oz_paramedic_chick

4cmk6 we have similar in QLD. They are generally F250/F350 cabs with the big boxy back. Here's a pic of one: (Click to view this embedded page in a new window) However, we are now switching over to Mercedes Sprinters where it's the two rear doors. Here's a couple pics of our new ambulances. (Click to view this embedded page in a new window) (Click to view this embedded page in a new window) This pic is of a victorian ambulance but gives you an idea of the interior: (Click to view this embedded page in a new window) We have a forward facing patient care seat and a rearward facing seat at the head of the patient. On the wall next to this rearward seat is a wall mounted airway kit containing LMAs, OPs, etc for quick access. In front of the forward facing seat are draws containing cannulation equipment. On top of these draws are a bracket for our LP12. The left side (passenger side in OZ) has a sliding door which opens up to where our kit, o2 kit, vac splints, stair chair and defib are usually kept. There is also access into the rear of the ambulance from hear. The right hand side (drivers side) also has a sliding door where we store 2xD size o2 cylinders(for use whilst in transit) and 2xspare C size o2 cylinders. These new ambulances contain stryker stretchers and stair chairs where as our old ambulances contain Ferno's. There are storage compartments up the top on both sides of the ambulance where we keep o2 masks, bandages, maternity kits, burn stuff, etc...Pretty much everything we carry in our normal kit.

"We are required to respond to any call with lights and sirens ..." Wow scoobymedic I have never heard of that. Here in QLD we have 3 response codes: 1(time critical), 2(acute non time critical), 3 (non urgent). In my experience I have ever only done one code 3 and it was transferring a discharged pt from hospital to his home. Code 1 is a lights and sirens response where at the least the lights are to be activated (many just use sirens in traffic). Code 1 accounts for things such as chest pain, syncope, RTC/MVA, difficulty breathing, major haemorrhage, ALOC, seizures, etc. Code 2 accounts for things such as post syncope, abdo pain, minor haemorrhage, fractures, inter hospital transfers, etc. In regards to transferring to hospital we have the choice whether to go code 1 or 2 and it is quite rare for us to go code 1. In regards to interhospital transfers we get dispatched either code 1 or 2 and that is what we transfer as. On rare occasions we go code 1 and if we are code 1 we generally have a Dr and RN on board. It's quite interesting to see how the different EMS systems around the world work.

Hey everyone, could have sworn I made a post here when I first joined ages ago but then never posted, but I can't find that post so here we go I'm a 2nd Year student at University of the Sunshine Coast in QLD, Australia. I qualify as an Advanced Care Paramedic in November next year (not quite sure of the American equivelant). Over xmas I spent my first 6 weeks onroad and absolutely love it. Yes i'm young (19), but I believe I have the personality and attitude to do well in the profession. Every day of those 6 weeks I turned up early to check the truck, excited about what the day ahead held. Even now i'm back at uni I still do ride-alongs generally at least once a week. I love the job, the people you meet and the whole paramedic culture. Apart from uni I love sport, music, reading, though this year had to sacrifice playing soccer for uni but it'll be worth it in the end. Um...well that's about all I can think of if anyone wants to know anything feel free to ask

aussiephil, my mistake I did not realise we were referring to the equivelant of our ICPs. However, even so in QLD if you went straight from school to uni, graduated after 3 years as an ACP, worked for 2 years as an ACP (which you have to do to be able to apply for the ICP program), worked for a year as an ICP student, then were a qualified ICP you're age would be at least around 24 with at least 2 years onroad experience so in my opinion by that time you would have sufficient life experience. But each person has their own view on the matter and the world would be a pretty boring place if we didn't

I will be one of those "young paramedics". I'm currently 19 and almost halfway through my 2nd year at Uni. I will be 20 going on 21 when i qualify as an Advanced Care Paramedic. I will be able to administer morphine, adrenaline and other drugs and it is highly likely that after spending 12 weeks with another qualified paramedic I will have a student of my own to mentor. Like many others have said I believe it should not be based on age but on maturity level. There are paramedics out there in their mid-20s who do not deserve to be in uniform while there are younger people out there who put a lot of effort into ensuring they are becoming the best paramedic possible. I believe if you have your head in the right place, have good clinical skills and knowledge, are mature, and respect patients then there is no reason why you shouldn't be a paramedic at a young age. I can understand some people's arguments in regards to life experience but some young people do have solid life experience at a young age for one reason or another, thus basing argument on age alone is in my opinion wrong.