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I've thought a lot about how I want to present this. I'm kind of in a tough spot given my status as a grad student in this particular clinical setting. However, what took place today by EMS providers in the area where I'm doing this particular rotation made me so angry I couldn't see straight. The information I think I can share at this point is pretty generic and will be addressed anonymously to those in question. We can all learn from this experience, though. From a professionalism standpoint, appearance is hugely important. Scruff on your face may be fine if you're a Hollywood actor or a model for GQ or something. If you haven't shaved in a few days and look like you haven't bathed in a couple days it doesn't instill a lot of confidence. Even less so when your white uniform shirt is dirty and sloppily tucked (difficult to understand as it was still morning... not like you've been out running calls all night) over your belly that hangs to your knees. Reeking of cigarette smoke compounds all this. Couple this with one of your partners (and really, do you need 6 people to show up for a call that can be adequately managed by 2?) who tried to deny the access of a patient family member by raising your voice to a trauma surgeon by announcing "911 is for emergencies! How would you feel if we waited for the family only to have this patient have a head bleed? You'd feel pretty stupid now, wouldn't you?" First of all, the family member was not going to delay you. Second of all, raising your voice is by itself unprofessional. Thirdly, you have no ground to stand on as you didn't listen to the report from another physician present and you didn't even bother to assess the patient! Not even for lung sounds on an intubated patient! And you have the gall to raise your voice to two physicians and question/lecture them? Whiskey? Tango? Foxtrot? I have never been so embarrassed to be associated with EMS and other paramedics as I have been today. I have never been so disgusted and disheartened at the blatant demonstration of ignorance, incompetence and unprofessionalism as I was after witnessing events from today. I have never been so angry in a professional arena as I was today being forced to watch you make fools of yourself and give this industry and profession a black eye. So, way to go Kent County EMS. All the progress that some of us have fought for in tireless efforts to improve EMS was tossed out the window by the inability of you guys to demonstrate even the most basic of courtesies to other health care providers, patients and their family members. This isn't rocket surgery (my Dust-ism for the day). This is basic stuff. Every single one of you should be fired for how you handled yourself. AND you should be compelled to write letters of apology to all of the people your ignorance affected. You have disgraced yourselves, paramedics nationwide, and EMS as a whole. edit: corrected a few, minor grammatical issues. No content changes made.

HLPP, in the end the number of bariatric units anyone has is irrelevant. The bottom line is, if you don't have the proper equipment, you don't do the transport. Let some other play cowboy on a transport that they are going to add extra risk to and are going to lose money on. Would you load a 1000lb pt into a helicopter that is rated for a 350lb pt?

I'll give you a dollar if you tell her to blow the buck fifty out of her ass and report back... Two bucks even... Dwayne

Hey guys, I`m going to be starting an EMT-B course this spring. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect as in: The class in general Supplies (shoes, scrubs?, anything else that might be helpful) Advice for studying Other classes that may be useful to take. Any other advice for the class or the field in general would be very helpful, thanks!

As far as A&P goes, you'll learn all that in class but if you have time to take an A&P class beforehand it couldn't hurt. Medical terminology would also be useful. Good luck!

Another reason privates have no business in EMS. I've seen this happen time and time again at a private company. She is the medical personnel on scene, its her ambulance and its her rules. IF she thought it was unsafe then thats her call. Kudos to you Medicgirl. Someone going to rehab can wait for appropriate transport. This isn't rocket science or even an emergency. It's a transfer service...it's not even EMS. The right move is to wait for appropriate resources. A private will not understand this, because all that matters to them is $$$$. As such, I despise private EMS, the 95% scam that transfer services provide.

Hey give your fellow break the ribs I'm cool student my phone number 1-800-boot to the head and he and I can chat. I'm sure he's an idiot but I'll let him disprove it.

I have had that scared/nervous feeling...at some point it stops being a problem and just becomes normal. At least it did for me. I remember thinking how cold the people involved in my first code were too, but after a while you learn that the joking and laughing is just how many people learn to deal with such things. Now that should NEVER be done with family around... I have had a few students tell me they couldn't wait to see someone die, or couldnt wait to feel the ribs break. Those students concern me far more than a student who is nervous/scared. The dead body issue is something that hopefully will pass with time. You realize that it is just a body, there is no person in there anymore. It is just their earthly core. If you are really concerned find an instuctor or preceptor that you trust and talk to them about it.

