uglyEMT

Carry two per rig. One always on the cot the second on the crew bench held down with a seat belt. We usually switch them out at the ED if they are particularly bad, ie bloody, but if they are not that bad we pull the cloth pillow case disinfect the plastic and put a new pillow case on.

Hey guys. Yes we are looking at the multi-plex system. PL takes away the touch screen version and opts for a regular switch style butr each switch can run different things with either a toggle switch or rotator switch to set the "level" of the keys. In our rigs currently we have one with old style rockers and one with a multi-plex style. While its nice to have less switches with the multi-plex training new recruits is sometimes a pain. We have it set up as the "top" layer is all the emergency lights, second layer is all the scene lighting, and the final layer is just some random stuff like self tests and diagnositcs. Basically set up very well, like scene lighting being on the seond level due to the infrequent use or non priority use. its ok to take a few seconds to remember where it all is. Our switches have the "top" layer imprinted on them with the secondary and tertiary labeled on the side next to the switch. Right now our big concern is the actual platform, the rest is just details. I just happened to mention the top of the line they sent us with every bell and whistle as I couldn't believe how advanced things are getting. I made the joke about needing an aerospace degree just to sit in the rig LOL I get that as technology improves so do we but some of it seemed more suited for a nurses station with multiple patients then the back of a rig. OK it was nice to see an ECG display right from the LP12 so all in the rig know whats going on but honestly, it only takes me a second to move my head to read the LP's display. Horton again canceled so whenever they decide to show I will post an update otherwise so far so good. I will keep you all posted.

Dr. Michio Kaku His Website He is an awsome scientist. Both these guys make science fun for folks thus making them interested in abstract concepts but in an easily understood manner. Reminds me of Carl Sagan.

I guess from what I have in the few minutes the pt was packaged had me jaded. I figured a little "I'm the best of the best." swagger was there but didnt realize more beyond the personal involvement on scene. I will state I have never met one outside of an EMS scene so I do have limited experience. I also guess that the job websites or information pages from the local Flight Medivac in my area painted a rosie picture. For that I digress. In every field we have them so I was nieve to think it wasn't there either. Getting back to Gin. I understand what you ment. As I got into this field in my 30s as well, sometimes we search for the words to describe what is in our heads. The unknown is as you said what your looking for. Thats the best way of describing it. The fact that from day to day you will be experiencing new things, its dynamic not static. Thats what you are looking for. For that EMS is perfect, even in a transfer position, things will change daily. EMS is a great field. I fell in love with it after my first ride along. I love the challenge of pushing yourself and also knowing that every time we are called we are making a difference in someone's life. Even if it is just a shoulder to cry on, put a bandaid on a 2 yr old knee, talk with a lonely elderly patient that just lost their partner, doesn't matter at that point you are making a difference to them. Yes when the tones drop your heart rate goes up, the adreline kicks in, and you feel a physiological change. Its natural. It happens. So does the dry spells, the times when you wish you had a call. Its all part of the industry. Again EMS is a great field to be in. You definatly know how to handle stress and you have life experience. All of which will make you a great EMT. Just don't get into it for the wrong reasons.

Gin someone once told me a great lesson to be learned from a job in this field. EMS is 95% Boredom with 5% Oh Shit most of the time. Don't take offense to what folks are telling you here. I had my bottom spanked a few times when I first joined (Dwayne, AK and Dust especially). I basically gave the finger to them and wanted to walk away. One day I sat down and really read what everyone was trying to tell me. They were helping me grow and become a better provider. It their emergency not ours. We have to be the rock by which everyone else gauges the situation. If we are all Mel Gibson on scene it will deteriorate very quickly around us. If we are stoic and unemotional things seem to calm down and we get our job done. Fine after the call go punch a rig, ball your eyes out, curse the gods whatever you feel you need to do. But during the call its 100% Joe Cool. We learn to compartmentalize things. Like a light switch we go from clowning around with a partner to Joe EMT back to clowning around. It does take a toll BUT it has many rewards. What is amazing is the fact its not the calls you think will be the emotional ones its the one that sneaks up one you or even a routine transfer type call. Check the threads you will read many stories of the ones that struck a person. Myself included. As far as Flight Medic or nurse. In my area they are extremely hard to come by. Usually need air medic military or LEO experience. The program is ment to weed out the adrenline seekers and usually the folks that are on the bird are the most professional, Cool Hand Luke, folks I have ever met. It is usually years before these folks made it on a bird and that was usually after their life experience and either doing alot of ER time or becoming a nurse themselves. Its not something you just apply for or go to school for. You basically have to earn your way in. As it pertains to SWAT. Again samething here applies. Most are seasoned LEO or ex-military and transitioned to medic by taking the program but ina ll are still trained law enforcement officials. In the local dept in my area the SWAT medic was on the team for 3 years before becoming a medic and before that he was on the force close to 5 or 6 years. In the next team over the medic was 15 years Army medic with alot of combat time before joining the force, then after that a few years regular LEO before being asked to the team. Again its not something applied for or taught its earned. I am not trying to discourage you from persuing EMS. By all means join the ranks. Go to school get your B liscense and ride, see what it is really like out on the streets. Apply to school and go for your AAS or Cert and become a Medic and become the best Medic you can be. Hell after Medic go for your NP or RN and finally make a paycheck. You like training you said, with all the CEUs that you need to keep your liscense current there is no shortage of it. Even if your State liscensure only requires X amount of credits doesn't mean you can't do more. Go to confrences, attend lectures, write, publish, be a guest speaker it is all in the cards if you push yourself to be the best Medic you can be. Hopefully some of what I said helps and helps you in your decision. One thing I have learned in the few years I have been here and as an EMT... I should have done it sooner!!!

