paramedicmike

Speaking of Squint where is he? Hope all is well with him.

And what site would that be? Care to explain what you mean by this?

Sorry to hear it's been such a rough road recently. We see people all the time who choose to ignore or deny their health condition. We see people all the time who refuse to take responsibility for themselves, their own health, their own well-being. Many times they get to leave the ER only to come back again for yet another exacerbation. The uncontrolled diabetics. The COPD-ers with a pack of cigs hanging out of their pocket or purse. The renal players who "missed" dialysis. Again. Hypertension players who don't take their meds. It catches up to them eventually. You numb yourself to it because if you fought with all of those patients you'd go insane with trying to keep up on people who don't care enough to care for themselves. We're all gonna die some day. If sick patients choose to ignore or deny the means to delay their own death, or at least ensure some semblance of quality of life leading up to their death, that's on them. I'll continue to act in good faith because that's the moral and ethical thing to do. But I'll recognize that if they aren't willing to step up and do their part there's only so much I can do without their help. We all got into medicine, EMS, nursing or whatever because, on some level, we believe that life is worth fighting for. We have a desire to improve the health status of those with whom we come into contact. Pretty much all of us here will fight tooth and nail to save the life of someone who needs our help. We will do so without prejudice, judgement or reservation. At times, especially prehospitally, we'll find ourselves in dangerous situations (despite our best efforts) to do so. However, there are limits as to what can be done. I feel worse for those who've done nothing to deserve their situation. Those folks will eat at me for days. I'll do what I can to distract myself. I'll run. Read. Blast music. Run some more. Distraction can help. You just have to find what works for you. For the chronic players, though, those who've had multiple chances to turn themselves around, to do something to improve their own situation, I don't feel as bad. I've learned to let it go. If this is really eating at you perhaps some professional help with a therapist/counselor who specializes in dealing with heath care providers is in order.

As 'Kat mentioned, anatomy is tough in that it is mostly rote memorization. Repetition and more repetition. Find a white board and draw it all out over and over and over and over again. Then do it again.

Welcome.

Does it have to be an EMS related degree? I just googled "paramedic to bachelors online" and got a variety of programs that may be worth exploring. I did not search for associates level programs but did see some options in my brief look around.

'Kat's got it.

What are your goals for going back to school? What end point, if any, are you trying to achieve? What research have you done of programs that could potentially cater to your needs? That's great you saw an ad for a program on an industry specific website is great and all but what other options exist? One of the complications of making the decision to go back to school, aside from actually making the decision to go back to school, is deciding what you want to study. And where. And when. And how. It's a lot to consider. There are many factors to weigh. And just because you found a place that may (or may not) cater to your needs/wants/desires doesn't automatically mean it's the right school for you. Don't let the process get you down or discourage you. As I mentioned academia is a different beast all unto itself. It's not a bad beast. It's just different from what you're used to. If you're not getting satisfaction from the institutions you've approached so far then keep looking. There are many programs, universities and options out there. Just find a reputable, accredited college or university (not one of the for-profit-take-your-student-loan-money-thankyouverymuch places) and go with it.

In that case don't expect the process to make sense. Formal academia is different from anything you've likely dealt with previously. Don't try to understand it. Just recognize that if this is really what you want there is a game to be played. Getting accepted is part of the game.

I'm still trying to figure out what "...other senior types..." means.

Glad you're doing well, Carl.

Who are you calling "old"?

Welcome back, 'Kat.

Welcome.

Condolences to family and friends.

Welcome.

Here, doc. For the next time... (disclaimer: I have no stake financially or otherwise in the company that makes this device.)

Airway and respiratory topics are broad and wide ranging. Perhaps you could narrow down what it is you're having trouble with. That would help us better help you.

Agree with wanting to know the above. Also: How tall is this 18 year old female? That tidal volume seems a little high. Is she coughing against the tube or otherwise bucking it? Has the tube been suctioned recently to ensure there's nothing blocking it? I think I'd like to increase the versed/fent combination. Let's start with a bolus of 5mg and 200mcg. Labs would be good if available, please. But I think they can wait until we get her situated a little more comfortably with the ET and chest tubes along with the vent.

Good question. I would not mention anything about being on scene when this individual died. I wouldn't mention anything surrounding the details of this individual's death even though it may have been published in the media. Sometimes avoiding the perception of impropriety matters more than the legal question.

Contact site admin. He can direct you to the best way to advertise on the site.

Welcome to the site. What ideas have you come up with on your own? Perhaps if we hear some ideas you've had so far we can help either narrow down the topics to fit a five page paper or we can redirect the topic in a way so that it will meet your needs.

Can't help you with the NH stuff but welcome to the site.

Welcome and congratulations. It's a tough spot to be in for sure. Any connections from your ride time in paramedic school you can work for leads on who's hiring? Another option to consider is local EDs as a tech. No, it's not working the street but many EDs use EMTs and paramedics as techs. If nothing else it could help get your foot in the door and start making some money to help offset bills while you continue to work on getting a street job. If there truly is nothing in your area have you considered moving?

Where's RichardB? If anybody here would know the answer to this question it would be him.