Chief1C

I'll tell you what you need... This: The famed Trauma II by Dyna-Med. It's not set up for an EMS application, it's a first aid station. You can treat anything from a paper cut to a broken leg with it, stocked it for use at a day camp over the summer. Yes, the fluid impervious bags. I've purchased over runs and mistake bags at an Iron Duck outlet sale.

They do make it easier to remove victims from cars....however.... if they're truly 'entrapped', or worse entangled, it's still a bitch to get it on the patient. That's why I'm a huge supporter of cutting the hell out of the car, to ease access. These days, with all of the new technology, it's a fairly quick job to cut a car apart if you know what you're doing. On collars. We purchased a device for technical and confined space rescue called the Yates Spec Pak. It came with a new collar that I seen in JEMS, called the XCollar. http://xcollar.com/ After discovering that your male parts are in danger with the application and lifting of the patient in the device. I also discovered that while the XCollar provides better support than conventional collars. It's difficult to figure out, and in my opinion as the victim, it could cause problems if you've got bone floating around the spinal cord. Certainly not an ideal device, to package with a confined space rescue harness/vest.

Well, since it's under "Funny Stuff", why take it seriously? This is simple humor with some ironic truths; copied and pasted.. Over and over, again.

Even without basing any decision on Mechanism or colorful hours. Fly 1 & 2 to a level 1; and 3 to the Burn unit's level 2.. B/c it's going to be a b*tch to get them out, extensive extrication time. In my protocols, they would be flown based on the information posted. Although, patient 3, assuming it's the car's passenger, is going to be the last out. Thinking from a rescue point of view, you wouldn't want to work from both sides, eg cut stuff open on both doors... Something will collapse.

I've found it necessary to keep a roll of Velcro for the purpose of sewing onto fabric, on hand; and just a simple hospital hand towel. We're lucky to get a KED back, Trauma Center distances don't warrant just picking them up. There's at least two on each ambulance, and Rescue truck; but the head strap and "pillow" never get returned. As far as pelvic fractures, standard devices meant for those, work best IMO. In the half dozen or more times I've used the MAST, it's never been for an isolated injury, usually a combination.

Good topic. I think what we're seeing is the next generation of EMS providers, taught by newer generations of EMS educators. While we can't judge the profession based on a few random folks.. Perhaps this is a characteristic that can help EMS advance into better things? Train them well, they'll be treating you someday.

Stabilization jacks on the truck, 6x6 crib the roof w/ 2x4's and plywood w/ wedges. Crib the truck in place, put in a ram outside the door of the car. Remove the side of the car, behind the driver door. KED the driver and remove. KED the passenger and remove. Same for the driver of the truck. Except, barring any serious injuries to the driver of the pick up, I'd be more concerned w/ removing the victims of the car first. Although, it appears the passenger and driver compartment of the car are fairly well intact. I've been on a wreck where a car was upside down on another car w/ entrapment, it was close to a two hour extrication time. One drove off an embankment, and came down on top of a car on another street.

Technical rescue, SAR, etc. Yes.

I'll only chime in b/c I've had the misfortune of not catching it in time. If you're close to someone that is always depressed, it's hard to tell what a bad day is. vs EMS, where you can pick up on it, having just met someone, by their demeanor and how they talk, general attitude, etc. In my experience, a person was always, deeply, depressed. Then one afternoon, it stopped, friendly, smiling, wanted to spend time with me. A person often decides that suicide is the only solution, to a problem they cannot solve or they feel there is nowhere to turn for help. It's not easy to ask someone if they're feeling like they may hurt themselves; or likewise, one may not know how to tell someone else they need help. Medications mask true feelings, talking with someone that is specifically educated in mental health, is the key. Yes, continue medications, but they alone, will solve nothing. I missed a very blatant sign of trouble, and for the past seventeen years, I've regretted that every single day. If it's mutual, that verbal counciling will take place, you're well ahead of the game, per se. Good luck. Adding more.. Around here, if someone is seeking help, they have to go through the ER. It's a personal struggle to seek help, and one may say it's more difficult than it should be. It's embarrassing, people feel ashamed, judged. I feel that my experiences help me to be a better provider, b/c folks don't want advice most of the time (in the ambulance), they just want an ear.

It's not really a question that has a single answer to be honest. I've served in positions as supply officer; and I've been a distributor and business owner. The best product, is the one with the best manufacturer warranty. The life of EMS equipment is short. If someone appears to be quite obese, you're not going to want to put them on a standard board. If you're using wood, you'll have infection control issues, if it breaks, you're going to have a whole lot of shit hitting the fan. Some have a lot of pros, they may float, you can steam them w/o melting, you can hoist them in technical rescue. I'm not dropping any names, per se, b/c I have no specific preference. Iron Duck, ProBoard, BakPak, Life Support Products, Dolphin Board, Dyna-Med, Ferno, Laerdal, Hartwell, Miller, Junkin, et al. Find one with a fair price, holds at least 500lbs and has at least a five year warranty, and you're golden.

My rural medical bag is a Ferno Saver brand Oxygen/Trauma Bag. It's plenty big for anything you would need as a single rescuer, and I keep a spare tank too. So, it's big, but not too big. It also holds my harness, webbing and beaner.

The only downside is the tiny compartments. That's why I like my Trauma II Box. It has divided trays, but they come out so just about anything will fit, as long as it's an inch or less tall. Even a roll of Kerlix will squash to an inch.

The Scoop.. Is what was formerly known as, the orthopedic stretcher, great for hip fx's, etc.. But I've read that it's no longer suggested for suspected fractures of the spine. Perhaps the newer models with the same principals are okay, but we still have a one with a Velcro "Pillow", instead of fully supported structure. Horrible idea. I have scooped onto a spine board in a patient with severe pain.

Don't risk your career.. or your back. Whether you're paid or volunteer, a back injury is going to suck big time. I learned that early on. Call for help. In my case, there just wasn't any help to be sent, and we couldn't just sit there. Lifting is best explained with hands on, so I won't explain any techniques. Videos and hands on practice, that's one thing you can't learn from reading a book.

Always measure the compartment, before ordering backboards. I stick with name brand, and plastic. Plastic is easier to clean, and lighter than wood. Of course, I've always made them myself from marine plywood. A 500lb limit is okay. Our particular brand is Bac-Pak, w/ factory lettering and a unique color that stands out. So we can spot who steals it, and return the favor.

Welcome to the city! We frequently use 2-91.

The last one was a water main break.

Where the hell is Rob, anyway?

Is there a finders fee?