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You know, the more I think about it, the more I've come to believe that we are all racist to one degree or another, and none more so than Crotchity. When he says, "When was the last time your white politician made a rule benefiting the black man?" or whatever, I do find that the hair on the back of my neck stands up. I'm tired of hearing it. Tired of hearing the Mexican illegals saying that they should be allowed citizen status because they're 'nice' and 'work hard.' Tired of hearing the blacks tell me that I owe them because I'm white, despite the fact that I grew up poorer than just about anyone of any race that I know. I do nothing, day to day, but try and do the best work that I can, earn the money that cares for my family, and treat everyone I meet with dignity and respect, do all in my power to speak for those that can't or won't speak for themselves....I'm just near exhausted by the hypocrisy. Generalize blacks and your a racist, generalize whites and your a realist. Bullshit. Generalize anyone and you're off in the ditch. (Listening to Eddie Boyd now on my Ipod...Hmmmm....wonder what THAT makes me?) And I'm sexist too, tired of hearing feminists (notice that I didn't say females/women) tell me what an asshole I am for having a penis, how all of the feminist pain an misery belong not in their basket, based on their decisions, but in mine, for being a victimizer, despite the fact the every woman that knows me would tell you otherwise. Generalize men and you're a realist, generalize women and you're an abuser. Bullshit. Generalize anyone and you're off in the ditch. It seems to me that the louder a group screams for equality that the more biased, deceitful and hateful they often are.....I don't get it. When do we stop complaining, and begging or demanding special care, and simply begin to care for each other as American brothers and sisters? I thought that was the whole point of the North American petri dish experiment after all...wasn't it? I'm not going to apologize for being white. I'm not going to use the term African American. Because a 'black person' asked me to? No, because if being American isn't good enough for you, then we will never really understand each other. I don't care what color you are, what your accent sounds like, what they say about you on the news, if you came to my country to participate, to make yourself and America better, you are welcome and a member of my family. Easy, right? I'm not going to apologize for having a dick. I'm strong and honest and kind. I victimize no one, but will rip your fucking heart out if you try and harm me or my family. I'm not ashamed of that either. If you're a woman and want to work with me you're welcome, and your success is guaranteed if you've come to really play, to participate, to carry your weight. If not, I will show you the equal respect I would show a man and throw your ass off of my site. Easy, right? Is it just me? Is anyone else tired of not being able to walk down the street for slipping on the tears of the repressed or being blocked by the outstretched hands of the beggars? When did being American become synonymous with being a whiny, needy, angry pussy? Ours is a one income family with an autistic son. I work 86hrs/week, have never owned a home, have never owned a new car and likely never will. Stop your bitching, pick your ass up, get out of the house, and go do your thing...no one single person reading this is being stopped by another from doing so... There you go Critchity. All the ammo you need to be angry and bitter for at least weeks to come. You're welcome. Whew...I feel so much better now... Dwayne

You do realize, I'm asking about sedating without paralyzing? Not the other way around...

Be very careful insulting us old farts young Jedi. We are the ones making the schedules , that could find you spending your day & nights doing the granny shuttle or the dialysis two step. Besides : I have boots older than you young whippersnapper! :-}

HNNEE = Head Neck Nose Eyes Ears Interesting predicament. Before I respond, I'd like to give you a little background on me. You see, I started as volunteer in 2004 (both at an ECA and EMT-Basic level) as a first responder for several groups. It was always an expectation that there are certain rules that are followed to be able to run as a first responder. That included the fact that if you were the primary care giver, then you completed the reports and turned them in in a timely manner. I don't ever remember being given a free ride just because I was not paid. It sounds like you already have an established policy that "it's okay because we can't get anyone else to do it". You need to change that and soon. So, my two cents are as follows: Bring everyone together and let them know what is missing in their "performance". You can do this without beating them in to submission. You need to set the expectation up front. Otherwise, they don't see the reason for doing it. Give a class on effective report writing and give them scenarios so that they can practice. If they are only running a few calls now and then, do this practice at your meetings to keep them refreshed. Remember, report writing is a skill just as is taking a blood pressure. Maybe have them rotate as QA/QI and have them read each other's reports. This will give a better understanding of exactly what is missing. As soon as you see information is lacking, have them do addendums. Hold them to the standard you expect. The more you come back to them, the more they will get it right the first time. Don't be afraid that they will all quit because you are asking them to do what they've agreed to do. It just may be that they need the prompting. Toni AKA finally, a paid paramedic!

Congratulations on passing! Also major props on seeking feedback on this very tricky ethical dilemma. As you can see there are many things to consider, the most important being right of refusal. This is a patient right that frustrates us and drives us crazy because we know our patients aren't making positive choices and yet we can do nothing about it unless they are deemed legally incompetent. Always step back and realize that you have all the pieces except what is inside your patient's head... and it is your responsibility to protect their right to their own bad decisions no matter how much you may disagree with them. Wendy CO EMT-B