tcripp

Mobey, after reading some additional details, I don't disagree with your plan of action. I was under the impression that daughter, doctor and patient were all there in person making the decisions. That would put a huge kink in my plan to "move faster bubba" and changes my thought process. Knowing she isn't there and believing he will expire does change the dynamics.

But, we take verbal orders from docs all the time which are signed for by the nurse. So, to me it's all the same. As to your comment about the DNR, that is only good if he goes in to cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest, to which he has done neither at this time. I absolutely agree with your comment about setting the patient's family up for worst case scenario. Transport while stabilizing and if he crashes, then you have the DNR as your next coure of action.

The patient has already stated he wants definitive care, so the DNR is no longer valid in this instance. The daughter concurs, and the doctor has requested the transfer. So, what is the question? Or better yet, what's the dilemma.

You guys are funny. So...to answer the question about the standby event...it's a documentary being filmed on rattle snakes. Kinda interesting.

Trust me when I say that I'm trying to get all I can. A little history on me, my job before becoming a medic was an event manager. I like knowing what I'm getting in to prior to getting there...when I can. Right now, I'm trying to ascertain the exact location. I figure baby steps. OH, and thank you MG. Interesting how the little girl could handle it better than the older man...huh?

I couldn't offer a better suggestion other than you should be doing that for every call, whether you agree with the treatment or not. Get an understanding of why your preceptor handles each and every call. Carry this out with anyone you ride with. Any good medic will be happy to share with you their thought process. This will help you to understand how and why others do what they do so you have an good grasp of "oh, yes I was on the right track" vs "damn, I was just lucky this time" vs "I wish I had thought of that". Every day should be a learning opportunity, regardless of what color patch you are sporting!

Beiber. Thank you. I was getting a little frustrated that I coulndn't get what I wanted out of this post. Actually, it's happened a couple of times. Last one was the question about etomidate. Talk about a hijacked thread. Ha ha Seriously. I have the education. I know what to do, what not to do...who to call and when. I was just looking to see if anyone had experienced this type of call. As a side note, in my area, no ice and no tourniquets are part of the treatment.

Sweet. You are in my neck of the woods!

Welcome, Chelsea! What part of Texas?

Odd one here...not a paitent I had but one I may have. Has anyone had a snake bite patient who can give me some hands-on insight on what to expect? I'll be working a medical stand-by with snakes involved. I know what the books read and what my guidelines suggest I do, so I'm not looking for someone to quote me what's already written online or in a text book. I'm looking for an actual case. Thanks in advance.

Agreeing with others, excellent choices AND congratulations to all. As Susan Lucci said a dozen or so times, it was an honor being nominated. But, I like the challenge that you have posed on Beiber and I'd ask that you do the same for me. I use this forum as a tool to become better, stronger and I think good pushes will help me to that end.

I have to agree with the others. Don't lose the momentum. If this is something you want to do...then continue on. If you aren't sure if it's what you want to do, then a break might just be the ticket.

I say you go for the one who "rocks the uniform" the best!

Might I suggest that you not start off your career apologizing for why you are getting in to it? Know in your heart that this is a calling and realize you aren't in it for the money and you will do well. And, not sure about this 8:00a stuff. If 8:00a is your groan point, be aware that there are actually earlier hours in the day. My shift starts with a 0400 wakeup call...and it covers two, yes 2, nights. There are some shifts when I see more night time than I do day light. ...welcome to the City. Don't be afraid to jump in and feel free to use us durng your education, and after. And, don't ever apologize for getting into this business again. k?

Ahem. What about those of us who are doing and teaching, concurrently?

The only time I think I would have a conversation with the student is if (a) they are monopolizing the time of the other students/slowing down the pace or (2) if they are being disruptive to the class. One thing about asking the "advanced" questions is, the others may not be as far along as you. I'd ask that you save those for after class or for later in the course. You see, you aren't the only one who paid tuition.

An instructor should never take it personally since ultimately the goal is learning. Not to mention, on occasion even I have gotten so engrossed in a lecture that the words have come out backwards. Please, someone stop me and ask if that is what I really meant. Better that then having the class walk out with the wrong information. Now, if you feel that information is consistently being presented incorrectly, you might want to talk to the instructor or even the program director. Occasional bad info is one thing...but consistent bad information is another. ...it's all in how you do it...

Hmmmm. Not sure if we ever covered that in school...or not. Thanks. I will definitely keep that in mind for the future.

Okay, I give. What is this?

I agree with Bieber's comment on the complexity of the warning statement. When you get to the point of having to say, "Sir, you do understand that you could possibly die from this?" and they still insist on an alternate means of transportation, just ensure you have a third party - non EMS - witness and ask him to sign here. There's not much more that you can do.

Awe...shucks!

Hmmm...you judge the medic by the pillows? What if an EXCELLENT medic just happens to work for a crappy service then? GIGGLE. Kind of how I felt last night.

LOL - not quite. There are a few items on our trucks that we are "limited to". One is pillows and the other is blankets. The goal is to get those items back after transporting our patients to the local hospital. Inventory captain doesn't like it when we are overstocked on those items and watches closely when we have to go back to the cabinet for additional inventory. As we dropped of a patient yesterday at a not so local facility (which meant I couldn't go back and get it later), I took back the pillow. Now, I overheard the patient ask the nurse for a pillow in return and then the response of "how rude" and some giggling. No feelings were hurt as it was all in fun (the nurse knew I was at the door). But, then I started to wonder. Most of the EDs I come in contact with are limited to pillows in general which spurred the next thought of, "Do other services carry them?". Or, is there a mentality out there of "That's bullshit, if they need a pillow then the don't need an ambulance!"? Yes, Dwayne. I know I should have gotten a pillow for my patient in exchange. Shame on me. me

How many of you carry pillows on your ambulance for patient comfort?