Thanks guys, that actually helps a lot. I`m so excited for the class to start I think I was getting a little ahead of myself lol. But all of the information you guys gave was great. I also got a kick out of some of it, it sounds like a lot of fun but hard work. I like this lol I know its something to take very seriously but its nice to know that it can be fun as well. Thanks again for all of the information it really did help. I really cannot wait for class to start.

Hello, Good choice in deciding to study EMS. It is a challenging and rewarding career. Class dynamic should vary depending on your program but you should expect a combination of theory and practical training. Take the time to read ahead before your practical skills sessions so you are reinforcing knowledge instead of learning anew. Uniforms. Each program will have their own uniform requirements so I wouldn’t purchase any clothes before you get your supply list. You can expect to eventually need a good pair of polishable non skid boots with ankle support. I like boots with a side zipper. Studying. Be sure and read all your materials in advance (textbook, handouts, power-point presentations). Take notes. Review everything after class again. You can also come back to the forum if you have questions. If possible start a study group early on and try to meet once a week. The material stacks up quickly. It is very easy to get behind. Medicgirl05 is right. A&P is a good course to take. It is not required but advisable. I would also recommend getting in shape. The job requires it and you may be lifting some in class. The only other thing I can think other than having a positive attitude of is keep your pee test clean. Welcome to the city.

I have to agree with MG. Dont buy anything until you what is going to be required in the way of equipement and "uniform". I bought a cheap stethoscope because I have a phobia about using a "community" one. I did that once...in medic school and ended up with a raging inner ear infection. As for studying, it really depends on how you learn. Do you learn by reading? talking it out? writing it down? A study group is a great idea. Good luck to you and welcome to the City edited for spelling

I wouldn't buy any uniforms or shoes until the program tells you what they require. I can't think of anything extremely helpful about the class itself, sorry. Try to make a study group. It was helpful to me to be around people with similar interests who cloud answer questions I had. I am currently taking Anatomy and Physiology and I highly recomend taking it before advancing in EMS. It is not required but allows you to understand some things much better. Welcome to the City!

If you have a stretcher rated for 500 instead of 750, then that was dumb of your ownership, the price difference is negligible. To both of you, neither answered my question, how many bariatric stretchers/vehicles does your service have ? And I am not trying to insult you, as stated earlier, I am only aware of two, maybe three companies in the whole state of GA who have this equipment, if your state is different I would like to know

Thank you medic girl, and how many "services" are in that same area, 911 and private ?

The stretcher is secured by 2 2inch bolts through a piece of 3/4 inch plywood in every ambulance made. Your studies are not accurate as there is no one that requires that ambulance services record stretcher failures, nor is there a governing body to report such incidents too. I am not 24, I made up a date when I created my profile, I am 40, and have 22 years of experience. I have personally seen 4 ambulances that have been involved in major crashes, and the stretcher and plexi glass gave way in all 4. Sure if you have a fender bender it will hold, but anything above 40 miles an hour, it will come loose. It is not that I am unwilling to listen to you, it is just that my life experience is opposite of what you people with no experience in these type of transports are preaching. No we do not do this all of the time, I would say that we probably do it 4-6 times per year. I am in the State of GA, there are no laws/rules regarding the transport of obese patients (all rules are on the state web site, feel free to check). OP, if you have a stryker or ferno stretcher made in the last 10 years it should be rated for 750lbs. You might want to check your equipment. And to those who think my motives are profit driven, most of these patients have Medicaid or are uninsured, we typically have to tie up 2-3 ambulances for this one patient, we are on scene and at destination way longer than a normal call, and then the ambulance is out of service until it can go back and get its stretcher. I can assure you that we are losing money on all of these calls. To those who claim my service is negligent or irresponsible, please tell me how many bariatric units each of your services have. If your service has not invested in this equipment, how are you superior to my service. I am guessing that 90% of you do not have this equipment, but I will wait to see how you respond. So to everyone who has commented in this thread, please respond back and tell us how many bariatric stretchers that your service has ? I am betting only 2-3 of you will have the guts to be honest and reply. P.S. and for the record, we do not employ any EMTBs. If I failed to answer your question, let me know.