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Hey guys, maybe instead of attacking JLO1965 someone could do some research on the protocols from the early 90's. Also take into consideration that the MAST was originally a military invention to treat those in the field who were gravely wounded so they may have time to get to a field hospital. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_anti-shock_trousers I'm all for sharing info about what we do and our equipment. Nothing that I said in my first post is anything but facts and I cited my source in my post. If we can't educate the public and/or share info with each other how are we ever going to learn from others mistakes and improve our patient care. Protocols change all the time for a variety of reasons which is why research is being done on a consistent basis. It also sounds to me from the reply by JLO1965 that the record keeping was sloppy on this case. Just trying to see things from both perspectives. Meri

Stabbed in the CHEST. MAST contraindicated... There really isn't any need for research or discussion... The only thing you can do with the MAST for this patient, was to place it where you found the patient. So the Police will have a reference to where the victim was, in their investigation.

First I need you to clear up a few things for me: 1. You said the BLS crew arrived and put the MAST on the patient. Did they inflate them right away? 2. Then you said the EMT arrived and started yelling for them to remove MAST from the patient. Was the "EMT" an ALS provider? What about the EMT that arrived with the BLS crew? If the BLS crew inflated the pants then they should have NOT been removed in the field. 3. What state are you from? Here in NY our protocols are for the MAST are for hypotension secondary to suspected pelvic fx and severe traumatic hypotension. They are NEVER removed in the field. (Compartment Syndrome comes into play here as well if they are left on long enough also) In the 9 years I had been an EMT Basic and the 2 years I have been an AEMT I have never had to use the MAST. Our main hospital is pretty close to our district and even the trauma center is only 15-20 minutes away (5 minutes by chopper). **The NY State Dept Of Health placed in their protocols recently the results of a study done on MAST. I have copied the recommendations below: MAST (PASG) are "usually indicated, useful, and effective" (Class I evidence) for: · None. MAST (PASG) are "acceptable, of uncertain efficacy, [although the] weight of evidence favors usefulness and efficacy" (Class IIa evidence) for: · "Hypotension due to suspected pelvic fracture; · Severe traumatic hypotension (palpable pulse, blood pressure not obtainable). *" MAST (PASG) are "acceptable, of uncertain efficacy, may be helpful, probably not harmful" (Class IIb evidence) for: · "Penetrating abdominal injury; · Lower extremity hemorrhage (otherwise uncontrolled); * · Pelvic fracture without hypotension; * · Spinal shock. *" MAST (PASG) are "inappropriate, not indicated, may be harmful" (Class III evidence) for: · "Adjunct to CPR; · Diaphragmatic rupture; · Penetrating thoracic injury; · Pulmonary edema; · To splint fractures of the lower extremities; · Extremity trauma; · Abdominal evisceration; · Acute myocardial infarction; · Cardiac tamponade; · Cardiogenic shock; · Gravid uterus*** It basically states above that for a penetrating thoracic injury (such as a stab wound to the chest) that the MAST is inappropriate, not indicated, may be harmful. The website that the information from the above study is on: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/pdf/2008-11-19_bls_protocols In the PDF file the info is on page 123. Hope I was helpful. Meri

This War of Terror is a tough one to win. If that's what the US is trying to do. OBL is gone but another one will replace him. Al Queda is a group of Extremists of Islam. Their sole purpose is to carry out Missions of Death; at any cost. Especially, to the Western Society. Death is only the beginning for them. They all, honestly believe death is the ultimate sacrifice. In the US, we believe that too but it's mostly just saying to comfort one's death. Our Military recruits with promises of honor. Al Queda recruits with escape from self worthlessness. It's a difficult challenge to fight an enemy who doesn't care to live. How do you fight someone who has no care for anything? Threats of death; is a calling from God. Of course this is all just conjecture.

I would disagree, since most the "hirers" are white men, I would think they are not as intimidated by lesbians, whereas a flaming gay male would freak them out.

http://www.vitalsignsconference.com/presbyform.pdf NYP EMS Good Luck......

<br /><br /><br /> While I am definitely not a rookie, and well, being an idiot is still out for debate.... But I kind of take offense at the last part of your statement. 24s have been the norm in this area since I started back in 92 and I am sure alot longer than that. Since I have a 50 minute commute with turnpike tolls it is cheaper( so to speak) to do 24 rather than double my gas and toll charges. As far as 2nd jobs.... It makes it alot easier actually. If I have to work 3 12s or 4 10s then that pretty much excludes a second job. A 24 and 12 leaves plenty of time to pick up more shifts at another squad. As far as liability. Studies have been done that 24 is the effective limit for our industry. Every time we would stay on status longer than that the county would send u a "nasty gram". Which basically was a photocopy of the study saying don't stay on longer than 24. So other than your personal opinion..... Do you have any other proof I'm an idiot?

It's just research. get a life dude