AnatomyChick

Yep...figured Dust was the classy type using the "English" spell check. My Grandma was from Oxford England and also refused to use Z's... LOL

LOL Dust... no pressure! Here's what I have found... your first 20 minutes will seem like FOREVER... then after that you'll have a better feel for what they want and what you can tell them. I think the topics that you have listed are good... I also used to do a "bit" where I would have an adult pretend to be unresponsive, and I'd have the child Shake and Shout to try to get them up.. and then "pretend" to call 9-1-1.

Shoot...wish I would have thought of that one Katie....

19/20 .... I guess everyone is right, I AM sensitive.... LOL

Ok, if you gotta go, get there and back safely and quickly!

Johnny Rockstar..... hmmm something seems odd there!

Geez Jake... quit using all of my answers.... Yep, once again, Jake and I have the same answer on this one.

This may be the only instance in which I would advocate the use of Spider Straps..... Quick on, and get 'em out.... but hey, I don't get paid to think so listen to the rest of the crew here to get their ideas.....

I think that there has to be some type of "governing body" that tests the ability of the students... Just having them pass the class may not be enough, due to the fact that Instructors are biased about their own students (this is the same reason that I am not allowed to test my own students at the State Practical Exams here in Missouri).... I would LOVE to see us go back to State testing here, I think the test(s) were more effectiveand the process to hold a class was more thorough.... with that said, budget cuts are definitely affecting most states EMS Bureaus/ Departments/ Units... and the NR is a solution to some of those issues.

I hold no degree, but have attended more than 250 hours of Instructional theory and resource level classes.

ok.. time for a stupid question... Did you apply for a job at the Fire Dept? If so, then they will typically make sure that you can complete any demands that may be asked of you in that line of work.

UGH.. I DETEST the "I want to get on a Paid Fire Dept.".... make me crazy...

A brief Google search came up with a few as well.

Dust, I don't run a Paramedic Program, but I'll tell you what I do for the EMT-B Program. Experience? How much and what type? Sometimes experience on a Fire / Rescue Department is a plus, and sometimes it just depends on what volunteer service they work for. Prior First Responder Course under their belt is always in their favor. Job status? Are those currently in EMS given preference to those working non-emergency or in another field? N/A for my EMT-B Class Prerequisites? How much and what type? As stated previous EMS Classes or CE's are a bonus, but not a "guaranteed qualifier". Education? Their high school GPA? Their college transcript? Is more always better? Does the MA in Fine Arts get preference over the third year Biology major? I do require a copy of the HS Diploma or HS Transcript (or GED Equivalent), and don't accept students who don't have those. Aptitude testing or intelligence? What kind? Nope, though I HAVE toyed with the idea Medical knowledge testing? Who makes the test and what sort of test is it? Nope Skills testing? What kind? Nope Personality or psychological testing? Specifics? Nope, but we do have a 5 person panel that interviews each applicant, attempts to get a "feel" for their personality... Physical condition or agility testing? What type, and who sets the standards? How? Not at this time, but I've contemplated this as well. Drug testing? Urine screening, that is. Nope Criminal history check? What disqualifies and what does not disqualify? Nope, not required at this time... required by the state prior to licensing though Personal interviews? What do you want to ask them? What answers do you want to hear? What answers do you NOT want to hear? What do you want them to ask you? We usually give a brief overview of what we expect from students in the program and them ask them the basics.. "why do you want to be an EMT?", "What do you think an EMT does?", "can you lift and carry 75 pounds, 35 feet or more?". We want them to ask US about any misgivings they have about the class.. what they might be worried about, etc. We also want them to tell us about their family obligations, but we NEVER ask those questions. Letters of recommendation? From whom would it make a difference? If they are with a local Fire / Rescue Dept, they get a discount for a letter of recommendation from their Chief. Time on the waiting list? Does an applicant who was qualified this time, but was not admitted for lack of space, get preference next semester? I don't keep a waiting list, but I will keep a list of those who "came close", and if someone drops out early in the program (within 3 classes), I'll call that person up and offer them the class. That's just a little of what I do. We've had fairly good luck with it... once they're in, we run a pretty tight ship.

