Going back to EMS school . . . and need some idea's

[travelclarkie]

Hello,

I am a NYS EMT-I and I want my Massachusetts EMT back (I'm in good standing and all). Since I can not use reciprocity I am taking the full EMT-B class Fun fun fun. All serious my instructors are great as are the other students.

But I am having a problem. That I am hoping someone may be able to help me with.

For lectures I'm ok with since I admit I do not know it all it's a chance for me to pick up thing here or there or just reinforce things in a new light. So, I'm ok. I try not to speak up to much because I've been in EMS for 11 years and I don't want to be a know it all or cocky. (I do hope my instructors understand this - they know my story).

Here's the big problem. The practicals. Sure I can use work we all can. But, I find it can be heard to keep my attention here.

For instance. You can only learn how to take a BP so many times or do it so many times before we'll you snap especially if you are practicing. In other words I can practice taking vitals 1 or 2 times before well, it becomes old. I do try to give tips to some of the others who are having problems. Which I have enjoyed but I don't believe this is proper as I am technically a student.

Here's the even bigger biggy. Since I have been in EMS for about 11 years I have gone though at least one curriculum change maybe two. It really doesn't matter too much. I am stuck in my old ways (sheesh, I'm 28 )

Anyway, the problem I am having is with my assessments. I remember primary and secondary survey and I default to that

style of thinking. Or I do real world. Either way not the best way to go about it in a class or exam setting.

So, this is what I need help with breaking the old habits with out "brain washing" myself to only know the "text book" way to do things. I'm a practicing EMT so there has got to be a happy medium.

The other thing I am noticing is this. We'll have a scanero for the assessment labs (you know the usual 20 something ejected from a car in an MVA yadda yadda yadda) and I'm either reading to much into it or I realize that there is stuff to do that they are not wanting so I get frustrated and they get frustrated (I'm talking strictly BLS stuff here).

For instance today the "victim" had "wet lungs" half way up. Well, I want an OPA to maintain the airway on a pt responsive to pain only and the TA said no because his airway was self maintained (if the phrase is less then 8 intabate then I think an OPA is in order for a pt that is responsive to pain - assuming the pt takes it) two. The TA wanted a NRB so I went with it to make it though but if a PT has "wet long sounds" half way up here are my thoughts they should 1) be a rapid transport (TA said no) 2) even with good resp. rate should the pt be bagged? Think CHF same kinda idea esp if the pt may be compensating. (again the TA said no).

So, I'm at a loss of how to cope and balance experience and not bring myself down to much (no offence intended with that comment).

I'm just looking for idea's on how I can cope or idea's I can bring to the TA and instructors. Besides "put me in my place" which I actually said; as well as "feel free to teach me a lesson" I said it with a smile but was meant if I get cocky or lazy I want you to whip me into shape. The TA said no which I will probably thank him for down the road.

Ask questions if you need more info. I'm open to all idea's.

Thanks,

TC

[Just Plain Ruff]

this is a significant problem with medics/emt's who have been in the field for a while and have to go back to take the class again either due to your situation or to get nationally registered. They have the way they have always done things and then there is the class way to do it

You have to get out of the mindset that you are a working medic/emt. You have to move into the mode of student and not practicing emt.

Do what they are wanting you to do and try to step out of the way you've always done it. If you don't do it the class way then you will(WILL) fail.

The evaluators for the national registry or state testing don't give a crap that you ahve been in the field for 11 years, all they care about is if you do the skills the way the skill sheets say they are to be done.

My best advice - try to get back into the student mode. the more practice you can get in the better.

[emsmnguy]

I think a wise choice would be to look at the differences there has been from the time you ended your career or EMS studies..and now. take a look at the changes and "why" the changed..well changed. INTERESTING!....my gosh, I'm going back into the field after 16 years of being out of it. god forbid I "DEFAULT" to do a precordial THUMP! (for those of you older guys)

So, I'm looking at my way of learning thistime around as a good way of learning how much technology has advanced.

ROB