fireflymedic

On the topic of C sections - I've not heard of the issues with that. However, I have heard of a significant number of NICU qualifying babies being sent to the US for care as there is a significant lack of appropriate facilities in Canada. From the report I saw (granted was two years ago, but I doubt has changed significantly up to this time though it may have) that Seattle and Boston are absorbing the largest amount of these babies. If anyone recalls the show that was on TLC a couple years ago featuring the one Boston firehouse, they had that kid that they said they had adopted and he came to the station every time he was in the US for treatment which was frequently about every 3 months or so. What I am curious though - does the canadian government absorb the cost of the treatment? Is it done on US charity? Is it a private pay for care? What I believe Vent is speaking of is the "medical tourism". They have had several features and articles on people who choose to go to another country for medical care (India and Thailand seem to be two of the biggest) due to reduced costs. They have their entire recovery period post surgery there, though some choose to return home more quickly and is combined with a vacation of sorts. The initial care is evidently as much as half the price in some cases depending on procedure. Also, there are options for care there that aren't available in the US. The downside to this is if there is a complication once you have returned home, you will be referred to a local specialist which you most likely would have been referred to initially. There is the potential that standard US products may not have been used in the surgery making it more difficult to correct if there is a problem. I understand South Africa is another country growing with this option, especially in the field of plastic surgery. It seems to be a growing industry as the cost of US healthcare increases and the amount of insured decreases they look for the least expensive way to receive their care. I have no objection to us caring for those who are here visiting or as vent discussed the snowbirds. You can't help when and where you get sick - no different than if you were in another country and became ill. However, those who choose to come to the US for care should be responsible for the full cost of care, same as an uninsured US citizen. It should be either a personal payment or paid for by the socialized medicine country referring them. I do not agree under any terms should it be a charity case. I know it sounds hard and calloused but with so many americans unable to afford the care they desperately need and unable to get assistance because they fall in that middle bracket (not poor enough for charity, not rich enough to afford it) - they are the ones which should have priority for charity, not bringing in people from another country for treatment US doctors are unwilling to provide for free to their own citizens. I do feel quite strongly on this point and if all our own were cared for, yes, I would be completely unopposed to treating others - I would welcome it. But care for your own first, then be willing to extend out to other areas.

But what they fail to mention is they do not have the research dollars nor the depth of specialist there that we have here. Also, I have heard from multiple people the complaints with the Canadian system and how long it can take to achieve an appointment - even for "immediate" specialist appointments. I can't speak to the european system as I've not had much contact with them. I do know that if I call my doctor with a major concern I can typically get in that day or the next. It is rare I cannot. More larger universities are linking their entire systems to the doctors, hospital, clinics and outside records being forwarded and scanned into main line computers. I am curious though if they are talking a nationwide computer database or simply within the certain system. I think HIPPA essentially goes out the door with a nationwide database. With that many having such easy access - where does privacy go? Don't people have a right to disclose or not disclose certain things of their choice. I see it only as more of big brother watching over us. I am quite opposed to it. I like that people have to ask me before they just go and get my med records. That's a personal thing with me, but I do like privacy. Also - I have concerns with a socialist medicine system in another aspect. There is no "benefit" for a doctor to be better. In many instances the doctors are paid a flat rate by the government according to their specialty regardless of whether they have multiple malpractice suits against them or are the top of their field. Also - aside from certain states - there isn't capping on malpractice claims (yet). Shouldn't a doctor be required to pay for their mistakes which may have been blatant lack of quality issues that led to a patient's death or injury. They will never be right again - isn't it fair to have them pay for the continue of the care and what they lost? Another great concern of mine is the lack of ability to choose who my physician will be (thus the number 1 reason I DON'T have an HMO). If I have a serious condition I want to be able to choose the doctor most qualified to care for me and that is the best fit in several areas. Right now I have that option at varying levels of coverage, but I can choose whoever I want. Isn't this something you would want to maintain? Since they would be trying to even out the coverage, some might be assigned a great doc and others the bottom of the barrel. No, this is NOT an option I care to pursue and I'm with the original poster - if care is so great there, why are so many coming here for it? On a final note, you can make a survey say whatever you want depending on the people you poll. It could easily be reversed to say the exact opposite if you polled a different demographic. It's all in the slant you want to portray. I truly believe there are others out there which say the opposite but they are choosing to promote this side simply to further their agenda of socialized medicine.

Very good post squint - there are many veterans in my family and many, many close friends either currently are or have served their country. In honor of all that have served, will serve, and have given their lives - thank you is not adequate enough for keeping us safe. God bless and keep you safe always.

Excellent - hopefully if they are doing things right as from the sounds of this crew (at least they acted professionally) more services will follow their lead.

I keep getting the Lexus commercials - obviously not marketed to EMS eh? There's not a medic I know that could possibly afford a Lexus (well and not live in it or the station !)

Naturegirl - PM me - I hold a B.S. in Emergency Medical Care with an emphasis on fire science. Also an instructor/state evaluator and still active in the field. Would be happy to chat with you.

