paramedicmike

Why don't you tell us which concepts are giving you trouble and we may be able to help better explain things. What do you think should be done to treat these complaints?

I'm working this weekend. I hope it's a reasonable weekend and that everyone is away. Ogunquit is a beautiful place. I like Maine.

Sudoku doesn't count, does it?

Interesting case. I'm wondering what happened to him after they treated the hypoglycemina. Did the headache resolve? Did he have anything else with the headache? Runny nose? Conjunctival injection on that side? Lots of tear production in that eye? I know you said it's hard to follow up. Perhaps when you get back to the same ER ask around and see what you can find.

Nice. Congrats! What kind of distance is your race? Time trial style or mass start? Gotta watch out for racing, though. It can get addictive. Where are you presenting your research? Can you talk about what you're presenting? Life isn't bad. I am, indeed, still PA-ing it in the ER. It's certainly a different beast than out on the streets. But it's been a lot of fun and the variety/acuity of the patients is vastly different than what you get in EMS. The conditions that people drive themselves to the hospital with are mind boggling. I'm waiting for the fall running race season to start. This summer training has been miserable. It had better pay off when the better running/racing weather hits.

Welcome back. Congrats on finishing grad school. I'm guessing your more naturalist focus doesn't include a new Corvette to travel the Southwest, does it? What have you been up to?

Interesting case. Just a few questions: When was the last time the glucometer on your ambulance was calibrated? How old were the test strips? Finger stick? Or the old tip of the pen to the flash chamber trick? (Not that the difference between the two should be *that* big.) What other history does this kid have? What else is going on with his headache? What did the hospital tell you besides their BGL finding? Do you know his discharge diagnosis?

Hi there, Welcome. Can't help you with salary information. I know JEMS used to do a salary survey but the info I found online was pretty worthless. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics may have some information. Twenty-four hour shifts are still quite common. If you're looking for a more rural area than from where you'll be moving it wouldn't surprise me at all to see 24 hour shifts. Why are you surprised?

Welcome, Julia. Why do you think so?

The Philadelphia Fire Department can't handle EMS needs for the city on a normal day much less for an event like the Pope being in town. Asking for help with this event is necessary. However, I, too, am curious how the extra police and FD coverage will be handled in terms of overtime pay. I think it's funny that they also request you bring your own emergency vehicle and credit cards to pay for fuel. The Pope's visit is going to turn out to be a huge mess.

Welcome. I liked South Dakota when I was there. Granted, it's been many years. But I still liked it.

I carry a Spyderco Tashan Salt H1. I've carried it for years. On duty and off. I've never used my knife while at my EMS jobs. Not once. I also have a Leatherman. I've used that on a fairly regular basis. The multi-tool has been more useful than any knife I've ever owned or carried. I get being a knife buff. You never know when you'll need a good blade. However, practically speaking, the chances that you'll use a knife like what you're describing are pretty low.

Eight hours a week and it'll take you seven months? As for advice: Ideally your instructor will provide a syllabus at the beginning of the course so you have an idea what will be taught and when. Read ahead. Come to class having already read the information to be covered. Eyes open. Ears open. Brain turned on. Mouth shut and disengaged. Only engage the mouth to ask a question. There will always be people with war stories. Please try to avoid being one. Go in with an open mind and a positive attitude. Class and ride along time can be fun. When doing your ride time be aggressive but not pushy. Talk to the guys you'll be riding with at the start of the shift. Ask what you can do. Ask what they don't want you to do. Ask questions at the appropriate time. Learn early when it is the appropriate time. (Hint: It's not in front of a patient.) Don't just read the book. Read here. Read from additional resources. Anatomy texts will be your friend. History will be your friend. Psychology and sociology will be your friend. There is more to EMS than simply an EMT textbook. As to what gear you should have your program should give you a list of any gear you may be required to have. This is a very frequently asked question. You are correct. Many noobs go overboard and spend a lot of money on gear. I recommend you don't go overboard with expensive gear. Yes, the 5.11 pants and $300 Littmann Cardiology III are nice. To get through school, however, a good pair of Dickies and a $25 sprague stethoscope will do you just fine. Once you get through school (and decide you like this enough to continue) a good employer will either provide uniform items or have an allowance for uniform items. Aside from daily everyday items (wallet, keys, cash, phone) the only other thing I carried when on the ambulance was a couple of pens, note pad, stethoscope and a good knife. Maybe an extra pair of gloves in my back pocket. Good questions.

Welcome. Stick around. Ask questions. Learn lots.

Don't let this be you. Here's the link to the story.

There's a reason for every question. I'd rather entertain questions than have someone not know something then guess.

I'd like to see them removed locally. Sadly, backboard use is just another thing on a long list of items that need to be addressed.

Mrs. Sparks, Ed was a frequent contributor to the forums here. Time and again he offered perspective, wisdom and, when necessary, a little bit of... let's call it... gentle encouragement with all of his many posts here. He had no reservations about calling things as he saw them. Through his knowledge and experience he provided wide ranging education to all of us. He also had a wicked sense of humor and he frequently shared jokes with us here. His loss will be felt more widely than you may know. Condolences to you and your family. So long, Ed. Clear skies and fair winds. Mike

Ask to set up an informational interview with a chief or one of the line officers to further explore the profession. Be direct. Be succinct. Ask many questions. Ask the questions you want answers to. Send a thank you note afterwards. Use the information gained to help make your decision. Intentionally vague, yes. What works best for you might not for someone else. A general approach, however, can be broadly applied. As your meeting progresses you'll get a feel for the other person and how s/he responds to questions. You'll be better able to put together a good way to ask. DUI is going to make it harder to be employed in a profession that requires driving. Insurance companies tend to frown on it as I'm sure you know. Insurance issues will be your biggest hang up. After that will be your eligibility to be certified/licensed in your state given your record. A direct inquiry to your state EMS office will help clear that up as well.

Are you not prepared? How have you been spending your time during the duration of your class? Have you been studying all along? If so then you should be fine. If not then a week might not be enough. This will all depend on you. We can't tell you if a week is enough.

Welcome. I'm not aware of any one week EMT classes. Or have you already completed a class?

Hey Rid. Welcome back. Hope to see you around more often. mta: spelling error

Welcome back, Terri.

Welcome. Start your PT now.

No. Because the cops are usually there first. Or are usually in a better position to get there first. I've worked in several systems where police are dispatched simultaneously with EMS. Because the cops are already out on the street, usually patrolling their sector, they're going to get there first.