dahlio

A lot of volunteer services have EMT's with O2 bottles in their car, which is still considered the volunteer first aid squad's bottle. They take care of it, make sure it's full, and tested. I completely disagree with people having O2 bottles in the back of their car, since it probably means they drive their whacker mobile to scenes and go in by themselves. That being dangerous in itself, so is this risk of actually having a loaded missile* in the back of your car. Are you really trying to risk your life by carrying something since your a "volunteer"? I'm not putting you down as a volunteer, as I am still one myself. But it's bad enough we put ourself at risk for free, so why add to it? Be safe out there. *loaded missile aftermath

You're right that's not the best analogy. Doesn't matter. Compared to the Fire Service, the police service, and the hospital service, EMS is new. EMS has developed a long way from what it was, but it is relatively new. Products can always get better, but that's besides the point. Like I said before, it takes time for those communities to realize that EMS is an essential service, and volunteers just aren't cutting it anymore. That's what takes time to develop. The structure is there, but the mindset of those communities is what takes time.

Well put. It's unrealistic to say stop all volunteer ems, and implement all paid. Never going to happen. It's a gradual thing, which will hopefully balance itself over the next 15 years or so. EMS is a relatively new business. The Wright Brothers' plane didn't just instantly turn in to a 747. Things are changing, but it won't happen overnight. That attitude change doesn't need to be "Fine, I'll just deal with volley's and the way EMS is running". But it shouldn't be in the mindset that all volunteer services need to cease existence. Change over time is best, and that's all it needs. I can tell you right now that every member on my squad knows they won't be volunteering in 5 years, and they know paid services will eventually overrun us. And the majority of volunteers understand that, and are not trying to fight it. It's all just a matter of time. And please, this is not an ALS v. BLS discussion, as it seems it is turning in to one.

I do believe Volunteer BLS Squads can be beneficial to EMS in general. When I joined my first aid squad, I had no idea I wanted to further my EMS career. This gave me an opportunity to be a part of something, without having to sacrifice years of schooling before doing so. How many people go to school for nursing, find it to be something different, and change careers, meanwhile wasting 4+ years of their life? I also believe Volunteer First Aid Squads can be a strain on EMS as well. 5 minutes to get an ambulance rolling on a run is a little much. Patients then complain about response time as a result. 5 minutes to be responding, and another 5 at least for a response time to the location can lead to 10-15 minutes for an ambulance. Then what happens when a squad can't get a crew? They send it from squad to squad, which can easily add an extra 5 minutes on top of that. In this aspect, I believe the first aid squad is outdated. Towns around me no longer contain that nice little main street, where everyone lives within two minutes. All that being said, I'm still a volunteer. I just obtained a job as an EMT as well, while working my way towards paramedic school in the fall. I've learned to stay at the building during my tour, and have no problem with paid EMS in my area. My only dilemma; Where are future generations going to experience EMS in order to get in to it? Just my thoughts, and hopefully this will turn in to a constructive thread.

What about when it comes to carrying devices? No way you can bring a Reeves, Stair Chair, or backboard in to every call. Do you make the best decision you can at the time? Or do you wait to fetch it later?

Good call Wendy, seems like you have a lot of experience with these kinds of situations. Showed me more factors then I originally thought. Thanks again Wendy!

CPR/AED, Major Bleeding (Direct Pressure, Elevate), 911 Overview, basic bandaging. Even that, don't know how you're going to wrap in to one hour, but I have faith in ya. Good luck! Oh yeah, quickly go over the Good Samaritan Act, that way if they do have an opportunity to act, they don't hesitate.

EMS and Fire should work together, doesn't mean they need to be together. 90% of calls involve a fire department how? Seems like a video filled with propaganda to lead the public into thinking that ems based fire suppression is the only correct way of providing medical services to the community. How come non fire-based EMS companies aren't crying to become part of a fire company if this is all true then. Goodness Gracious.

Seems to be that simple. Ruff seems to sum it up. Triage: ALS the 10 yr. old, and BLS the other two.

A person is not making an assessment when using an AED, a machine is. There is no machine to recognize anaphylaxis. I've never been to a school without an RN on staff, so I really wouldn't know why there would be a reason for the Epi in an AED. Regular Medications are a different story, since it is a daily regiment, and there is nothing to assess. Which is why that is not an ALS skill. Then again, who am I to speak as well, with an advanced first aid certification. I might have spoken to early and not thought of such reasons which you supplied. I apologize on being over anxious and not thinking about it, but this is my inital reaction.

