Debate papers for class

[Arizonaffcep]

Ok...so I'm trying to come up with topics for research/debate papers for my next medic class, which starts in Jan. The papers will be done as a group project (one team for, one against). Anyone got any ideas for good topics? Other than certification vs. licensure? Any thoughts would be helpful....thx!

[crotchitymedic1986]

Running lights and sirens versus nonemergency

Running double medic trucks versus 2 Medic/EMT I trucks

The use of EMTBs on 911 trucks

Getting a refusal on drunk/altered patients -- how drunk is too drunk, can they sign for themselves

Why arent cardiac arrest survival rates improving

Is there anything wrong with a 30 minute response time to non-urgent calls

Should 911 ambulances be able to REFUSE to transport non-lifethreatening illnesses or injuries or DNR patients

Should medics with substance abuse problems be fired or helped -- and should they be allowed to return to EMS -- how many strikes before they are out

Is it appropriate to talk someone out of transport, and then ask them to sign a refusal form that releases you from liability

Solution to the diversion problem - strictly from the EMS side (do you ignore diversionary status -- put up more ambulances

What universal health care be a positive or negative for ems

You are a director who has to implement a budget cut -- you can either opt to cancel your purchase order for new cardiac monitors with all the bells and whistles (replacing LP10s) for your whole service, or you can opt to shut down one ambulance from your fleet (firing 6 employees) and not filling 2 vacant positions.

You are a new employee at a service (first week on the job) and you witness a supervisor doing something unethical or something that compromises patient care. Do you report him to the top brass or keep your mouth shut (keep your job)

that should spark some ideas

[crotchitymedic1986]

a few more popped in my head -- and that should have been "will" instead of "what" in the question about universal health care.

Should ambulances transport 10-13 patients.

Are medics really underpaid/overpaid for the amount of education they have and number of hours worked versus other occupations with similar educational requirements

You want to approve RSI as a skill for all paramedics nationwide, it would be up to each individual state to set up rules/regulations and training standards -- is this a good thing or bad thing.

Are helicopters overused in EMS

You are a 911 provider who is struggling to meet budget cuts and your service may be privatized -- one proposal is to start running non-emergent/convalescent calls --- Pros, more revenue which may do away with the yearly privatization threat, more employees, more advancement --- cons: more calls, calls that take more time to run, employee morale/retention/recruitment.

[spenac]

Should ambulances transport 10-13 patients.

Why limit the number of patients 10-13? Wouldn't it be more practical to debate whether 1 medic could properly care for 2 or more patients in the ambulance?

[crotchitymedic1986]

my bad, forgot this is a multinational/state forum --- "10-13" is a term for those mental patients who are committed to psychaitric care against their will. So this is about transporting psych patients who are suicidal, homicidal, or drug abusers. In many areas this is a PD function, in others areas ambulances transport them to the psych hospital. The issue is whether or not it is safe in an ambulance, and is appropriate since medics do not have "police" powers

[Arizonaffcep]

I was looking for more topics that would, with research, provide greater understanding of current issues, hopefully getting a more indepth understanding of pharmacology and or patho-phys in the process.

[spenac]

Actions of fentanyl, morphine, ntg, in acute MI patients. When each should/should not be given, etc.

[crotchitymedic1986]

ok

how about amiodarone versus lidocaine -- worth the price to keep amiodarone ?

Use of steroids in acute spinal cord patients in the field

pain management protocols in ems (narcotics for pain relief)

the use of CPAP or dobutamine for CHF

appropriateness of chemical sedation in the field

proper restraining techniques -- google "death by EMS" on merginet

Albuterol usage in CHF

I remember reading a good debate on here (cant remember which forum) about why medics do not use charcoal very often -- it is on the truck, we transport OD patients everyday, but ask a medic when was the last time they administered charcoal -- answer is usually never --- why is it ok to allow the drugs to continue being absorbed in the body when there is an antidote (for some) sitting in the drug box.

[Richard B the EMT]

Glad for the clarification on "10-13". In New York city, the 10-13 means "send the LEOs...YESTERDAY!" (Effect, not real wording). For the LEOs themselves, it means "HEEEELLLLLPPPPPPPP!"

As for the pro v con discussions, there is always "Hospital, LEO, FD, Commercial, and Community based EMS Systems: Which is best/worst, and why?"

And, always a favorite of discussion on this site, "'Paid' v 'Volunteer/unpaid charity' Ambulance Crews: Which is best/worst, and why?"

[ERDoc]

Is public access defibrillation beneficial?

Is there any benefit to prehospital administration of steroids in asthmatics?

Do prehospital 12-leads change pt outcomes?

Can a c-spine clearance rule (NEXUS, CCS) be sucessfully applied in the prehospital arena?