~ out of everything that I faced in EMS, I think my height was the most challenging and sometimes entertaining (how I ended up dealing with things) LOL!! Plus you will be the first one they will want to shove into those tight, cramped spaces on a scene..... 

Good luck and hope you have a long and satisfying career!!

Haha, being short does have some advantages  thank you so much! I start orientation on 9/11/17 for AMR Southwest in AZ

5 minutes ago, ClutzyEMT said:

Us 'horizontally challenged' women in EMS have encountered that difficulty since I started....lol....I am a lifetime EMS'r who is 5'1 and 1/4"   and weight range of 105 to 130 throughout my 25+ years career~~one of the biggest things I would say to you right now is "Get yourself a back brace and wear it religiously!" You will thank yourself when you are a tad older and lifting a grandchild.....your back will thank you for it as well! 

Thousands of petitions to the manufacturers requesting that they locate ambulance boxes closer to street level never worked for me so I had to continue strength training my entire career instead ....good luck and let us know how you are doing!

I passed my PAT Friday! Thank you for the backbrace advice. I know this line of work is rough on the body. It is nice to know there are other successful horizontally challenged women out there in this field:)

27 minutes ago, Just Plain Ruff said:

There is a specific machine in most gyms that is an arms strengthening machine.  It looks like a bench press but it's in a standing position.  You could use that machine to guage your strength and then work to increase.  

IT might be the shoulder press machine.  I'd have to go to a gym (nope homey don't play that game) and look at exactly what the name of the machine is.  

 

But look to this link and then go to page 2 and then to the shoulder press picture

http://www.fitlink.com/exercises?type=machine&body_part=arms&page=2

That would help a lot, thank you. I was able to initially unload the gurney so it seems to be a problem with lifting for me hopefully I find a gym out here that suits my needs. Ideally I would like to go to a fire fighter academy type facility, like the great ape- but you have to be invited -.- I have not yet gotten a call with a date to retest. Once finals are done next week all of my energy is going into training. Thankfully the group I tested with (separately of course) were very supportive after seeing me complete the other tasks.

For clarification, a patient whiplashed me against a bed lol. After re reading my post I figured specification was required

I am planning on seeing a Trainer four times a week starting in two days. I am still technically healing from a knee dislocation (10 months ago) due to patient battery. :/ I want to be able to be productive on a rig. Any training to pass this and gain insight on handling equipment at my height is my goal. I was able to unload the weight on the gurney and hold it for 5 seconds no problem. Lifting it up seems more quad related which may be why I struggled. Thank you for your advice

I am allowed to, I'm trying to figure out what work outs, other than just bench pressing, I can do to improve my quality for the PAT and reality. The weight is not bad until I get to my shoulders with the gurney. 

Hi everyone,

I just want some tips other than continue working out. I am a semi-new EMT and just did my AMR PAT. I got through all of it easily until I had to reload the 165 lb stretcher. To get it in I have to lift above my shoulders or get some extra strength. For reference, I am 5 foot 1" and 108 lbs. I will retest when I am scheduled but would appreciate some tips. Thank you.