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sounds like a sales pitch to me. But then I've been accused of being a cynic before. :-} I never found the state or national registry exams to be all that hard to do well on myself. But then I was taught prehospital emergency care, not how to pass the nremt test in class as seems to be the case in many places today.

yeah, especially since many times our tendencies for initial posters is to eat them alive if we dont' like them. But like I said, it really is just a dream, and like most dreams they don't come true and just remain that, dreams. Hey, hows' the GPS working out for ya?

I'll agree that it is a little suspect that the OP says he/she is a student and then in the post makes it sound like he/she is part of a regular crew. I wouldn't get to stuck on gurney, it is used frequently around these parts (and makes me cringe every time I hear it). This area (suicidal pts refusing treatment) is a somewhat gray area right now. Currently, suicidality is considered a mental health issue that leaves the person unable to make an informed decision. This means that they cannot refuse treatment. It is why states can involuntarily hospitalize people (5150 in California for those keeping score). So, in the OP's scenario the pt cannot refuse to be brought to the hospital. Now, as for the restraints, that is a whole other issue and is highly dependent on what local laws/protocols are. Not every suicidal person needs restraints (I'm assuming the OP means more than just the normal stretcher straps required to provide safe transport). The only time they should be used are when the pt is a physical threat to themselves or others. I don't think enough info is provided in the OP to really determine whether the restraints were needed or not. Unfortunately, in EMS there is a large proportion of providers who are complete assholes to suicide pts and don't realize that mental health issues are just as real as MIs and trauma.

It was many moons ago, but I used to work for TransCare in Suffolk. I have no idea what they pay now, but it was $8/hr when I was there. It is actually a good learning experience as you will learn more about medicine than you will doing 911, especially if you take the time to read the charts for the transfers you do and then pick up a book to read about the pathology.

Agreed with the above. Good documentation is your friend. I will also suggest you do not go back and add to your documentation if your chart doesn't have the points my two colleagues mentioned. Adding the info in later will only damage your credibility should this go anywhere. Just take it as a learning point for the future because you will experience this again at some point.

One more thought:: Did you cover all the bases on why you restrained the Pt with police assistance and is is documented clearly in your run report? Outstanding documentation is your best friend when faced with a case like this.

What do your State protocols say about restraint use? Did you follow them? Was the pt in protective custody by law enforcement? You can be sued for every single call you go on. All a matter of whether you follow the rules and your protocols as set by the state you practice in. The majority of suits filed against EMS providers are for negligence or stepping outside the levels of your license and exceeding scope of practice.

Well it has come to that time! I thought long and hard about this decision, and i have finally made it. I'm going for my medic!!!!!!! So with that being said is there anything i should pick up to help prep for medic class?

Awww yeah, everyone loves sex. Take the most intimate, private, vulnerable emotional moments and add some weird smells, sounds and mess into it and the occasionally outburst of laughter. Whats not to like about it!