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This is an issue that goes far beyond what language an EMT test is given. It speaks to the overall settling for sub-par standards that has become epidemic in this country. The number one topic for discussion on this site is the struggle to gain respect as professionals, the lack of consistency in education, how the EMS industry needs to change it's perspective and focus, to take charge of it's future in professional healthcare. Well, providing education and/or professional certification/licensure testing in languages other than English is in direct opposition to all of those goals. It's a broader issue than simple testing - it's about professional standards and it parallels the standards for our society. Any state or national governing body that bestows certification and/or licensing of medical professionals should require candidates to possess the ability to "read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language." (from the Requirements for US Citizenship) This is not asking anything remarkable as those same skills are necessary to perform the duties of an EMT in this country. (All legal documentation in the US must be filed in English.) Rudimentary English performance (i.e. high-school level) is required for entry to Paramedic program offered through any community college, as it is for entry to any secondary education institution. Why should not the same standards be met at the EMT level? When it comes right down to it, this is just another reason why we need to officially designate English as our national language. But, oh no! Can't do that! Apparently, it is okay for other countries to have an official national language, but if the United States tried to establish English as its official language it is racist. One must see a paradox here. The problem with a bilingual society is that it causes a division in that society. I am sure we would all prefer a united country, but if we continue to accept this idea that it is racist to even consider the possibility of an official national language of the United States then our society will split in two. Liberals and groups that accuse people like me of being racist, and xenophobic (If you know what xenophobia is then you would see how ridiculous this accusation is) support division in our society. These people support segregation. Liberals see African-American, Asian-American, Mexican-American, ect… I just see Americans united as people of one nation under one flag. For the sake of keeping our society united why is the concept of an official language so difficult for some unless their true intentions are to segregate society, and to divide our country? This problem has nothing to do with ethnicity, and the only people making this a racial issue are those who continue to throw in the race card. P.S. While I agree, in some respects, with the OP's standing, he/she has a long way to go in presenting a respectable platform. I would highly suggest that, before again attacking anything language-related, you invest in your own literacy. It is in extremely poor taste to question another's intelligence based on language ability when you seem unable to communicate in a complete sentence yourself. And as to whoever it was that felt the need to resort to vulgarity in their post - if you don't have enough command of the English language to find a more appropriate and intelligent way to get your point across, than your statements lose any efficacy.

Just like a trauma patient, you have to expose. I don't see how you can get optimal placement of leads- especially the chest leads- without removing the bra. I don't know for sure, but wouldn't a bra with a metal wire also cause interference and artifact? Obviously you need to preserve dignity and the use of a towel or sheet is mandatory. As for using the back of the hand and/or forearm to move the breast, that was something I learned early on when working in an ER. Initially it was uncomfortable for me to do a 12 lead on a woman-especially one that was younger- so I can only imagine the discomfort and anxiety of the woman. Yes, a woman with large breasts can be a challenge, but lead placement is no different. I actually saw someone try to place the leads on top of the breast because she was too nervous to move it. I corrected her, and said that like any other procedure, getting a poor result is no better than not doing the exam at all.

If the woman is in a sports bra (and very large busted women may wear two to prevent excess movement if they are very active) you may have to remove the bra(s). However Vent makes an excellent point about preserving dignity - a sheet, towel, or most ambulances carry a gown or two draped over to maintain a bit of modesty goes a long way. I would also do this in the back of the truck where interaction with others is minimal at privacy is at a higher level or within their home and politely ask those that aren't needed at the moment to step out. There have been several times I've seen a patient brought to me with no covering of a blanket, sheet, gown anything. One of the first things I do is take care of some modesty, then assess removing only what I need to. It's bad enough you're in this situation and trauma naked I don't think I need to make it any worse. Especially depending upon the population you are dealing with - some are considerably more modest than others. There is a fairly large pentecostal population here as well as a good amount of amish (in addition mennonites) and both are extremely conservative about ladies showing themselves to others so something to take into consideration when treating a patient. They are more likely to be compliant if they know you are concerned with treating ALL of them with dignity and respect. That's professionalism people.

Considering some of the comments made in this thread, the racist issue is not far off. People, both patients and providers, who speak another language are not unintelligent as the OP has been using such statements. You just got caught in the crossfire. We are also talking about the EMT-B in this thread and as it is presented, one provider speaks English and one provider does not. Where do you see an issue with that to use the F word toward another forum member who did have a valid post?

Interesting question. I know that when I read the NREMT test questions, I often wonder if they were written by someone who speaks English.

If you don't have IV acces and meds to alleviate the pain you cause, may one shouldn't do something intentionally that will cause pain to exacerbate. If you are purposely looking for tenderness there is a chance you'll find it or create it.

The bottom line here exists as this: I'm not aware of any paramedic program that lets you just 'skip' any/all of the education at the 'lower license levels'. Here in GA, and in MI...I know for fact that you have to have to have taken the EMT-B course as a prerequisite for the paramedic program. GA requires an active license at one of the 'lower levels' in order to take the paramedic class. That being said, the education of the EMS provider is based on a 'building block principle'. Each progressive level is based upon what was taught at the 'lower level' then expounded upon. Even MD's and DO's have to take 'pre-med' courses. Wouldn't this be the same as 'Doctor Basic'? The EMT-B courses provide the 'basic building blocks' for patient care. There is a general consensus of opinion that the palpation of the abdomen is a basic skill for patient assessment. Since the EMT-B course teaches 'the basics' then it only stands to reason that this skill will be taught there. As one moves 'up the food chain' of EMS license levels, more and more information will be gained as to what the findings mean.... Not one of you 'anti EMT-B' crowd entered into this field knowing what you know now. You, like the rest of us 'lowly EMT-B/EMT-I crowd', had to start at the bottom! Unfortunately, it appears that you have forgotten 'where you came from'... I'm not going to get into the whole 'Basic's bagging on Medics/Medics vs all other license levels' thing. That subject, as previously stated is 'long in the tooth' and has been beaten to death far too many times. The reasons for not advancing to the Medic license level are as varied as the individual who verbalizes them. Those who have 'risen above the basics' and have delved deeper into patient care have a responsibility (at least in MY eyes) to teach those just entering into the field, and along the way...perhaps encouraging them to advance from the 'basics' to be able to provide better, more definative care for their patients; not trashed/bashed/flamed because they're a lower license level than you!

Why?, go to medic school as soon as you can Freeman.

Your opinion has been noted and deposited in my suggestion box.

Profanity of that type does not make your argument any more valid or credible. I've already pointed out what was offensive in earlier posts. I don't think I have to keep repeating myself. It seems you want everyone to agree with you about providers who can pass an EMT test but haven't mastered the English language have no place working in the U.S. I have given you examples where that is not so. Since this has gone on for over a year and you seem to be still working in the situation, you may have to weigh your own options. You must know where your employer stands about extending opportunities to those who speak other languages. Instead of trying to get people on an anonymous forum to side with you again after another year has passed, tell your concerns to your employer or find one that agrees with your own personal beliefs.

sorry couldn't find where i said ppl who don't speak english are unintelligent.

Plenty of people don't speak English here, and every where else in the country. I have had several patients with the language barrier. I would have loved a bi-lingual speaking provider with me. It shouldn't matter what language they take the test in. It's the same test, different language. They have to pass the same standards as everyone else. This being America, we should be more tolerant to this. Can we finally stop being racist? Yes, it is being racist to complain about someone not speaking "your language".