tcripp

In case I miss your actual move, Welcome to Texas! To what part of Texas are you looking at moving? In case you haven't seen it, it's pretty big. Unless there is a special circumstance, we work off of our class C driver's license. So, you might check with the individual services you are interested in. Where is a good place to work? That really depends on you and your desires. Each service is VERY different, so it depends on what peaks your interest. The more rural you go, the better you will find a service that is Paramedic/EMT where you, as an EMT, can truly work your skills. (Actually, that were both partners get a chance to practice what they've learned.) I'm a paramedic in a rural area with very aggressive protocols which include STEMI (heparin/plavix/metaprolol) and RSI. It's not unheard of to work a patient for 1-1.5 hours because we couldn't get a helicopter to fly. Of course, call volume is lower than what you might find in Austin/Houston/Dallas/San Antonio proper. Of course, they may have less aggresive protocols and shorter transfer times simply because they have all the big hospitals on every corner. And, they usually don't have many EMTs on the truck...they are dual paramedic. It's not difficult to get reciprocity for your NR. As spenac said, go to the Texas DSHS EMS website for more information.

Bravo! Bravo!

Do a search online for "National Registry pass rates" for other states. I don't know if they exist or not. For Texas, they are on the DSHS web page at the following addresses: .dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/JF09NatRegTXPass.pdf .dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/JF10NatRegistryNumbers.pdf Add the www in front. I'm removing it in hopes that it will quit being trunkated. Now, as to Austin Community College's ranking...I don't know where I saw that posted. Spenac provided to you links to an online program to which I am affiliated. That link is www.percomonline.com. As to accreditation, they are currently working on that at this time. I hope this helps.

Welcome! I think it's great that you are considering a position in this field and am impressed that you are doing a little research before you make the big leap. I started out as a first responder and have had the fantastic opportunity to work up the different levels which, I believe, has given me a fairly good vantage point. I recently graduated and am now working for a rural 911 service...which I really like. To answer your questions: Some of the desires I think I would satisfy by working in EMS are: I want to feel like I'm making an impact in my community. I want to be challenged physically, mentally & emotionally. I would enjoy navigating chaos with a team while everyone else is running away. I want my work to feel "real," which is really a relative term to the work I'm doing now, which certainly does not feel "real" to me. So a few questions for the seasoned EMS workers around here… 1. What aspects of being an EMT/Paramedic are you most passionate about? Are they the same things you THOUGHT you'd be passionate about when you started? I like that I have an opportunity to make a difference for someone who is in need. I don't have any misgivings about saving lives, but rather believe that even if I am holding the hand of the person who will die regardless of what I do...then I have made a small difference along the way. It may be for them or for their loved one. Even on a "simple" transfer, the thanks I get for my compassion is what makes it good. So far, it's what I expected when I started. 2. If you changed careers- do you regret leaving your "stable" job for something more tumultuous? Was working in EMS as rewarding as you had hoped it would be? I not only changed careers, but I went back to school at the ripe ol' age of 43. In a few short weeks, I will be 46. Even with the 48 hour shifts...I have no regrets. I get in there and do the best I can and, if my best comes up a little short, I do more studying and research so coming up short doesn't happen again. Rewarding? Yes, so far. 3. Do a lot of people burn out? Can't speak to that...I see too many junkies. (I'm referring to trauma junkies who thrive on this business.) 4. For the married folk out there- how has working in EMS challenged or strengthened your marriage? My husband and I are not trying to have kids anytime soon, but I imagine things will still change if I'm switching into such a demanding line of work. I'm married with a grown daughter...so I don't have to worry about the kid part. But, it is challenging to maintain a work-life balance. But, it can be done. You just learn early on what the expectations are and that the job is just what it is...emergency medical services. This means that in addition to my regular shift, I'm required to work a certain number of extra shifts as vacancies demand and that if there is any kind of disaster that I could be called in at a moments notice. Of course, I have a wonderful spouse who wants me to do what makes me happy. This makes me happy. I just make sure that, if at all possible, I don't work weekends if I don't have to so that he and I can be together...and then we maximize what other time we do have. 5. Am I crazy? Someone wrote above "no, you aren't crazy". I think that you have to be a little crazy...and that is totally okay! I started out as a first responder doing volunteer work for special events. As time progressed, I took a paid position doing transfers and special events. There finally came a point when I decided that I would make the final step and become a paramedic. No regrets. I'm tired when I get off shift...that's certain. But, no regrets. If you have any questions you'd like to take offline, feel free to holler. toni_crippen@suddenlink.net Toni

