tcripp

Ditto to what Kaisu said!

Mike, my apologies. I guess I figured you all would click on the link, read the short page, skip down to the conclusion and automatically know that I was talking about the part where while they are both equal in effectiveness, midazolam reduces respiratory depression and time to treatment. That's what I get for posting while tired. Hopefully this will now open this up for some meaningful dialogue. Toni

Refer to this study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12410871 Can't say I learned of this while in school or out and found it very intriguing. What about the you? Also, anyone heard anything like this regarding use in adults?

Get your text book and start reading. Most of the programs will go along with the book(s). Don't highlight the stuff in the book that is already bolded...but highlight the stuff you don't understand. These will be the questions you should to ask...and at the right times. Toni

Note: I stopped reading your post just at the part where you stated, "One of my co-workers was a neighbor to this lady. He told me that may attending the visitation was inappropriate because I was not family, a neighbor or a friend." Nor have I read any of the other responses (at this point). All I have to say is... HOGWASH! 'nough said. Toni

Interesting article. Thanks for sharing. When I was a volunteer, I would get told (fairly often) "Thank You" for my service. Since I was volunteering my time, I graciously accepted it. When I became a paid provider and someone thanked me, I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. Why should I expect thanks for doing a job I was hired to do just for doing it? I have gotten past that now and if I am thanked, then I presume it is because i have gone above and beyond the expectations of the job and accept it, again, graciously. And, hugs are always welcome!

Um...most pass the test around 80...so I'm thinking it might be pretty good for you. Chin up until you get the results. Then you can reset and go from there! Be sure to not leave us hanging!

Interestingly though, I can walk in to any of our local uniform shops and simply purchase a uniform...or just the patches...and no one asks for proof of licensure.

Sounds like you are looking at a simplified START? That may be the best that you can do in such a short time and I feel for you. I do like the one suggestion of, can they simply call you (or the medic on duty) to clarify. That way, someone can make an informed decision.

Medic girl...as mentioned above...sometimes it not what but the where AND the how. I thought the same and found a position as a paramedic in an outpatient clinic and this has my name written all over it. Unfortunately, only you can answer the questions you ask...but know that you aren't alone out there.

Welcome, Brian! Jump on in to the deep end. The water is just fine!

Getting the textbook early isn't a bad thing...but please know that some of the textbooks are lacking. Take time to research what you read in your text books to get a good feel for "what is".

Dfib...flattery will get you everywhere!

Ditto to all that. I became an ECA at 40(ish), a Basic two years later, an intermediate two years later and then a Paramedic a year after that. You do the math. I have now been a paramedic for about 2.5 years...2 in the field and the last 1/2 in an outpatient clinical setting. There are so many things (I think) that we can do! The only thing that can hold you back is yourself. My only piece of advice is to not accept any one person's word for anything. Do the research...understand the why. Toni

Dfib - you are a doll and thank you for those kind words. Dwayne - bite me. (ha ha) Not too good for you at all! Just absolutely exhausted at the end of each of my days. My pedometer indicates about 4.5 miles average each day and my muscles swear it more than that! ha ha Hanna - join in the banter. It is like one big family around here!

Not in Utah...but I teach an EMT Basic course...so holler if you have questions!

Welcome! Dwayne is right...we can always use some fresh blood...um...I mean...perspective! Toni

All of my employers have required AHA...

State of Texas doesn't recognize 99 - so it's AEMT (or the old 85) for you. I recommend taking the NR at this point if you can...it will most definitely set you up for the paramedic piece not to mention your added benefit of more $$. Toni

First Medical Response is now hiring Full Time EMT- B, EMT-I, Paramedics for 24/48 - 24/12/12 - 12/12/24 - 10hr Units. We are also hiring PT Wheelchair Van driver and PT Dispatcher. DSHS EMS Certification Required - ALL ACLS Required (Available in house) - Paramedic BLS Required (Available in house) - All PALS Recommended for Paramedics PHTLS Recommended for Paramedics Please e-mail resume to employment.fmr@att.net. Toni

I am unaware of any written standard and have been working EMS standby events for 8 years now. I have seen some with overkill and others that would have been better served with more staff. Mostly, it lies in what the event can afford vs. what insurance demands vs. history and how much the local system has been drained in the past. Sometimes, you just don't know until the event has occurred for a few years. Toni

Interesting post here. I have managed to make it through all the levels in just about 2 year increments, starting with ECA. Back then, I didn't refer to myself at all and hoped that no one referred to me. A little timid and shy in my newness as a first responder. When I became a EMT-B, I would call myself a Basic...but I would hear others call me a medic. Since there was never anything official, I tried to figure it out in my head. A "medic" is one who provides medical care to a patient, so it made sense, but I never felt comfortable. Also, EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician...and there is "medic" once again. Once I made the leap to Paramedic, then I felt comfortable in my skin about calling myself medic. But that is me. I guess my point here is that I don't take it personally if someone calls me a medic...or my EMT partner a medic because I truly don't believe they use that to differentiate. I think it's a word to define patient care. If someone wants to know my capabilities...they will ask if I am a paramedic or they, hopefully, will be looking at my patch/badge. Toni (For the record...I don't like the term "ambulance driver" because, in the system where I worked, I hardly ever drove! I would proudly say, "No, I'm your flight attendant...and that is your pilot! I'm sorry to say that the inflight movie and beverage service have been cancelled for this trip.")

Did you actually have state licensure at 16? Welcome to the city, Shelby! I wish I had some fantastic insight for you but, sadly, not so much. If this is what you want to do, don't give up. You mentioned local hospitals not hiring techs but what about doctor's offices or clinics? Nursing homes? Special events places? PPD or other drug testing places? Toni

Checking in. Loving the new job. Learning much and getting to see different types of patients. In one week we had 2 autistic and one Down syndrome/schizophrenic/multiple personalty patients. Today's special patient suffers from Cycstic Fibrosis. As I am coming across each of these special patients, I am taking time to do a little reading to refresh my memory from school. Also, many...many more drug in my tool box. MUCH more to learn!!! (Oh...and sleeping in my own bed every night...kind of nice!)

Funny. I started to post, "If this old gal can pass it...anyone can!"