JakeEMTP

In all honesty, if you're sick of EMS at the ripe old age of 18, I wonder if you should return to medic classes at all. I mean, you haven't even done any EMS yet and your sick of it? :? If I were you, I would seriously consider another educational stream.

ccmedoc, Here is a link to one of the programmes in NC that has the bridge to AAS degree. http://www.gaston.cc.nc.us/programs/emsbridge/index.html All of them are similar and you can view them at http://www.ncems.org/Education/training.htm I hope this information is helpful to you.

As I understand it, they are giving 40 hr's credit with a paramedic credential leaving 35 hr's remaining. I will have to check on the cirirculum, but I will post it as soon as I find out. NC is a non-NR State, so no, it isn't a pre-requisite. I'm glad to see other area's have this option. 8)

I like cake. After looking at the photo of the cake, I had a flashback to a much earlier time in my life. However, I subscribe to Lone Stars theory and will refrain from sharing at this time. After all, we are a professional group here.

In regards to the " What is holding EMS in the USA back " thread, the general consensus is education. A line of thinking I subscribe too by the way. I was talking to my partner and the subject of education came up ( yet again ). He has been a paramedic for 15 years, always attends con-ed and keeps up with new advancements in EMS. The college here is offering a bridge programme for currently certified or licensed paramedics to a AAS degreed paramedic, which he will be attending in the fall. This will consist of 2 semesters instead of 4. I personally think it is a great idea and he will be a better medic for it IMHO. For the paramedics out there who do not have a degree and in keeping with the theme of a minimum level of associates degree for entry to EMS, would you be willing to attend such a programme? Is it even offered in your area?

Wow! What a tragedy. Whacker deserved every second of that sentence. Kudos to the judge for having a set and not granting probation.

My missus works in the OR at the hospital we take our patients too. We very rarely discuss work at home. There have been occasions when I might query about a patient we brought in and if she got them in the OR. Then we might discuss it somewhat. Other than that, work is work, home is home. Two completely different things and we like it that way. Besides, she works nights and I work days or 24's. We have a lot to catch up on when we meet up. :wink: Irregardless ( sorry Dwayne, I had to work it in somehow ), She really couldn't care less about EMS. My offers for her to come for a ride-along have been repeatedly declined with thanks.

Picked up a fine member of society on the weekend who was involved in a " altercation " and had a obvious lower leg deformity. He said " Hey Man, don't cut my britches, I ain't got no drawers on ". I just chuckled to myself and carried on. I could hear my partner laughing up front.

You are not stupid. You are being exposed to brand new material. Yes, it is indepth, but you really wouldn't want it any other way would you? You just have to study your tail off to understand the material. Get a tutor if you need too. It is all overwhelming at the beginning, however you will soon begin to grasp what is going on. It is imperative that you understand the pathophysiology. It will help you when you begin pharmacology. Don't take this the wrong way. This is why some of the more experienced providers here advocate have A & P prior to beginning medic classes. It just makes it easier to comprehend what is going on. I have faith in you. Don't give up, you'll get it. It's just going to take a lot of work on your part. But you knew that already. Good Luck and keep posting! :thumbright:

I now have a headache, but I think I got the jest. It seems as if all the good citizens were outside watching the events unfold, surely they would have let him use their bathroom, I know I would have. I would not stand post waiting for someone trying to avoid LEOs to suddenly appear in front of me. That's just crazy. However, you were put in such a position and it is really petty of your partner and your dept to even make this an issue. I propose the next time this happens, all personnel should have a folly catheter inserted, problem solved.

endotracheal

knight

calcium

We have on a very few occasions utilised a FF to drive us in. I have never heard of a EMT driving with a FF and a medic in the back. :?

Thanks for the insight Mike. I'm sure most Philly medics are more than capable and no slam was intended to the providers. That was not why I posted the article. More to show a system flawed. I am trying to understand why a system was allowed to progress to such a state of disrepair and your info is appreciated. Perhaps, if EMS was separate from the FD the situation could improve. Maybe I'm a optimist. I know IAFF would never let it happen.

Welcome to EMT City Vicki. As you know, it takes very little time to start an IV. I'm not sure what benefit would come from 1st responders starting them. Do you function as a flight nurse under the medical director? I only ask because the flight service here has a different Medical director than the rest of us. If the former is true than I would think you could start one provided your Dept is designated as Medical 1st responders and not just Fire. ( just a thought, I don't know for sure ). Nurses here cannot function on an ambulance as a RN. They have to be certified at the appropriate EMT ( I hate the "T" thing )level to do so. The alternative of course is to become EMS based fire suppression. Than you can function at the paramedic level. :wink:

I read this article with disbelief. How is it possible that this could happen? I realise it was New Years eve, but still. Good thing the first responding Engine co. showed up. :roll: Another to add to the list of places not to visit. http://www.ems1.com/products/vehicles/articles/331538/

Did you use both crew members to hold the stretcher? One person on each side of the stretcher = 1/2 the weight one has to hold. Work smarter, not harder.

You mean like Acid Base in the Brady book? :roll: I found a great simplified explanation of alkalosis/acidosis that put it perfectly since the Brady explanation left me with a " deer in the headlight" look. Then I was able to understand the lectures better. Here it is, sorry for the temporary hijack. I thought Kuo might find it useful also. http://docushare.harford.edu/dsweb/Get/Ren...00174/index.htm

Excellent choice of music Firedoc! :thumbleft: Except for Men at Work and Frankie . Just a bit to " limp wristed " for me.

:shock:

The majority of the patients we transport are black, just demographics. If they hurt, they will get some pain relief from me. It doesn't matter to me what colour a person's skin is, I will treat them the same way. In the article the writer states that patient's aren't receiving Oxycodone or Morphine for kidney stones. I wonder if they are getting Torodol though. From personal experience, I'll take the Torodol before Morphine anyday.

Well Done Greater Sudbury Emergency Services! =D> As I don't exchange gifts at Christmas since I feel it far to commericalised, this is a fine example of what the Christmas is all about. The story made me feel warm all over.

Well done Beth! I see you are in NC too ( at least that is the NC flag you're flying ). Are you taking your State exam in Castle Hayne? I'm taking the medic exam there on the 18th also.

Of course we do. See rule # 32 .