Rid, I completely agree with you... I think that within 5 - 7 years, the "latest scientific guidelines" will revert back to what we've been doing for the past 15 years.

I saw the ad for the first time last night... I have to tell you, it was somewhat disheartening to see EMS portrayed in that manner.... Ah well, looks like Olympus has taken care of the issue.

It's definitely credited to Wilde.... sorry.. didn't look at your profile before I took offense. My Dad is right about a LOT of things.... (please don't tell him that I admitted that), but my Aunts and Uncles now tell me how proud he is of my accomplishments (My old man isn't big into sentimentality, so I don't hear the Kudo's first hand)... anyway, thanks for the clarification from one educator to another.

OMG... my Dad used to say that ALL THE TIME... right before I became an Instructor... turns out that he was wrong too!... I know... shocker :shock: The problem with generalized statements like that is they likely work for 10-20% of the "population" of that career... just remember... as in all fields you have the good and the bad. Ok, back to the question at hand... the easiest way to find out if the numbers "jive" is to contact the NREMT (if you're in a National Registry State)... they can give you that info. You're state EMS office can give it to you as well. What I have found in the past with Instructors who like to boast, is that either 1.) They have had problems with their classes and feel the need to "quantify" their abilities or 2.) someone has challenged their ability. Either way, learn the most that you can while in class... and try to become part of the 89% !

LMAO.... Michael

8, 8, 8.... begging for attention does not become you.... :bootyshake: LOL

I agree with Jake's definition. But, Paragod's aren't only Paramedics, I've seen plenty of Paragod EMT's, and FR's!

I would post what JakeEMT told me it meant, but I don't think it's suitable for all audiences.... LOL... Thanks for the 'word of the day' Dust... I LOVED it!

That's testacological to you PRPG... and I'm not sure it's a word.. but I think it should be? I like it... although, I'm not sure what it means.. LOL

Ok... I can't view the clip here, so I'm not sure I have a clear view of the type of "T-Shirt" that you are all describing, but I CAN say that some of our departments here wear T-Shirts.... Would it be my first choice for my staff.. no, however, it doesn't affect the way that they provide care. We have some of the very best EMT-B's and Paramedics in our area... folks who are at the top of their game and ability regardless of their attire. And once again I'll state that I can't view the clip (but will this weekend) but it's important to remember that this is TV. With that said... I can't tell you the number of times that I've had conversations with my family, friends or the public who don't "do" EMS, who DO think that what is portrayed on TV is close to the real deal.... and I have to remind them that it IS a show. The truth is... some of this stuff DOES happen at some places.... Have I ever heard of someone "getting some" in the back of the rig.. of course... numerous times. Have I ever known of a "Medic" (speaking of both EMT's and paramedics) that didn't wear gloves when they should have... Yep! And there are TONS of folks out there who have no choice but to wear the "Dynamed" jackets, with the generic patches (not our service, but there are small services out there that don't design their own patches). There's nothing wrong with portraying the "off duty" realism... other than the fact that we don't want folks to think that's what we ALL do. I'm a HUGE proponent of Professionalism, Education and Effectiveness.... but we shouldn't get in an uproar when these "Drama's" come on the TV/Movie Screen... It happens with every Occupation... do you think that what you saw on M*A*S*H was true to form...? It may have been for one or two units, but not likely for the entire Army.... If you want the public to get a clear view of what EMS is, and who we are as professionals, then get out and do some PR events, be a professional on each and every call, treat others with care and respect, and dont' complain when you get "another" transfer.... If we were doing more of these things, we wouldn't have to worry about the public watching a TV show and getting the "wrong idea"... of course.. that's just my 2 cents.... :wink:

A thesis.. Nope. But I do require a Research Paper to be completed and due after their Spring Break. They know about it the first day of class, but most of them wait until the day before to write it... :roll: go figure. APA style is the preferred, but I don't get picky. I'm working with people who have been out of the typical "school" setting for years. I'm glad just to have the paper spell checked.