But teachers don't have a background in medicine. This wasn't all about how I think it's a little crazy to have Epi-Pen's in schools, although some of it was. But the fact that a BLS unit doesn't even carry such a medication, and a BLS unit, I would hope would have just a little more knowledge in such a subject. I also find it no reason to be on a BLS unit either, as medication administration is mainly an ALS skill. My real point is that, we're letting teachers give ALS treatment. At least if a paramedic unit screws up with the epi, they are more capable to counteract what they have done. And the two hour class was an estimate, I have no idea what type of training they need to go through.

I was recently in a school a week or so ago (a public elementary school), when I took a quick look at their AED. It revealed such photos And you thought it was bad with the limited EMT education....try no education. What doctor would prescribe that? What kind of training do these teachers get to use them? A 2 hour class on the recognition of anaphylactic shock? Are we letting bystanders to start IV lines as well now? i think dust is going to have a heart attack.

Typically PD will update, Pt. will be RMA'ing, but PD wants to cover their butts, which is good.

As dtricks said, the obvious answer is no. Unfortunately the person making the decision of whether or not to transport is not putting themselves at risk, and probably doesn't care, since he's going to make a pretty dime off of this transport. It sounds like it's something that your employer needs to have set up ahead of time, for your non-emergency transports. It might take them some convincing, but remember, his ambulances are at risk too, which could be a good arguing point. See what others think at work, and talk to them. If you approach him in a respectful way, and not while a storm is happening (since there is likely to be less chaos), he might even agree to set up some type of protocol when there is severe weather, determined by the state troopers. It's an issue that needs to be addressed, and I wish ya luck in getting it resolved.

I was recently hired (try a week ago) for a per diem job at my age of 18. I've been certified as an EMT-Basic since June of 07, and am on my way to Paramedic School. (Doing Pre-Req's now, Medic classes in September) It took me three interviews to finally be able to take a job from someone. I was offered for the first interview, but due to school, and my whacky schedule, I wouldn't be able to juggle both. The second interview I was not given a job, since in that particular company, they wished for me to be 19 to drive (which I'm not all that fond of doing anyway). I had about given up hope on a job that would work for me and the hiring company, until I heard from a company who I had sent an application to a while back. I went to the interview, with a positive attitude, even though I knew it wasn't likely for everything to work out. About a week later, I hear back, and they invited me to join their department. Orientation is soon, and all should go well there. I tell you this so you don't get discouraged when you don't get hired on your first shot. Give it time, and show during your interviews that you're serious about a career in emergency medicine. Tell them what they have to offer you, experience, and include what you'll be contributing to their company, which would be your skills, willingness to learn, and ability to be a good EMT. Congratulations Fluff on becoming an EMT, and good luck on finding a job. Don't forget to be patient as well!

Absolutely JPINFV, I think we're on the same page here.

Indeed, was not making an opinion either way, was just pointing that fact out. By the way, my class started out as "occasional Saturday classes" and ended up being every Saturday. Don't forget to plan some time for additional classes like that, as well as some time to review. Good luck whichever class you end up choosing.

If they were two classes with 1150 hours and 1200 hours, then it wouldn't be as big of a deal. But considering 50 extra hours would be adding another 1/3rd on to the class hours, I find that to be quite significant.

Action: ABC's. Airway is open w/ no obstructions. Breathing is fast and labored. No radial pulse, but does has have a weak brachial pulse. 00:20 Time: 1:05 elapsed Time to Transport Unit: 15:25 min

Yup, exactly where I got mine. Have been using it for about a month and a half and love it. Good for Lung Sounds. Would recommend it. Website is bigshears.com. Thanks Scaramedic!

Elizabeth Police Department in New Jersey runs EMS for the area there. Don't know any specifics, but I'll ask around. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but it's a place to start.

Now the real trick is to get your company to pay for it, claiming it's "Continuing Education". 8). By the way, are we getting CEU's?

Short for "Pupils are Equal And Reactive to Light" And when I asked before what's CBG, I didn't mean a diagnostic, I meant, what does it mean. We're all learning here...

Some good and interesting tips. Thanks spenac!

Just thought of this, Does the patient have an urge to push? What is CBG? I'm a :sign2: