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I like Annie, she's silly! (so is the person wrote that about MR NORRIS...SIR!)

Someone asked me what an Empath was and to describe my ability as one... This is it in a nutshell kids... Enjoy Tammy Lin About Empathy and Empaths Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity. Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were sensitive to others. Empaths Sense Deep Emotions Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society. An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone. Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (ie: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above. Empaths Have Deep Sense of Knowing Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others. There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individualís awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life. Empathy is Inherited Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners. Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects. Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another. They can become very proficient at reading another personís body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others. In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package. How Empathy Works While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses. Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression. Empaths are often poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous. They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people... to psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.) The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere--in every culture and throughout the world. Empaths Are Good Listeners Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, life's daydreamers, or even narcissistic. They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes. Traits of an Empath Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings. However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings. Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly. Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another's ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see. People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light. Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding. Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer. They often will search until they find one--if only for peace of mind. Written by Christel Broederlow Copyright © 2002 Christel Broederlow Shortened Version from The Empath Report 101 Updated about a week ago · Comment ·LikeUnlike Write a comment...

The Combi tube is the LAST thing you want to use, as is any similar device. It will only rip the weakened esophagus wide open. If you read the literature it is specifically contraindicated. Lethal intervention. I admit these are some of the most dramatic medical calls to go on, there can be blood everywhere! But unfortunately prehospitally,theres not a lot we can do. Fluids, airway control, and tincture of transport. Mortality in these cases of actual rupture can be high In hospital they will sometimes use a blakemore (sp) tube, which resembles a low pressure foley cath where the bladder runs the entire length of the tube. I have not seen any service carry them prehospitally, though IIRC they arnt much more difficult that an NG tube to place.

I think it's wonderful that you are considering a career in EMS! As much as I like being a paramedic, I would suggest to anyone considering EMS vs. fire vs. police that the best job may be in police work It is much easier to get a job as a cop than it is to get a job as a firefighter. Once the economy improves, it won't be difficult to get a job as a paramedic for a private ambulance company, but you will never make much money. To become a paramedic also requires more education and experiences, and you'll have to support yourself for a year while you're in paramedic school. As a cop, you'll have great pay and benefits, not to mention a great pension, and if you work for a big department, you'll have many chances for advancements or doing various jobs within the departments. Corrections pays great in CA, and I know a few people who've done it. But is that really the job you want to be doing for the rest of your life? I should state to obvious which is that right now no one is hiring cops, firefighters, and even private ambulance paramedics. It may take a few years for the CA economy to turn around, but once it does there will be a great demand once again. Vent makes an xlnt suggestions about taking an anatomy/physiology course first. I would suggest that you also take an EMT course afterwards. This will give you an idea of whether you find medicine interesting, and once you get your EMT cert, you may be able to find a job working on an ambulance, though most likely it will be only doing non-emergency interfacility transports. If you find that you don't like medicine or you don't like working on an ambulance, you can consider becoming a cop, and your experience as an EMT will be well regarded. I would also very strongly suggest that you finish your bachelor's degree as that is now sought after by most police departments.

I didn't say AMR isn't deserving of criticism. Of course it is. Start a thread on that topic and I will happily contribute. All I'm saying is that the company is not relevant in *this* thread. We all stage for PD at violent scenes, what does the fact that it was an AMR ambulance matter? Unless we are just looking for another excuse for ad hominem attacks....

It is extremely rare that A.J. Heightman ever says anything about EMS that I agree with. I think he's just too concerned about being politically correct and making all parties "feel good" about their participation in EMS to actually say anything profound. For EMS to progress, it's going to take leadership that isn't afraid to ruffle feathers and challenge the status quo. As much as I love Jules, I'm not really on-board with what she seems to be getting at in this article. She is absolutely correct about the benefits of being united. However, as we have often discussed here, it simply cannot and will not ever happen in EMS. EMS is fragmented for a reason. It is fragmented because not everyone is here for the same purpose. The fire service, the privates, the vollies, the first responders, and all other stakeholders have independent agendas that rarely have anything to do with quality patient care. You cannot unite these factions. Any effort to do so is a pointless exercise in futility, and only delays the inevitable. What is the inevitable? The inevitable is one of two things: Either EMS will progress as a medical profession, and push the selfish special interests aside to do so, or else it will eventually become just a side-job for the firemen nationwide. I honestly see no other potential outcome. That means that someone is going to have to step aside and let progress happen. Attempting to assimilate those people into the cause is counterproductive.

Unnegated a negative for the OP. Someone posts an intelligent, readable post expressing a point of view not real popular with the just the facts macho EMS types and they get a negative without any explanation. That does not fly in a forum of discussion and debate. "Touchy feely" stuff makes up some of the most rewarding and lasting experiences of our life. While I have a lot of arguments with the extrapolations and conclusions expressed in the original post I admire the OP's willingness to open him/herself to the flack that often results from these kinds of opinions. If the post makes you uncomfortable or angry or dismissive, ask yourself why and express it, ideally with the quality of the post you are disagreeing with in the first place.

Right now the jobs are competitive and the better positions have always managed to attracted over 1000 applicants and now with this economy, that number is very high. San Francisco FD were just hiring for FF. It was rumored they got close to 10,000 applications. Of those, and this is from their HR website, 6,196 took the test, 5,200 passed. They also had a few vacancies on the EMS side and I don't know how many applied and tested for that but I would imagine quite a few since there is no shortage of EMTs and Paramedics in most of California. A couple years ago Oakland FD had open hiring for 20 FF positions and 10,000 people showed up for applications. Even with the Private ambulance companies, finding a job is very competitive. There are not many services that are strictly 911 EMS. Even for IFT, the Paramedic is not always utilized as the RN is on the Critical Care Transport trucks with 2 EMT-Basics in several counties. The ER Tech positions get over 200 applications for each position and they may also require additional certs such as CNA (Cert. Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy (requires around 140 hours of additional training). However, not all is lost as there are some counties such as San Mateo and San Joaquin that may have opportunities for a Paramedic but again the competition will be very competitive. Many parts of California are Fire based EMS and the FFs are Paramedics. For those who want to be a Paramedic only and not a FF will be flocking to the areas where that is available and there will be an abundance of applications there as well. Another thing to consider with some private ambulance companies is contracts are won and lost. Hiring and layoffs are a way of life in some parts of California (Bay area) and other places in the country where there are several ambulance companies competing with each other for even a nursing home contract. Those that land contract with the big hospital systems for their IFT are good until the contract is over and the goof balls they hired as EMTs and Paramedics lacked professionalism to where it is not renewed. Private ambulances that have 911 service contracts also face renegotiations and there is always the possibility of another private service offering something better or the FD waiting for a take over. To see if you really have an interest in medicine to be a "career" Paramedic somewhere, sign up for Anatomy and Physiology over the two summer sessions if they are available. You girlfriend can help you pick the classes that she needed for nursing school. Actually, I would recommend all the prerequisites and other science classes she had to take for nursing school. You might decide you like it and may even want some profession that requires much more than just the little over 1000 "hours of training" it takes to be a Paramedic. The Paramedic certification requirements are listed as "hours of training" as no degree is required (although available) and it is considered a "tech trade" that can be taught at a trade school. However, I would recommend a community college for your Paramedic education to save money and obtain transferable credits toward future endeavors. You might also decide you don't like it but those science credits will not be wasted as they might be useful for a wide variety of professions or just a better understanding of your own body. With your background you might also find an interest in Physical Therapy or Exercise Physiology. Both require a Masters degree but with your previous college background, your have a great start. Becoming a Physician's Assistant could also be within your reach. Although, I will say in California those jobs are very competitive but that doesn't mean you have to stay in California. Heck you might even like nursing and there are programs designed to people who already have a Bachelors degree. Don't stereotype nurses as there are many different opportunities including Critical Care Transport, MICN (Mobile Intensive Care Nursing), Flight, ED and trauma centers, ICUs, OR, outreach clinics etc. Of course right now the job of your choice might be hard to find but that will change or again, you can go to where the opportunities are. Of course don't expect your girlfriend RN to make what California nurses make in other parts of the country. Even the wage difference from the Bay area to San Diego varies with a difference of over $30/hour. There are many health care professions, although not as "glamorous" as the Paramedic and/or FF are made out to be, but they do serve the community they live and work in. Some professionals will actually see many more patients each day than a Paramedic might see in 2 - 4 shifts or more. There are also professionals who will be at the patient's side for the long haul after a traumatic event such as a car wreck or stroke. Ever wonder what happens to the athlete who breaks his/her neck or gets hit with a fast ball or bat? How about the recovery process of all the soldiers wounded in war? Ever think about the whole process from the ball field to the ED, the ICU, step down units and the whole rehab process which may start while the patient is still in the ICU? If it wasn't for the many different health care professionals involved who care, there would be many young people placed in nursing homes rather than participating in life with their families. In California, unfortunately, your role as a Paramedic may be to provide a speedy ride to the hospital without alot of protocols for intervention and those you have may be read to you by a MICN at the base hospital. However, again you can go some place where the Paramedic can excel at being a professional with a quality department. One more thing, don't sell the idea of being a coach short especially in an area like Fresno which has way too many gangs for young people to get involved in. While your dream opportunity might not come along nor would the big money, your coaching skills could definitely be put to good use. You may prevent many young people from ever needing a Paramedic or seeing what other health care professionals do. I can't think of anything that could be more giving when it comes to your community then stirring someone from a path of harm to themselves and others. But then there is the retirement plan issue and California has no job security anywhere in any occupation. California was in failure long before the economy crisis across the nation.