Ok well I am not going near the spelling and grammar thing. I will answer some of the questions though as my uncle wore one for several weeks. Yes you are correct. It is an external AED unit that is worn like a vest. It works very well actually. The one my uncle had actaully had the pads placed in the correct locations and the unit was self run. Basically grab the AED off your rig, attach the leads turn it on and wear it around. It does give off an audible warning, so bystandards coming to help don't look like Frankenstien's Bride. No you can not get it wet, he had to remove it for showers and baths. Also HAD to make sure to wear a proper rain coat during rainy days!! Yes apparently thay are that hyrophobic. I believe there was a safety mechanism like a circuit breaker that would cut the unit if it got too moist. Now as to effectiveness, thankfully it never went off on him so I don't have that first hand expereince. But from what I heard from the doctor it was as effective as any other AED on the market. It senses a shockable rhythm and does its thing. They are usually only worn until a pacemaker or internal defib can be installed surgically. In my uncles case it was about 3 weeks before his surgery. He needed a pacemaker but his Doctor felt the surgery could be scheduled and not an emergency operation. So he was given the "vest" just in case somethng happened before surgery. Also if memory serves me correctly he was getting over an infection thus another reason to hold off the surgery. These are not really "permanant" solutions. I guess they can be in certain instances but from what i have heard around and from what i have read they are a temporary thing. From the little instruction tag on his, was bright orange inside the vest, it stated that the plugs can be connected to EMS AED units directly. Basically I assumed that when we get there we undo the vest grab the lead plug and hook to our unit and run it that way. Now being I am not completly familiar with an LP12 I dont know if they have that provision thus I would assume in that case you would undo the lead, rip the pads off, and do your thing with the paddles. Good question to ask because I think we will start to see more and more of these on patient's awaiting surgery and having an unfortunate incident before hand.

Thanks for the heads up Richard. Unfortunatly I will be out of state during that show. Wish I wasn't but I am. Here is an update thus far. I know they come few and far between but as some may know its a long process. Right now we are in the chassis stage, just the basic platform, dimentions and the like. We spoke with PL Customs (thanks for the heads up from the poster that reccomended them) They are really a professional bunch. They brought a demo rig with them and some techs. As we were given the sales pitch while looking in the spaceship errr rig(ok when did touch screens and bluetooth start showing up in rigs LOL) the techs were measuring our old rig and also our bay. They took all the dimentions and did there thing. We came up with one of their F350 chassis and a custom sized 150" box. It is based on their "Standard III" series of rigs. Seems to fit the bill. In about 10 to 14 days from now we should be getting actual blueprints (generic interior) to show our Corp. In two weeks Horton will be coming over and doing the same (moved the demo day back 3 times already so I am not holding my breath) that way we can compare between the two and be able to better notify our Corp of the information. Still looking for a third company but from what we have found out through the town administrator as long as we stay below the budget cap they will offer (still haven't found out, guess they want to see what numbers we come up with) it can be our decision. Have to admit this is a daunting task. The 4 of us have spent numerous nights pouring over plans, napkin sketches, coffee and the like just brain storming. What we have done is hash out an outline of steps to follow. That way we dont get overwhelmed at any one step and it helps the Corp in general see the direction we would like to go and they can discuss changes with us and vote on everything each step of the way. That way we all get something we want, I know we can't please everyone with everything but at least the comprises we come to will be agreed upon by the majority of folks. We are starting with the chassis and box size. Followed by layout, we are thinking exterior first, interior next (apperently PL has several configurations for both as does Horton) The third step will be drivers compartment laying out the gauges, switch type, switch positions, radio positions, ect (again here there are numerous choices). It is the drivers compartment where I think we will have a few snags. We have several "steady" drivers, that is memebers that are EMTs but are close to retirement that they mostly just drive so their input will be needed more then others. BTW those full function multilayered touch screens look awsome but I don't see it happening, I can't picture fumbling with them to pull up the right layer while running L&S somewhere. In the back maybe, PL had a nice multifunction display screen. It can show ECG, pulse ox, ect and relay to the ED via Bluetooth while also being seen by all (except pt). Then switch the screen and see your M tank levels, suction psi, ect. Finally hit another button and the sceen does a split screen so everything is sceen. OK probably wont happen due to cost but it did look cool though. Even the front one looked cool, did everything from engine diag, navigation, light control, patient status, and had some programable features as well. But like I said, seems way too much for the drivers compartment. Ok I am getting ahead of myself but as you see there are things we see in demos and brochures that I have been thinking ahead and trying to think of problems before we get there. I think with our step by step guide and keeping to it we will get through realitvely sane. I will keep everyone posted.

