firedoc5

I agree. Been there, done that. I think any Medic with any time in the field has had that happen. Was it a 'rent-a-doc', or a full time ER physician, or a local practicing doc that was in rotation to cover the ER that day? An ER doc that doesn't know how to intubate without causing trauma, and does not check for tube placement him/herself needs to learn a thing or too. But on the call itself. It was not your fault. Please don't kick yourself. Yes, there were lessons learned, but you just happen to be in a profession that errors can cost lives. Like a doc I knew said, " We visit our mistakes in the grave yard." That has always stuck with me for some reason. I was a Fire/Medic and there is no way I would not at least listened to you. Yes, I would have given the nitro in a heart beat (no pun intended). At that heart rate it would not "tank". Lasix and MS would also have been given. In the house, starting the IV, give 'em one shot while preparing the pt. to be placed on the cot and go. Your crew and the FD crew needs to work as a team and multi-task as such. Maybe I was spoiled but when I worked with a private service and ran calls with the FD we pretty much all worked closely together, as a team. Later on is when I got on the same FD full time. So I was still working with the same team, just flip flopped who I worked for. OK, I'll stop rambling. Point is, the ball was dropped. Not by you, not fully by the Fire/Medic, but as a team. The ER, that's a different story. Since I never worked in an ER full time, I won't slam them. But as an ACLS-Instructor, me and that doc would have had words.

When I was working for a private ambulance serv., way back when, we didn't wait. Since I was the smallest, usually, I would dive into a vehicle with the pt., literally. I would do what assessment and treatment I could. We had all the extrication equipment as Rescue except the Jaws. Luckily we pretty much had the same ETA as Fire/Rescue. At least within 3-5 min. If we hadn't started to actually start extricating we'd at least be set up to start or at least knew what needed to be done by the time they got there. Many at that agency was ERT's or Extrication Specialist. We helped with fire rescue too. Right along with the FD. I know, kinda putting myself at risk too. But I was young and really wasn't too concerned about it myself back then. Many times I'd be inside with the pt. and they would just cut the vehicle away from around the two of us. It wasn't until I got onto the FD full time did I actually think about it, and how inappropriate my actions were. I guess you could say I 'grew up'. But even after getting on the FD and only ran in town calls, I was stuffed into a vehicle just as before when the extricating was going on. Back then at, 5'3" 119 lbs-125 lbs, I was able to get into a lot of tight spaces. Attics, crawlspaces, old coal shoots, vehicles, air ducts, you just about name it. I guess no wonder why my neck, back and legs are shot now.

Guess I'd be in the basement section.

Even though I've posted it before, but it was the first thing in my head when I woke up this morning. "Wish You Were Here" - Pink Floyd.

I remember them showing some of his "sermons" before he turned to the "dark side". But according to witnesses the entire time he laid dying he was praying to Christ for forgiveness, all the way to the end

I think that's it. But on M*A*S*H the time I'm thinking of is when they gave it to a Marine during a bowling tournament. But I do remember our PMD talking about it in the ER one day. I tried to call him a few months ago and found out he passed away, AMI.

First off, DD, Congrats on 10,000 posts. =D> I totally agree with you about a new medic paired with an EMT. Now I can see a veteran Medic, a new Medic and an EMT-A/I as a crew, but not paired up. Even though a new Medic has been an EMT, worked their way up, have a couple of years in the field already, etc. , When they become a Medic, they are still "new". It would be hard to determine for how long they should be supervised, depends on the new Medic's performance, call volume, which skills have they used and how often in the field, and I could go on. But I won't. This has already become longer than I planned to.

You're quite welcomed. For someone who is a "trauma junkie" you wouldn't think you would be struggling. Or has traumas really peaked your interest? It's fine if it has. But if you feel like you are still struggling, just get on here and talk it out. PM someone if you're not wanting to go public. On-line classes are fine, but don't substitute it for actual classroom and field experience.

That makes sense. No wonder he got us confused with AA.

darkangelx66, Welcome to life, son. Especially in EMS and / or Fire. It's over, get on with your "career" and re-apply next time. As you can already tell, you won't get much sympathy around here. Like your MySpace says, "EMS Kid". You've got to grow up.

I know it's different in a lot of areas, but for where I worked we did it all. Fire/Rescue/Medical/Haz Mat/, etc. And we had to become certified in all those things within the first three years on the dept. Luckily I was already certified in all but the Haz Mat at the time.

OOOPS! So he's at least serving his country anyway, just like the guys from the US.

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

OUCH

He needs to take something before going on the air.

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHH You bet I remember him. I think I cried when he died.

I know taking the antibiotic Pyridium will make your urine a bright florescent orange/ yellow that looks like it could glow in the dark. And what's that one med. that causes your urine to turn blue?

"Ring of Fire" - Johnny Cash

With that many posts, you're a little late to introduce yourself, Dude :occasion5:

I'm going to try and not sound like an idiot, but.... I don't think that EMS in the US is suffering a shortage on a whole. In certain areas, yes, it's a major problem. But it's not like the whole country is up in arms about it. But as for you guys over there, yes your services could be used back home. But you are where you are needed more for right now. You're not only representing our country, but representing the US EMS. (I know, sounds corny) Keep up the good work.

Psychology is one of my weak points, especially when it comes to kids. But I was one of those that were mercilessly teased and picked on in elementary school. Most times I just wanted to be left alone. I was sort of a loner anyway. I wasn't even worried about how many friends I had. But sometimes I think that gave them more fuel to bully and tease me. It wasn't until about sixth or seventh grade that things got better. But I had become more social I guess you could say about that time. Plus I had a few outburst, even though got me in trouble and sent to the office, I made it clear I wasn't going to take it anymore. I don't know if that worked or not but... This is just what happened with me. I'm not going to pretend I know too much more than what I went through. Pediatric and adolescent psychology, that was my ex-wife's degree and expertise.

I can think of three instances off the top of my head that I have come across. Two from MVA's and one from a fall from a tree.

Irregular, no P waves...AF. I agree with turning up the gain in case P waves could be hidden, but sort of doubt it.

Good luck to you all. Merry Christmas Happy New Year and all that jazz.

Welcome to the club, Arrianne. Holidays are either busy or dead slow. (no pun intended). Don't think of things being difficult. Think of them being different. Pace yourself if you're feeling a little overwhelmed. Learn from those around you and what goes on around you. Hang around here and you'll learn a lot too. Don't be afraid to ask questions of any kind. You name it, we've got ya covered. Have fun, you'll be fine.