AMESEMT Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 So I am starting my clinical rotations in the ambulance next week and I am nervous yet excited. I don't know what exactly to expect. I have never been in an ambulance or ever worked in one. To me it is a completely new environment and place to work. Does anyone have any advice for me? Like maybe things you wish you knew when you started your rotations for the first time. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swn919 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 BE HONEST!!!!! If you don't know something ask don't act or say that you know it just because you don't want to look dumb, because your NOT dumb. Your new and nobody knows everything. Enjoy it and have fun...My ride-along was the most fun time of the whole school. Hope this helps PS- Ask lots of questions... Scott Ok and TX EMT-P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mastabattas Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I've done as many ride alongs as I possibly could as I prepare for my practicum in less then two months. It's brilliant and I've learned tons that will save me some trouble when I start. Things I've observed, and experienced are this: -Unit check each shift is great but offer to do the complete inventory check. Helpful...as well as great way to familiarize yourself with where everything is. And (if your service is slow) offer to do this every day so that you can be as familiar as possible with the contents. -Keep your unit sparkly inside and out. -Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands in pockets mean you aren't working hard enough and could be doing something more useful. -Practicum is not your chance to catch up on sleep or studying. Although in the real world you might actually nap when you can and read when you can...practicum is not the right time. -Know your preceptor's drink of choice (coffee? tea? etc.) and how he/she takes it. -Do not even think of sitting in the big comfy leather chairs or couches...you haven't earned that right until they invite you. Get used to that wooden kitchen chair they reserve for students. -Baked goods are never wasted. -Clean. The kitchen. The bathroom. Your unit. DO NOT use the station to wash your personal vehicle. -Be prepared for criticism. Assume there is a positive thing to be taken from it no matter how much it hurts your feelings or ego. Put your personal feelings aside and be gracious for the chance to learn from someone else who has experience and is willing to share it with you. -Remember that usually preceptors get nothing for their time. Some are great. And some not so much. Some want to do it. Some not so much. Your interpersonal skills are just as important as any of the EMS skills and knowledge you gained in school. Check your sarcasm, your percieved smarts, your preconcieved notions about anything at all at the door. Hopefully you'll never go back to get them. Book smarts are all find and dandy...but they mean nothing if you get booted from your practicum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Plain Ruff Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Don't sleep until the preceptor says it's ok don't turn on the TV until someone else does. Study while not doing anything Ask lots of questions learn the unit and where things are You are not expected to know everything, just the basics. That's why there are questions that you should ask. If you have a late call don't bitch If you don't run a call for the entire shift(hey it happens) don't bitch But in the end, glean whatever you can from the knowledge base that you are given. Oh yeah, stay off the computer unless you are studying for a test. Don't log onto your myspace account, don't send emails and by all means DON'T USE THE COMPUTER TO LOOK AT PORN or other objectionable websites. I had a student do that and we caught him. He's no longer a student, I think he cleans the restrooms at the airport near me now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobey Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 The biggest complaint I've been hearing is students being preoccupied. Keep your cell phone off (no text messaging) If your reading make sure it is something medical Don't talk to your preceptor about personal issues, he's/she's a teacher ur a student. No games on the palm. Just act like your a guest (which you are) eg, no swearing even if they do, manners matter, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spenac Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Don't sit back, get in there and get your hands dirty. If you stay back you'll learn very little. As others mentioned help with all the assignments the crew have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedygodzilla Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Be ready to get into the action. That is if there is any to get in. I have ran at least one day of a ride along at a fire house and we didn't get a single call accept helping an elder gentleman back up from a fall and taking him to the hospital. Still be ready to know what to do with bleeding, how to put the o2 mask and cannula on, and anything that is "basic." If you are "lucky" you will get a call where you have the chance to use some newly learn skills so know how to use them. Also you should know how to do vitals. That is something the paramedic will defiantly want to see you do. Remember even numbers only lol . I made the mistake to giving an odd number respiration vital as I was new and nervous. That is when the medic :shock: ask me how long did you count that for and I realize my mistake and took off a number to make it even. It is the little things that count. Most of all have fun, and yea like everyone else says ask questions. I would also recommend bringing study sheets or something small that won't get in the way. If your clinicals are anything else than a hospital you will have some spear time. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steph1030 Posted March 8, 2007 Share Posted March 8, 2007 get in there as much as u can the more u do the betteran emt u will it is all about gettin in there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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