echo2mcb

I'm sure it IS illegal, but I can't get any backing from my fellow coworkers. They are afraid of repercussions.

If the word "union" comes out of your mouth at my workplace (or anywhere in this state), you're pulled into the office so fast, it makes your head spin. Speaking from experience.

Our med control refers to our units as the "the buggy", as in "put the patient in the buggy and go to the house". Must be a South Carolina thing.

BBrooks, I am a small-framed paramedic ( 5' 1" and 117 lbs.) I have been a medic for almost 20 years and started when we had the old 2-man stretchers that had to be lowered and lifted from the ground. It took me awhile but I learned to lift using mechanics, as noted in other posts. Keep in mind that the height or weight of a fellow EMT does not necessarily mean strength. We have some big guys that don't have very good lifting methods. I definitely agree with working out. Squats and stiff- leg deadlifts have helped me alot, along with a good upper body workout. Our system requires that we are able to squat several different weights at three reps each ( we have lift testing every year, talk about pressure!), all the way up to 100 lbs. This might not sound like a lot to some folks, but for someone your size, it can be intimidating. Proper lifting mechanics should definitely be an important part of your training program.

Toysoldier, I, too, am new to this website. I have been in EMS for almost 20 years, and if you had told me this is what I would be doing as a career way back when, I would have told you that you were a few sandwiches shy of a picnic. I have gone through what I like to call "mini burnouts", but for me, they never last. My faith in this business gets renewed frequently by some of the most mundane calls. I sometimes find myself feeling negative and wanting to vent. However, I always try to temper that, especially if there are new people around. I took a 5-week crash course for my basic EMT ( they no longer offer this - it was a one-time pilot project). In South Carolina, you had to be an EMT for six months before you could apply for paramedic school. I barely made the six months. Anyway, here in S. Carolina, we still have certificate programs for paramedic, as well as 2-year degree programs that you can began right off the street, taking you to Basic EMT, all the way to paramedic. I am sure there are other states similar to this. Anyway, good luck with your endeavor.