AnthonyM83

Another thing to think about if not already mentioned is that a doctor has prescribed an Epi-Pen to this kid. Older kids carry them around themselves. Teachers don't have the background in pharmacology, but how much background to EMTs really have as it relates to epinephrine? Also, teachers will probably be more hesitant to use it than a whacked out EMT. But it does bring up the good pint that if teachers can admin it, then EMTs probably should be able to, also

It's going to be a bit hard to justify self-defense even from spitting if the patient was truly restrained...but he might not have been (might have been in the process of restraining, etc). As far as the cop not saying anything, if the patient was being combative in the slightest, at least around here, I wouldn't expect the cop to say anything either, even if it was unjustified force.

For a class that teaches mostly algorithms, I don't really see acronyms such as OPRST inappropriate. They're succinct ways to ask as appropriate questions, especially when under stress and your mind blanks. Attempting to do much more based on the 100-200 hours of training is asking for mess-ups in the field.

I tend to drive pretty conservatively on most days, though there are definite exceptions. I can say for sure that driving a BIT faster definitely makes a difference in response times, at least around here. I also agree that in many situations just going with the flow of traffic is better and often gets you there faster than lighting up (prevents cars in front of you from braking and doing other stupid stuff).

But many will say that average Joe Citizen ALSO has a responsibility to stop and help, depending on (perceived) severity of accident. So, again one has to use judgment. I guess it depends on philosophical outlook too on extent of society helping each other.

I do tend to be a little more aggressive. Ideally, you're as aggressive as you can on every call, but in a busy area, this will wear you out very quickly. One must understand that if we're on a "regular" call, we're not providing a substandard level of car, though. Realistically, there is an emotional component to it, though...I imagine a doctor working on another doctor might sometimes be more aggressive (?)

A local FFMedic had pt who tried to commit suicide by slitting his throat with a vertical cut, apparently was the second unsuccessful attempt....en-route medic informed him that to kill himself he had to cut horizontally. Short time later, they were recalled to same patient for a now successful suicide (with horizontal cut, this time). :?

Exactly. In Los Angeles, they're called LACoFD Medics (with many exceptions). But seriously, fact is, there are bad medics out there AND there are average/good medics who make mistakes. By stating one has helped one out, does not mean they're implying they're better medical providers than medics.

Referred BLS, see FD's originial runsheet. No change in pt condition during BLS transport.

How big is that star?

I honestly see this as more of a self-advancement website. I wouldn't expect a lot of the people in the higher up committees to spend too much time here just b/c it's so busy with so many various discussions...which is the point, this is a social board as much as educational one. I know there's more directed sites like fieldmedics.com but what happens with many sites like that the lack of social activity leads to a decrease in posting and low retention rate. So, I'm not quite sure what the answer is.... As far as NAEMSE, I just got a call back from the EMT school 10 min ago and got a skills instructor position....not necessarily an "educator" position and I'm still an EMT, but it's a start...so I'm signing up now That's how I'm contributing without being an medic...trying to my best to produce competent EMTs ... at least as far as basic skills (CPR, splinting, etc)

Gotcha. Honestly, I don't think there's too much of that HERE, at EMTCity. My personal view is that EMTs help Medics, Medics help EMTs. Both by virtue of simply being an extra person at the scene, not by being smarter or more focused on BLS than the other, usually. Though, realistically, medics save waaaaaaay more EMTs than the other way around. ;D Suzeg, the thing about taking all those other classes is that they're all still BLS level with minimal in-depth training. I think when people talk about continuing education, they mainly mean increasing with A&P, Intermediate or Paramedic training, THEN upkeeping their skills with those extra courses. That aside, I definitely think EMTs should be taking classes like PHTLS and sitting in or actually taking ALS classes so they're (almost?) on the same page as far as specific subtopics like a pediatric resuscitation to help the scene go smoother. My goal is to be as "least clueless" as possible on-scenes

Hmmm...seems like the catch-all reply against EMTs questioning medics can always be: Was it the medic making a mistake or was the medic inadequate, and often suggesting that for a mistake to be made the medic must be inadequate. Realistically, I don't think that's the case.

Sometimes I do: How pt found. C/c Pt interview results Pt physical assessment VS Hx Tx Response to Tx Transport

This seems exactly like what I use. I find it redundant to use O and A...so instead combine. My assessment INCLUDES objective information.

I guess it depends on local opinions. We call them Rick's here (as in Ricky Rescues). I can see why people in any job where there's a sense of camaraderie (usually jobs where you work "in the field" together regardless of professional/educational level) would like to ID with each other. I see whackers as those who go overboard on the "coolness/intensity" factor in relation to the area they work. For example, I see EMTs who work Malibu and wear shears in their belts as "Ricks", but I wouldn't call them that if they were working Compton or other south central Los Angeles areas. If they seem professional and have a professional association sticker like many other fields, then I wouldn't see that as whackerish.

The above conversation and logic does not apply to LACo EMS. In said LA situation: Paramedics start IV's / print 12-leads. EMT's save lives by disobeying paramedics.

Naw, though wouldn't mind a discreet sticker that would be meant for other EMS personnel to recognize, rather than to show off to public.

Five 911 companies in LA County. AMR, Care, McCormick, (Cole-)Schaffer, Gerber. AMR - Northern (Large company, apparently a number of EMT-Medic rigs, known for being very political, lots of their management left for other companies, big name though, previously known for long response times, ambulances have a tracking system on how hard you stop, take turns, etc) *Care - Eastern/South (Well established in Orange County, wear white shirts w/ navy blue pants, known for competent EMTs, pretty politically correct, lots of box ambulances, 3 months doing IFTs, then 911 units) McCormick - Western/South (Almost all EMT-BLS units, newest 911 company, apparently, good EMTs, new EMTs may go to IFT side of company or straight to 911 depending on eval from FTO and staffing needs, known for good response times, comparatively good management) Cole-Schaffer - Sections of Northeast area (All I've heard is "don't work for them" and "dirty dirty horrible stations"...though some people have worked there quite comfortably and they enjoyed their time there) *Gerber - Two cities, one for which they only respond code 2 to all calls (fire goes code 3). Even though all LA companies are mainly just transport companies, Gerber seems like they're really just a transport company. *Companies with starts have hot girls I think they all pay about the same. Info's to the best of my knowledge from word of mouth.

MUAHAHAHAHAHA Heck, I'll joke with serious patients too if that's their style. When I had officers stabbed, the cop recognized me approaching and opened with a joke...so I threw a joking line back. A few patients will do this. But no, I generally save the jokes unless patient leads with it.

Unless it starts compromising the airway, I would c-sprine. I've seen literature against c-spine for GSW's to above neck and below neck provided good neuros...but this injury is actually AT the cervical spine area, so without knowing further I'd have to immobilize it.

What's the payrate up there? I don't know much about SoCal AMR (try to SoCal EMS MySpace group), but it seems like a good idea to check out different companies...you never know what you're missing (or not missing).

Pretty similar to above, though I wouldn't use ace wrap...or any kind of wrap....Probably a heck load of 4x4's would work best here.... I would do a rapid full-body assessment while they're placing him on c-spine. What's his mental status? O2 Sat? How much blood loss? Does bleeding become controlled with pressure? How is his airway?

At the front door: Ambulance! -Hi, did you call 911 (half the time b/c I they're frazzled and not really paying me attention...to make sure right house/patient) -Hi, What's going on today? What's the problem today? (something that gets me a more acute answer, rather than the whole story, to get at least something right off the bat).

Look up the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care http://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/SRRS/ They have all the major classes, not sure how far apart they have the scheduled. GREAT staff.