Stripper, call girl, prostitute, hooker, however you want to say it.

We Americans live in a nation where the medical-care system is second to none in the world, unless you count maybe 25 or 30 little scuzzball countries like Scotland that we could vaporize in seconds if we felt like it. - Dave Barry Thought it was kinda funny

Could it be Long QT Syndrome? I am definatly not an expert but started learning EKG a little while ago.

No problem. Whats funny is I used the scenarios from real life as well LOL Pedi MCI at a school for the deaf is good. Never would have thought about that one. I was thinking of a really wacko one. One that would likely never happen ever but would test everyone to their breaking point. Kind of like wrapping several disaster movie scenes into one. Chemical train has an accident. Responders go there. While triaging an explosion happens now a cloud of toxic fumes heads twords town. In the immediate area is a nursing home and a school. Before evac happens folks become ill. After evacing the patients out of harms way at the landing zone for the medivac flights you have a mishap that sends a copter to the ground. So in this scenario you have the following elements: Hazmat Situation with MCI One set of responders taken out during triage An evacuation with limited responders Emotional toll from the elderly and children Dealing with patients of all ages Finally another accident that takes out more responders Emotion of dealing with loss of co-workers All this while dealing with dwindling resources and alot of different age groups, symptoms, injuries, distances and emotions. I know its totally unreal and possibly never happen but figure it would make for one hell of a MCI scenario

Try a small plane crash. One of those tiny commuter or private jet ones. 3 to 5 people on board. Overshot the runway and landing gear collapsed causing the plane to roll. MVAs are always nice. See if you can get a local junkyard to donate a few cars, have the local FD beat the crap out of them real good. After that add patients, high school kids are good ones. Good multi agency practice and a PSA for the kids. One I was recently part of. MVA involving an ambulance. Rig has a patient onboard. So now besides dealing with injuries from the MVA you are also dealing with whatever the original patient has and your throwing ina good dose of emotional trauma because you have a few of your own to treat. I'll think of more later but got those out for now.

Good ones Happiness

All excellent posts so far. Definatly check to see if the companies are certified in your location. As far as differences between online and inclass depends on the CEU. I took my CBRNE, Haz-Mat, ICS 100 and 200 online most of those CEUs is strictly book learning, nothing really hands on so online is sufficent. Now if your looking at more in depth CEU's where hands on would be a benifit then go to class. In my area my State Dept of Health issues classes and online CEUs directly from them so I know they are certified. The online course catalog is pretty basic and is ment to be able to have you learn outside the classroom most of the book work then move into a classroom if hands on is required. Just like the ICS 100 and 200 delt with the basic structure and layout, same as a book, but for 400 500 and 700 its all classroom as they deal in scenarios and hands on. Instead of the course being several days longer because of learning the book work who handle it then transition into hands on. Another thing to consider is your own personal learning style. Some folks are great at book learning other hands on. Get a feel for an online course, take a simple one, maybe a free one thats just 1 ceu so if it doesn't work out for you you didn't loose out alot in time or money. Just to see if its your cup of tea or not.

Well then I feel this issue must be addressed to either a crew cheif, lieutenant, captain or if your service has it human resources. If the problems actually involve patient care or miscare and /or falsifying documents then you; being the partner, are also liable so I would do whatever it takes to make the issues known. No, I don't mean shout it from the rooftops but inform a higher up in the chain of command. You are your patient's advocate so anything done to deter this, in my opinion, is failing your profession. Also your liscense could be at risk. If the documentation issues come to light the board can suspend or revoke your liscense. Think to yourself if this person is worth your profession. I know he / she wouldn't be in my book. I know its hard sometimes to take the stand or call someone out but in this case if all routes were followed and still there is a major issue then do what needs to be done. Hope everything works out OK. edit for spell check

I had a similar situation in my Squad. I did not feel comfortable with my partner at the time. The way I handled it was by first talking with my partner and trying to resolve our issues privately. When this didn't work my next step was my crew chief. While not going into much detail with the crew chief, other then a voice of concern, I had given my side of the dynamic. Then the crew chief talked with my partner individually in private. After this meeting it went to the grievance committee and they recommended a partner change. I got my new partner and for the past year and a half I have been very comfortable. We have built a very good working relationship and we are both happy. My old partner eventually left the squad, not forced out but after realizing that EMS was not in the cards. By doing it the way I did I felt I gave this person every opportunity to change their ways on their own but when that eventually failed I followed the proper channels that would cause the least amount of drama within the ranks but also preserve myself amongst my peers as a fair and just person with great integrity. Hopefully your organization has such channels to follow that will allow you to be civil and above board when dealing with this matter. I hope this helps. edited for script tag issues. no context changes made.

Awww thank you HEHEHEHE Its all in good fun Squint

OK So if your a Redneck and get the Canadian jokes whats that make ya eh?

NICE!!

LOL looking at that picture all I hear in my head is the announcer from Major League.... "Juuuuust a bit outside!"