Well doc - mine wasn't quite that interesting but I thought he was a pretty cool partner and was for a little over a year 36 years old transplanted Yankee like myself worked his way through school as a lineman climbing electric poles worked as an electrical engineer for 7 years before deciding he hated it and quit was a side artist and worked on the side doing courtroom sketching for trials for a few years then decided he wanted to do this which he's still doing and loves it

Welcome back wizard of oz ! Glad to have you lurking around again !

As of earlier today it was still open Dwayne - I know I opened up a slot as it registered me twice. I do believe the city will be taking over !

Wow gentlemen - that is um interesting to say the least....

In general here it's no major moving violations within the prior three years or more than 3 points in the prior 5 years. Suspensions at any time you may still be hired but will not be allowed to drive and a DUI makes it nearly impossible to get hired (at least in this area) as the state board is really kicking up their disciplinary action on those with them, especially if they aren't reported. Also, they are starting to get very hesistant to cert them. I have to admit, I would be very leary of hiring someone with a history of a DUI - irresponsibility while driving your POV makes it likely you are going to act irresponsibly in other areas.

Also, depending on the blade you use (especially if mac or grandview is your blade of choice) the way the blade is formed will obstruct your vision, plus you will be sweeping the tongue right not left. I am left handed so it took some adjustment for me to be comfortable using my right to intubate, but rather than sweep right or trying to insert over my left with obstructed vision I learned. For a miller I don't know how it will play, but I would say quite similar. I guess you could make it happen, especially if you utilized a bougie, but otherwise I'd say it won't work.

Welcome and can't wait to hear from you in your postings ! I always find it exciting to learn from those around the world. Take care and be safe.

Ooooh I like it ! Is Rabbit gonna snap and end up in the rubber room? If so, I'm looking forward to this episode

Does anybody want to try to do a meet up somewhere one of the nights (perhaps the night of the first day ?) to go hang out or whatever. I'll be driving up that afternoon as I have to work until that morning, so I'd like to know if anything's in the works. If something does emerge or someone wants to take the reins let me know 'cause I'd like to meet up !

I don't know - I've never watched Heroes - I think it's on its death bed as well, only surviving because it's fairly cheap to make and NBC doesn't have anything to replace it.

Southland most likely is going to be picked up by TNT so look for it there. They actually did a decent job of starting to develop the characters in that show from what I saw of it (didn't get to watch consistently). Looked okay from my opinion though. I might try to catch it on TNT if it makes it there.

Well, all I have to say is good riddance. Sorry NBC you had your chance, and could have really blown people away with it instead you chose to present it this way. Guess you blew that chance huh? At least NBC was kind and didn't prolong it's misery and quick put it down. Nice - intro the characters one week, kill 'em off the next lol. I like it, I like it ! hehe

I can only do one day so I've signed up for the lab the 10th. I didn't put my sign on name on the form - is there a way I can go back and do that Doc? Looking forward to it !

See you guys there !

Here's my thoughts for what they're worth. You come out of medic class knowing just enough to effectively kill someone. The critical care class is more in depth, but still doesn't cover enough to adequately educate you for the little ones. Though most CCT programs (UMB's program especially) suggest 2 years of experience in high volume 911 before attempting it. I have seen intelligent medics complete the course struggling that are brand new and most don't pass the exam. The few that get lucky and do pass feel overwhelmed. It is the rare brand new medic that is prepared to take on CCT. I would suggest as others have to hit a hospital ER for experience (if you really desire peds try for a peds hospital if possible) or with a team as a driver. You'll be as Dust said the nurse's beatch, but you'll see and learn alot especially if you have a good team. Glad to see you're motivated, good luck to you !

Meh, it could always be worse. Though I was thoroughly amused tonight when my friend who knows very little about EMS or the actual reality of my job asked me - is that what it's really like? I was thinking hmmm how should I answer that - I've come across some weird stuff that would probably make a trauma episode, but that's not an every shift occurrance. I decided to be nice and say no, actually my job isn't that exciting - I get excited when I show up and my unstable patient is already packaged for me ! It's the little things people, the little things

Most of the depts that are getting new trucks are switching out to chevy rather than fords. I actually really liked the international trucks as I found them quite comfy - more room if you had a specialty team or cct and were transporting ballon pump, multi drip patient, etc. Neonates esp. We did many specialty/CCT transfers so they purchased some for the service I was with previously and they still have several. One problem was they tried to use them in a rural areas with little logging roads or narrow concrete bridges over the culverts and more than one ended up in one because people misjudged them. Or even worse roads that are so narrow it's not even funny and have a bunch of trees whatever overhanging scratching up the ambulance, busting lights, etc. Except for specialty stuff where you need the room, a typical box works just fine and in rural areas, a van wouldn't be out of the question (which they ended up getting two for those way out in the boonies runs so they didn't beat up the nice trucks)

I'm a fan of the Jansport Oddessy - not sure what your price range is as they tend to be a bit pricey (for a regular backpack in my opinion), but I've had one for several years and I love it. It's held up really well with no complaints, and yes, it's survived baggage check more than a few times Has a ton of compartments and seems to be able to hold just about anything you want. I would suggest looking at it ! I believe you can get it in black or something similar to it in black and they have both a US and international division. Good luck !