I took the Instructor course with Percom and was very pleased in my experience. During that time, I found Jane to be very fair. If something didn't fit her expectation, it was returned with explanation and I would have the opportunity to redo the assignment until it met standards. At the completion of the program, I passed both her final as well as the State Licensure Exam - first time. To me, that speaks volume to any program. Now, for my disclaimer, I have continued my relationship with Percom and have been interning as an instructor with Jane (mostly grading papers and running scenarios in chat rooms). When we see that someone may not be right on the mark, assignments here also get returned so that the student can take a second stab at it. Ultimately, we want to make sure you get the most out of your education. I'm working on becoming a lead instructor and am very pleased with my association. If you choose this route, I think you will be please with this program. Toni

Talk about a wide open topic. You are essentially asking about every program that exists. Interesting approach. Have you thought about where you want to work when you are done to help narrow down the field? I can only speak to Texas (which, yes, is in the south) but think that maybe what I have to say might hold true to other states. In Texas, we all have to do our final testing through National Registry. So, to help to determine the better program, I recommend you do a search online for National Registry pass rates. For Texas, 2008, the link is http://www.dshs.stat...atRegTXPass.pdf. For 2009 - http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/JF10NatRegistryNumbers.pdf. From there, you can start asking questions about specific programs. I graduated from Austin CC which has had a 100% pass rate for many, many years and, as I understand it is ranked fairly high in the top 10 list of programs. I chose it for that reason. It was a tough course that takes 4-5 semesters with a 3-part final. One of those three parts (the drug calculation part) required 100 to pass. The only downside to this particular program is that, IMHO, it focused more on city response and not quite so much on rural response. Since I am now working full time with a 911-service in a rural area, I'm having to continue my education...but I'm sure that we all have to do that as we graduate. Good luck in your fact finding and decision making...and then in the program you choose.

Very interesting question. I started to read the posts from others but decided that that might skew my response. Without being able to cite for or against religion, I feel that this one is difficult to answer, but you did use the word "wholly". I like to believe that there are two parts to the whole...the body and the soul. At the point of death, the body is nothing more than the vessel and that is what we bury or cremate. The soul moves on. Now, I do believe in Heaven and Hell, but my idea of Hell is not fire and brimstone, but rather the lack of moving on...these souls are recycled. I believe in the possibility of reincarnation and that souls keep coming back until they (we) get it right. Once we get it right, then I believe in the biblical definition of Heaven - all the rewards and such. This is where I see my lost loved ones when I think of them. You know, "Pappy is out fishing with Uncle Troy" or "Mimi is cooking for everyone and not having to do a single dish...cuz that's what she'd like to be doing". I'm not sure about bright lights and such, but I don't discount any of that...there is, I'm sure, some way of notifying the soul of which direction it needs to be going. :-) The only thing that I know for certain is that if I were to be taken from this world tomorrow, I have been blessed. My husband and daughter, my family, my friends and the ability to work in many different fields in both paid and volunteer positions. There have been bumps along the way, but everyone of them has made be a much better person. I have been blessed.

I guess that depends on what state you are in. In the State of Texas, it is a law...not a request. Texas Transportation Code - Section 545.156. Vehicle Approached By Authorized Emergency Vehicle § 545.156. VEHICLE APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. (a) On the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, or of a police vehicle lawfully using only an audible signal, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall: (1) yield the right-of-way; (2) immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection; and (3) stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Not to mention, the patient who is being rushed to the hospital for definitive life saving care, appreciates your courtesy in allowing the ambulance to pass.

