maverick56

I've always been a good shot

Have a great Feb 14th!

you can also try textbookX.com or cheapbooks.com both have new and used books from multiple sources. I was able to get my volume 1 and pharmacology book, both new, for under $100 total.

Sick and twisted, that's what it is. Talk about damaging to the kid! I all for strict parenting, but that's emotional/psychological abuse. There are a helluva lot better ways to enforce good study habits, damn! Makes you wonder what other punishments she's come up with.

Hahaha, smart move.

Pretty sure this whole thread was concerned about providers who do NOT speak enough English to pass an EMT test in English. Hence, the name of thread - "Non-english EMT test in USA". Every responder to this thread has allowed that any provider who is bilingual is at an advantage, not a disadvantage, and may be very capable whether English is their first language or not. The problem lies with those that do not possess the rudimentary English skills required to take an EMT test in the English langauge. Capable as they may be with hands-on skills, there is more to the job and competent communication is a primary requirement. You seem stuck on the fact that the EMT-B is an "entry-level" position. What difference does that make? I was under the impression that we are trying to further our profession, trying to gain respect and raise our standards. So when does that start? At the paramedic level? Where do you think paramedics come from? Are we only concerned about maintaining a professional standard at the top? Honestly, that just comes across as arrogant to me. You keep going on about how 1) the EMT test isn't that hard anyway, and 2) not all EMTs work 911. First of all, don't downplay what EMTs have accomplished or their importance to the system. Basic level though it may be, it's the foundation of all EMS and an integral part of the response team. You want to further the growth and professionalism of EMS? Don't derogate it's future. As for the fact that not all EMTs work 911, again, what difference does that make? Not all kindergartners grow up to be writers but still teach all of them their ABCs. The issue here is professional standardization. What's the point of a national certification exam if you're only concerned about local protocols and standards of care? Why don't we just have each service test EMTs to their own standard then, be it 911 or not? Just fragment the system and throw us back into the Dark Ages. Whether an EMT works 911 or not is not the point - the point is that they are capable of doing so. At this point, you are so far up on your high-horse that you can't even see what the discussion is about anymore. As far as I'm concerned, you're just arguing with yourself and beginning to look quite foolish in the process. The only one displaying a closed mind here is you.

Yes, it is.

Well, technically, I'm still waiting for my "first call" that's not a ride-along. But, I can tell you about my first real patient experience (not sick-call) as a medic. It also happened to be my first major contact, first EPW encounter, first shots fired (personally), first field surgery, and first medevac. And all in one day! 0712 August 6, 2004 - An Najaf cemetery - Mild shrapnel wounds to my Sgt's thigh from a blown-up truck. Removed a chunk of quarter-panel, stitched it up and gave him a packet of Ranger Candy. - GSW to the shoulder, open head wound and possible spinal. Evac'd 3hrs later from a rooftop 1/2 mile away. - Hostile Haji with GSW's to the arm and leg. He'd previously been aiming an RPG at us and was now demanding water and drugs. All in all, not a bad day.

I agree, bilingual ability is nothing but an asset in today's civil service. I fully intend on taking a Medical Spanish course after medic school. If I had stayed in Denver, I would have taken one then out of necessity. And no one who can perform the duties of an EMT to the professional standard should be denied the opportunity. Any standardized written exam must have the option to be given orally according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, however, the person requesting such accommodations must meet certain requirements, namely, a documented learning disability that would affect their ability to complete a written exam. It does not (and should not) apply to test language though. While I understand where you are coming from when you mention the awkwardness of questions etc, I don't see this as a reason to offer the exam in anything other than English. The questions are written awkwardly by design and are testing not only the grasp of material, but the ability to understand what is written - terminology, wording, context - all of which will be encountered on a daily basis in the workplace.

Very useful! While I obviously was pretty pointed on what I think of non-English speaking providers, I also see the obvious benefits to being able to communicate with non-English speaking patients, particularly in certain demographic areas. I personally have a medical English-Spanish pocket dictionary and have often made use of visual translators (by kwikpoint), both here and overseas.

