mrmeaner

It doesn't help that the inflatable practice manikin for home use is called the "Anywhere Anne"!

Yes and no. The pump is small enough that it is easily brought into a home or on an intercept. One problem is that the tubing is different than the hospital tubing. Also, it takes about 5 minutes to clear the air so the pump will work properly. Because of these problems, they are not typically utilized on a short transport.

As well, some schools here have "firemedic" programs. I don't think the term is taken as derogatory here either.

The only thing I can say for him is that he didn't ditch the bike.

Are you somehow related to Groucho Marx? Because when you make quips like that, that's who I see. Don't change your avatar though. Bill Watterson was a genius. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/..._watterson.html

Yeah, it was an Evil Knievil length leap in logic and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to explain it well enough. Yeah, hard to compete with the other girl of EMS: Juggs. I don't mean to offend, but I watched the title sequence on YouTube. Hilarious. The way TV has changed (I was going to say progressed, but thought the better of it) it looks like a spoof by comparison to new shows. I think I'm going to order the first season anyway. Back to the original topic, I hope the video was seen as propaganda by the intended viewers and treated as such.

Ok, so the reason she doesn't take out the batteries is...either she's going for a lawsuit or she's an idiot. Maybe both.

It's interesting that you bring up a comparison to a pool shark. I used to play pool when I was younger. A lot. I lived accross the street from a bar/grill/convenience store (yeah, rural Wisconsin) which was about as busy as and Amish Radio Shack. The owners would let a couple of us play pool there on a regular basis as long as it wasn't too busy and we were decent about it. A lot of the old timers would give us pointers once in a while, but mostly they just let us play or let us watch them play. One thing I learned is that the players that won the most games were the ones who played within their means. No trick shots unless it was for fun or there was no option. There were guys who would take bank shots when they didn't need too, would try masse instead of playing defense, and would take other shots that were beyond their skill. They focused on the shot and lost sight of the game. Of course, there were the guys who would wander in every so often, pull off the trick shots on a regular basis and not have to pay for a game after that. Jerks.

Where in Minnesota?

I'm going to have to order the DVD just so I can find understand your references. BTW, was the nurse hot?

Had I just waited for this reply I wouldn't have had to respond from my phone.

First, this is not intended to be a response on Michael's behalf. Considering his penchant for wordplay, I'm sure he can post a reply that would make mine look as though it were drafted on an Etch-a-sketch. With your comparison of fire-medic and combat medic, I agree that learning one skill set does not necessarily mean another cannot be learned. However, it does not guarantee that it can be learned either. Just because some running backs studied and performed ballet doesn't mean that the offensive line should be performing Swan Lake. Also, a big difference between fire medic and combat medic is the former was created out of convenience and the latter was formed out of necessity.

I think it's safe to say that no system has all the answers. Or even most of them.

Wow. I was waiting for Tom Cruise to appear on screen to talk about how "When you're fire-based EMS, and you see an accident...you just know that you're the only one who can help..." Then again, what kind of video do you expect from a fire lobbyist group, er, educational media group.

mrsmeaner@itstoodamnhotintexas.com Maybe they have a snowbird schedule...

No services around me in northern WI use it either. Do you have portable tanks or just in the rig? I would think portable would be a little risky, but I've never seen it used in any fashion.

I'll have to make sure my wife doesn't see that. She'll have our bags packed bofore the page is done loading. :shock:

Is there a section of this report or any other document that outlines the the time each level receives for training or do the just leave that up to the NREMT?

Exactly. A good assessment usually doesn't simply follow a flow chart.

Judging by the related articles listed below the story, every conceivable meathod of CPR is being studied. None seem to have a whole lot of merit to me though.

I agree that most things are relative, especially "allergies". I just had a pt. who listed Lipitor as an allergy because it gives her gas. Another pt. told my instructor that she was allergic to epinephrine because it makes her heart race.

The AEMT level proposed is essentially the same as the EMT - Intermediate Technician level used by Wisconsin. This level requires additional training beyond EMT - Basic training. Although they do not specifically address training requirements in the report, I would have to belive that training for AEMT would above the training for the EMT level. Therefore, I do not understand the sumation tha EMT's will be starting IV's. If anything, the EMT (EMT-Basic) level is becoming more restricted in their skill set by this report. As far as "streamlining" goes, I don't think this will be the end. My guess is that by the end of 10 years, there will be two levels: EMT and Paramedic. That doesn't mean that each state won't pu their own personal spin on it though.

Search your area schools to find a paramedic associates degree. At my school, it's basically the core classes for an RN degree except for the classes specific to nursing (A&P, written communication, etc.) along with the standard paramedic course and national registry testing. If you don't have a program like this available to you, sign up for the core classes individually then take the medic course. To find a list of specific classes you should take, do a search on this site, google "paramedic associates degree", or start a new thread addressing the subject. If you want, PM me and I'll send you a list or link for the classes I plan to take. Good points, but, wouldn't it be nice if a "successful career" didn't require leaving prehospital medicine? I agree though that looking past the next 5 years is important to making appropriate decisions.

The only bumper sticker I've ever seen that I would want says "Are you a rights' activist or do you work for a living?" Otherwise, no. Attracting attention to the fact that you're an EMS provider may get you out of a ticket or two, but here's the problem: You're driving down the interstate and go to merge. You accidentally cut off a lady driving a car. When she gets to work, instead of: "Yeah, some jag with a 'Give Bill 4 more!' bumper sticker cut me off!", it's: "Yeah, some jag EMT cut me off." I'd rather not be either, but given the choice, I'll take the former.

If you really want to make this a career, I wouldn't be that concerned. As a former independent tester of used vehicle limits and applicable laws, I understand your situation. Assuming you are currently employed, continue your education and get an associates degree as a medic. If you don't have job, get one and go to medic school. When it comes time to apply, the charge will be 3 years old and you will have a better chance at forming a career with a medic license. Just make sure there aren't any new charges. That will be hard to overcome.