I'm game if you want to do by email. What level are you in school for? What type of scenario(s) are you seeking? Email me at toni_crippen@suddenlink.net. Toni

I happen to think this isn't a bad idea at all. So many of our kids don't really know what they want to do when they grow up that this could help them to see what is out there especially if it is represented well. This would be great for many types of jobs out there. The other positive thing I see coming out of a documentary like this is for those...like me...who have a mid-life career change and aren't sure if they can do this. I see posts all the time from people wanting to know "do you think I can do this...because I'm not so sure". I hope this project works out.

Toby, I'd be more than happy to converse with you. A little about myself...I'm 45 and just finished the paramedic program and now have a full time position in a rural setting, in addition to teaching on the side...AND I LOVE IT. My past life? I coordinated and managed special events for corporations. Send me a PM. Look forward to hearing from you. Toni (aka tcripp)

Not sure where you live, but most hospitals that I am familiar with hire EMTs as techs.

What a GREAT story. On my first day of my first job as a medic, the first call was an MVC...truck vs. school bus with 17 children on board of all ages. At the end of the call, as the majority of the children were being moved to another bus, a 6 year old boy told me, "When I grow up, I want to be a paramedic!" The 5 year old girl next to him stated, "When I grow up, I want to be a paraNedic, too!" Wouldn't that be cool, in years to come, if I could see that come to fruition? Thanks again for the clip.

Sending good juju your way!

Well, then, there are several studies out there that elude to the use of continuous A+A neb treatments...so it's not far-fetched. But, like you, I'd like to hear what others have to say.

Are you sure your continuous neb includes the iprotropium bromide and is not just albuterol? If so, then wouldn't it be like anything else? Your protocols are there to allow you to do what you need, but you still need to monitor your patient and withhold or change treatments as necessary. It's a fine art...

I started a game with you which you've since declined. Let me know if you change your mind about wanting to play...

I have to ask. Are you sure he's not pulling your leg?

I just learned that you can vote every day until the contest is closed. It does not limit you to one vote!

Good chuckle for a Wednesday morning. Thanks!

It's because they mail out their queries instead of making a phone call. If your references aren't comfortable, provide what information they are comfortable in giving. I usually only provide a phone number and, at best, an email address. Just make sure your phone numbers are correct.

I won't take any of this wrong if you won't take my response as being defensive. Just because I don't know which resources are regarded as good or better by my peers doesn't mean that I didn't get a good advanced airway education. I've had hands on practice with "live" patients at least 2 dozen times. I've totally lost count on sim man and his amputated cousins (manniquin heads). I simply feel that when it comes to the specific aspects of rapid sequence intubation (pushing the drugs)...well, I want to get as much additional education as I possibly can. I don't feel like I am beign set up to fail by any means. I just don't want to leave it up to someone else to make sure I know what I need to know when I can be going the extra step to get there. I hope this explains my intent. And I do hope to use you all to clarify questions that I might have as I go. Thanks for the additional comments. Not sure about confident or not. It's just the drugs I want to understand better.

I know how to Google. I'm looking for personal recommendations. Thanks any way. Thanks. This sure beats blind searches not to mention the less than 2 pages in my text.

In school, we touched on the concept of RSI but never went over procedures, drugs, etc. in depth. In my service, RSI is in our protocols and, since we are rural, the potential for use is very good. I'm looking for good sources (book, powerpoint slides, online class, etc) so that I can ensure I know as much as I can about the procedure before my first time. Any help anyone can provide is more than appreciated. Toni

If the position posted has a salary stated, then I will write, "as posted". They obviously have a pay structure that I can't change. If there is no salary listed, then I will put "negotiable". If there is no salary listed and the application is online and will only accept a numeric value, then I do some research on average salaries for that position in that area. I typically will post just a little higher than the average. I have found, especially in the corporate world, that they tend to offer just a little less than you ask. Just be sure to know what your minimal salary acceptance level is. This way, if they offer much lower than you are willing to accept, it'll be easier to say, "no thank you".