JakeEMTP

Most EMS services are not EMS based Fire suppression systems, at least the good ones aren't. No one is immune from cuts when it comes to Gov't cost cutting. If there is a shortage of funds, they may decide they really don't need 8 FF's sitting around when 4 might suffice. Many dept's are now beginning or are already in a hiring freeze. Early retirement is being offered at some dept.'s. Coincidence? I think not.

To be honest, I really haven't given it too much thought. We are County based EMS and they do view it as a required service. Where I do foresee some cutbacks happening is in the FD. One FD here requested funds for a new engine and was denied. There was nothing wrong with the one they wanted to replace, it just want quite as shiny as the one the other FD had. I suppose it's possible there could be cut backs. I know we haven't hired any more personnel in a while. We could like everyone else, use a few more Medics. I do not however, anticipate the closure of any stations, although it is always a possibility. Those decisions are above my pay grade.

It's a southern thing and not meant to be condescending. I have witnessed a majority of my co-workers doing this. That and using Mr/Miss, then the pt.'s first name ie: "Mr. Jake" or "Miss Terri"

Agreed. That is the method I use. In an unrelated point, I used the KED to immobilise a 1 y/o/m with a head injury last night. Works beauty!

Matt offers you some excellent information. Another service you may want to consider is http://www.fcems.com/index.htm located in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County NC. Very high educational standards and you have to obtain NR to work there. Although the starting salary doesn't look to inviting, If I was to relocate from where I am in NC, this is where I would go. Good luck in your search. Come to NC, we'd love to have ya' here.

ROFL! No further explanation required! Science be damned! " Want to see my new light bar?"

As stated by the above posters, it is dependent on the State in question. I Know NC does a background check on everyone. They used to not even let you test without having a background check prior to your exam date when we filled out the bubble sheets. Now registration is done by computer so I'm not totally sure if it is done prior to testing or not. It is my understanding that you would not be able to be certified in NC if you have a felony conviction. The service I am employed by does a thorough background check. They even went as far as to ask Canada, where I'm originally from, for a criminal record search.

It wasn't to long Wendy. I read it. However, to go along with Reapers' suggestion, I won't comment in this thread until the 20 post requirement is met. Well, except for this one.

Before we joined the electronic age, we had a completely separate form for the narrative portion of a PCR. We/I were/was free to use as many of these forms as required to document what we/I thought was necessary. Now that we have the ePCRs', the room for a narrative is endless. I cannot fathom a supervisor saying you had too much information in your narrative. If it was redundant, then maybe, but from what you posted it all seems relevant. Keep up the good work.

Another Medivac helicopter crashed today killing 4 out of 5 on board. 3 crew members and 1 patient. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/28/medivac.crash/index.html My condolences to the family members of all involved.

Well, based on recent articles regarding FL and the state of EMS based fire suppression there, it could have easily been. Don't take the monkey medic thing to seriously. I saw it in a previous post and thought I'd use it. :wink:

No worries. That's my job. We are not to quick to judge. If ALL victims involved are not checked for a pulse, than that is negligence. That is exactly what happened here. Regardless of what your inside info is, these monkey medics should be fired and charged. There is no room for such incompetence in MY profession. As Ruffems said " Ma'am, Who do we write the check out to?"

Oh well then since it was only a foot, forgive me for overreacting. :roll:

Kudos Wendy! I'm glad you were able to pass their test. Not exactly sure how it equates to lifting a patient and stretcher, but you passed their requirements and that's all that matters. Oh, and welcome to EMS.

WTF? Florida is starting to make California look good never mind normal. I have to admit, when I read the title of this thread I said to myself, "Please don't let this be Collier county". Somebodies ass has to swing for this one. Nevermind, the IAFF will say it was just horseplay and they shouldn't be fired for that. Perhaps they should be placed on the engine instead of the ambulance as punishment :roll: . Who, in their right mind, takes an amputated leg to the station? I know I know, everybody can get their picture taken with it. What a bunch of losers. Love the Chiefs' comment of " Personally disturbing".

Nope, can't do it. :wink:

I agree Richard. I don't mind pay to cross bridges and enter tunnels. I do however, HATE being gouged by the MTA. Considering the amount of traffic that crosses the GW daily, and how long it has been standing, why are the rates some sky high? When I drove semi I used to go to Long Island frequently. $50.00 for the GW and $45.00 for the Throgs Neck. Oh and the Throgs Neck toll was both ways. I'm sure they can afford to let emergency vehicles have a free pass. At least they let me off Staten Island for free. Wait, what does that say?

I will not try to answer for Dwayne but knowing him as I do, his comment drips with sarcasm. The fact that a FF gets taken of the ambulance and put on a engine is not punishment. It is their ultimate goal.

Mike, I understand what you are saying. I guess what I meant was that I do see that I do make a difference. Hypoglycemic patients I can help. CHF pt.'s I can help. Respiratory emergencies I can help. Anaphylaxis I can help. While we can make a difference in the majority of our patients, the minority is what bothers me the most. I realise that we are not the be all and end all. That we are there to transport the patient to definitive care, but it is the short time we do see the pt.'s that we can make a difference. We all know the effects of the administration of D50 has on the hypoglycemic pt. Without it, most would indeed die. CPAP in the field. I have had a pt. who was making snoring respirations UOA, actually carry the O2 bag to the ambulance. The list of interventions we can do to render aid is minimal in the grand scheme of things. It's what we DO do with them that makes the difference. Maybe it's my newness to the field, but I feel we as paramedics can and do make a difference.

Once again I have to agree with Dr. Brian. I was doing some research for a class and this one pop up. http://www.ems1.com/research-reviews/artic...dence-based-EMS I have often wondered if what we do makes a difference. I agree that in serious trauma a "diesel bolus" is the best we can offer. Cardiac arrests' are what they are. Sometimes it goes well, but most of the time despite our best efforts, the outcome isn't a positive one. I believe I do make a difference for the majority of the patients' I come in contact with and will continue to think that way.

4cmk6, It appears the ball has been thrown into your court. Perhaps as a group we could write an article of how it really is instead of just bitching about it. What do you say group? Are we up to the challenge? We could write the article and submit it from " Concerned EMS Professionals".

Leave it, I'm a Atheist. Leave 1 heavily used " Jim Croce " Album.

I am taking an advanced airway class this upcoming wknd. I hope they introduce us to this.

I guess sedation wasn't in the cookbook recipe. RSI is a great tool if used correctly. Freakin morons should not be aloud near another pt. until serious remediation has been completed. :evil:

leave it, already taken the "All bran" challenge. get out of jail free card.