You get what you pay for..... Stop (NJ) Volunteer Ambulances, like my bumper sticker says.

Gets gripes for way more contact?! I wish we had even more than we do and I get about 700hrs rideout and 100 in hospital. We do hospital every other friday and I wish we did it every friday. The fact that this politician would rather have an experienced first aider than a new EMT is kinda scary. I don't know how first aid is taught down there, but up here they aren't even familiarized with any of the equipment they'd be helping an EMT with. So would I want an experienced first aider whose picked up anything he does know along the way and may have been taught wrong, or would I want an EMT who was unsure of themselves but atleast spoke the same language as me and knew the equipment? I'd take the EMT any day.

Fred the head and annie give me enough hands on. Real people are easier. :roll: My paramedic program gets lots of gripes because they require way more patient contacts and skills during clinicals than the state requires. Personally I like it because the more contacts I get under experienced people the greater chance any wrong understandings or methods should get caught and I can get corrected. Then when I'm turned loose I'll already be a full fledged paragiant.

If every other State can do it, why can't they? Well, because of the mental midgets at the First Grade Council. Opps. Sorry, read First Aid Council, my bad. They believe it's perfectly acceptable in this day and age to have volunteers respond who have nothing more than CPR training, ambulances that do not require ANY minimum amount of ANY equipment, and any response time is perfectly acceptable. These numb nuts need to go first. Then maybe we'd make some progress.

And yet, another one. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/p...ng_statewi.html How about to expect an ambulance in less than ten minutes at any time? Why should 40 minutes even be close to acceptable? Why, as a citizen, can't I get two professionals, and get a high level of care. If they're having that much trouble, why aren't they going paid. How is providing a higher standard care doing more harm? It's all about the numbers with the politicians. Maybe setting these standards will provide a wake up call for townships that EMS is unacceptable. The only ones complaining about these standards are the volunteers and the politicians, wonder why the professional services haven't spoken up? Coincidence? Think Not.

Idiots. http://www.ems1.com/ems-management/articles/807425-Maine-officials-write-off-delinquent-ambulance-fees/ Maine officials write off delinquent ambulance fees Residents who can't afford medical services urged to contact fire chief to discuss hardship waiver By Melanie Creamer Portland Press Herald WINDHAM, Maine — Town councilors decided Tuesday night to write off some of Windham's $224,125 in unpaid bills for ambulance service and hire a collection agency to chase down delinquent accounts dating back to 2006. The fees are owed by nearly 500 people who have not made payments. Councilors debated whether to write off the entire sum, send it all to a collection agency or send a portion of it to a collection agency. Some of the accounts go back as far as 1998, said Brian Wolcott, the town's finance director. He questioned whether it would be fair for a resident to be billed for services after 10 years with no communication from the town. The council voted 7-0 to send all unpaid bills dating back to July 1, 2006, to a collection agency. The rest will be written off. Town Manager Tony Plante said people who can't afford to pay their bills will be able to fill out hardship waiver forms. ''There hasn't been a consequence for not responding'' in the past, Plante said after the council's vote. ''We need people to respond with insurance information, a payment, or a hardship request.'' The town has a contract with Medical Reimbursement Services in Windham to bill insurance companies and collect any unpaid fees. Company Vice President Shawn McPherson said in an interview Monday that patients who don't have health insurance can make payments of as little as $5 a month toward ambulance fees. The company sends patients six billing statements, including a hardship request form in the last statement. Following Tuesday's vote by the council, the company will send unpaid bills to a collection agency if patients fail to respond. Former Town Councilor Liz Wisecup spoke against the proposal to send unpaid bills to a collection agency. Wisecup was on the council in 2006 when it cleared another $227,000 in unpaid fees from the books. Wisecup argued that if unpaid bills were sent to a collection agency, residents would likely take a car to the hospital instead of being charged about $400 to be transported in an ambulance. She told councilors that it's unfair to change the rules on residents. Council Chairman William Tracy urged residents who can't afford medical services to contact Fire Chief Charlie Hammond to discuss a hardship waiver. ''We would be happy to help people work through that process with dignity,'' Tracy said. ''I wish no one had to use an ambulance. I also wish we had all sorts of money to pay for this. The reality is that this costs money . . . and we need to do something to make sure that we have the essential services to cover the town.''