This is an issue that goes far beyond what language an EMT test is given. It speaks to the overall settling for sub-par standards that has become epidemic in this country. The number one topic for discussion on this site is the struggle to gain respect as professionals, the lack of consistency in education, how the EMS industry needs to change it's perspective and focus, to take charge of it's future in professional healthcare. Well, providing education and/or professional certification/licensure testing in languages other than English is in direct opposition to all of those goals. It's a broader issue than simple testing - it's about professional standards and it parallels the standards for our society. Any state or national governing body that bestows certification and/or licensing of medical professionals should require candidates to possess the ability to "read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language." (from the Requirements for US Citizenship) This is not asking anything remarkable as those same skills are necessary to perform the duties of an EMT in this country. (All legal documentation in the US must be filed in English.) Rudimentary English performance (i.e. high-school level) is required for entry to Paramedic program offered through any community college, as it is for entry to any secondary education institution. Why should not the same standards be met at the EMT level? When it comes right down to it, this is just another reason why we need to officially designate English as our national language. But, oh no! Can't do that! Apparently, it is okay for other countries to have an official national language, but if the United States tried to establish English as its official language it is racist. One must see a paradox here. The problem with a bilingual society is that it causes a division in that society. I am sure we would all prefer a united country, but if we continue to accept this idea that it is racist to even consider the possibility of an official national language of the United States then our society will split in two. Liberals and groups that accuse people like me of being racist, and xenophobic (If you know what xenophobia is then you would see how ridiculous this accusation is) support division in our society. These people support segregation. Liberals see African-American, Asian-American, Mexican-American, ect… I just see Americans united as people of one nation under one flag. For the sake of keeping our society united why is the concept of an official language so difficult for some unless their true intentions are to segregate society, and to divide our country? This problem has nothing to do with ethnicity, and the only people making this a racial issue are those who continue to throw in the race card. P.S. While I agree, in some respects, with the OP's standing, he/she has a long way to go in presenting a respectable platform. I would highly suggest that, before again attacking anything language-related, you invest in your own literacy. It is in extremely poor taste to question another's intelligence based on language ability when you seem unable to communicate in a complete sentence yourself. And as to whoever it was that felt the need to resort to vulgarity in their post - if you don't have enough command of the English language to find a more appropriate and intelligent way to get your point across, than your statements lose any efficacy.

Hmmm, very interesting, especially having experience in all these areas. I'll have to read it over and come back to the board tomorrow. Unfortunately, I need to get to bed right now, but I'm sure I'll have thoughts on the subject later.

3 of my most-worn t-shirts: I <heart> Gitmo (it's pink and the heart has barbed wire wrapped around it, great eye-catcher at airports) "We don't do drive-bys... We stop" (has an air-assault team dusting in on the back) "Parachutes are for Pussies" (really pisses off those Airborne boys, haha) That's just what I've got putting my laundry away. Seen a million, I'm sure I'll think of more.

WOW! I wasn't quite expecting the response. Guess it's a subject that stirred up some opinions, haha. Anyway, thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions, I really appreciate it. I know that if I were to go nursing, it would defenitely make the most sense to go for the BSN, especially with my science and technical background, I could do it in a year to year and a half (full-time). The big obstacle there is entry requirements - they're competitive programs and my GPA won't make the cut (I've looked into Michigan State and LSSU). I wasted too much time fighting my ADHD (and losing) rather than dealing with it the first time around. I think the biggest thing I'm taking from this whole thread is that those of you who have followed the medic route and enjoyed it don't regret the decision, even if you're making less etc. Having spent so much time fighting what I want vs. what I "should" do, it's nice to hear "real adults" talking that way. I think ultimately, I know that I'm dragging my feet on the nursing business because it's not really what I want - I just don't want to deal with my dad seeing that as the end result. If the genius child who drives him nuts isn't going to be an engineer or a doctor, she should at least be a nurse and make a living... But that's another issue altogether. It's great to see all the info and emphasis on education in general though, as I am a firm believer in always continuing to learn new things and challenging myself. You all put a professional, intelligent, educated light on the EMS field - kudos! Haha, maybe for some. For me, it just makes sense coming from 6 years working in air assault and MEDEVAC. P.S. As far as leaving the state for either education or work - I intend on getting out of Michgian ASAP!! That won't likely be for another 18mo or so (so I can finish up the medic course), but I won't be job hunting around here long term.

I've done some research and asked around the nursing community and it turns out that most want the RN to also have EMT-P, even if acting in the Flight Nurse role. I am aware of the critical care requirements and am willing to go for it. The work/schooling doesn't really phase me. I mean I spent 5yrs pounding my head against a wall for a degree in a field that I didn't belong in. I found something I actually love and am motivated for, I'm going for it. But I don't know as yet if critical care is what I want vs basic HEMS. What I do know is that I love action/variety, I love being constantly challenged, and I love being on a bird (a hold-over from my Army days). Career-wise (i.e. opportunities, salary etc), what are the differences between Flight Nurse vs Flight Medic? Is there an advantage to the RN in that respect? Like I said, I much more interested in the pre-hospital scene than in being a nurse.

Be glad to be in ANY state that is not Michigan.

I start a paramedic course next week and am looking for opinions, experience etc. concerning also going after an RN. I have a BS in Biomechanics/Engineering, so I have all the gen prereqs, A&P and a few other courses in the basic nursing program. From what I've gathered, I could, theoretically, finish up the RN about the same time my paramedic class is done (i.e. doing them concurrently). Now, I don't have any real interest in being a standard nurse, but I do want to pursue flight medicine and it also leaves career options open down the road if I actually ever decide to slow down a bit (unlikely, haha). So... the question I have is, what do you think of that path versus doing a paramedic-RN bridge program after the fact? I'm looking at all the facets here - cost, time, work load (note: I have ADHD), and career worth. Any thoughts from people who have both EMT-P and RN, those working in flight med (is the RN even worth it?), and anyone who's been around the block would be very welcome.