AnatomyChick

You're just fine..now Jake on the other hand... *shakes head*... Jake is too old! :twisted:

I showed the Simple Plan video to my EMT class.... when it was done... total silence, and then.... from the back of the room.... "Way to depress us JoAnne". Yep..made an impact, too bad all of the students weren't there that night.

LOL...yeah, yeah, yeah hammer. and I agree with Asys... we have to treat the patient and not the numbers. Weren't we all taught this at some point in our careers?

Just remember that the terminology "Spinal Motion Restriction" is more true than the term "immobilization". I used to have FITS about "immobilizing"..because I've NEVER seen a patient 100% (or even 75%) immbilized, however, when we utilize strapping techniques we do "Restrict" them... I say Potato, you say Green Bean.... And yes, the straps that we use are Cam Buckles... we do use them as 3 separate straps though and not one continuous strap.

Exactly..if they're at the top of a 10' ladder, and they're 6'2" tall, they don't fall 16' 2"... they fall 10'

Woo Hoo... A challenge! I can describe how we use long straps here... but I agree with bandaidpatrol...as long as the patient is secure, and you "restrict" the head last, any method works... as a state evaluator, I have seen it ALL. We use 3 9' straps.... I need to get hold of some of those 14' straps, would make my life easier. Top strap.... we use the cross your heart technique. Personally I start at the pt.s Right side, place the end of the "connection" strap over the R shoulder, use the handhold hole just above the shoulder as my anchor and then run the strap down to the handhold just above the hip, up through the bottom, across to the L Shoulder, through the corresponding hole there, and down to the handhold above the hip on the L side, back up to meet the securing connection. I don't "tighten" the strap here until I'm getting ready to secure the head. Strap 2.... I call the Belt Buckle Strap... I lay the connection end over the hips at the location that you would typically find a belt buckle. Through the corresponding handhold, down to the area just above the knees, across to the other side (just above the knee) and back up to the hip.. This strap does not cross but forms two straight areas... I tighten this down at the time if I don't suspect pelvic fracture... (If I suspect Pelvic fracture I do a TON of padding and then tighten right before I tighten the chest). Strap 3... Starts just below the knee.... connection laying across the knees... down to the handhold just above the ankles.... straight across, to the handhold on the L just above the ankles, and then back up to the area just below the knees. Pad and secure. Go back and tighten the Chest strap (after having the patient inhale deeply if able), and secure the head. Hope that was somewhat clear, and what you were looking for.

Sorry, I have to jump on the Ridryder / PRPG Bandwagon... They have made several points that I agree with. Rid - What type of job will those with a Doctorate Degree obtain to pay back their $75,000 - $100,000 loans? The idea that there will be a future job in EMS that makes this feasible is ludicrous at the very least. As Rid also stated, we are not accepted as a Profession, but rather as a trade.... let's put the chicken back in the egg, and start with getting EMS recognized as a profession... I think the number of people who would be interested in devoting their time and $$$ into a Doctorate program would be very minimal. PRPG - When we have acedemia, then bring on advanced degrees. You cannot go from one side of the field (technicial education, where we currently are) to advanced post graduate studies (IE: Doctorate) without gradually stepping across the bridge. I should note, I think Doctorates will become the obvious next step, when the market eventually floods with Masters. I also agree that we are at "step 9, needing to move to 10" and what you are suggesting, while GREAT in theory, is not something that will (or can) be accomplished in a short amount of time. We have much too far to go in EMS... more important battles to be won. I have been in EMS FOREVER, however, just because you are "younger" or "newer to the business" does not give you "ownership" to new and aggressive ideas... I think that what everyone here is trying to say is, "this is a great plan for the future, but we're not there yet"... but maybe I'm reading something that's not really there... anyway, that's just my Honest & Humble Opinion.

I completely agree with Rid. If you're not being required at the minimum and encouraged at the maximum to get in as many clinical hours as you can... then there's a problem. It sounds like you're already in the program though, so your best bet is to check with the State Bureau / Dept. / Unit of EMS and get the scoop. I know that it's hard to believe :shock: but 'some' instructors are not above lying, especially when it fits their purpose... if you have questions, always ask.. and ALWAYS contact your local EMS office. I require my students to complete 90 hours of clinicals, so, doing none, seems a unbelievable to me. Just my .02 cents.

ER Season 4 Episode : Exodus While it "IS" a drama, there's some good learnin' there!

I agree... talk to your instructor.. there are ways that we can make your learning a little easier, but we have to know about the "problem".... Best of Luck!

I LOVE Google.... don't know what I'd do without it. I agree.... do a little work before posting a question here, if for no other reason that curtailing the tirade of posts like this one! :shock:

I believe that DOT curriculum standards REQUIRE Clinical Rotations and a "minimum" of patient contacts. I'd have to look at the standards.. or you can do so... Google "DOT EMT-B Curriculum Guidelines", and search the table of contents for "Clinical Hours".....

Too Funny! There are some good ones on there that I haven't seen before.

Jake, Jake, Jake... you MUST begin to have more of a social life.... LOL ! Actually, I copy this out and give it to each of my students on Orientation day... but, it would be a better piece to go out in the information packet... Thanks for sharing!

Very nice Alco.... Glad to hear it.. and yes, I have to agree with you.. just when life has beaten you to a pulp, and you feel like you're gonna have to give it up.. things change dramatically.

Hmmmmm Heard of Rocket Science, but not Rocket Surgery ?!? :?

How about "I shot the Sheriff".... (Don't remember the band) Emergency - Kool and the Gang Dr. Beat - Miami Sound Machine Yes, I know.. I'm old. :roll:

PRPG.... let's see.. this would make project # 2,369,224 right? I think that it's a good plan, it would be very interesting to see something like this pulled off... I won't tell you that it can't be done, because I know you well enough to know that you'll do everything possible to prove me wrong... I think it would take some time to implement, but it would be a great project to watch grow...

hmmm have never heard of that being done... maybe you were just "special"... what am I saying of COURSE your special... Seriously, I've never heard of it... probably a location by location thing.. I can't even fathom what you'd give someone credit for..... ah well.. something new learned today. I can check that off my list.

You get CE credits for just taking the exam??? That's news to me.....

Heh... I agree PRPG.... UGH... I didn't know where to start either. Congratulations Michael. I'm don't get the warm and fuzzies from the NREMT either, however, they are recognized by 40-some states, and some states DO have a simple reciprocity process. Just think of it as icing to the cake... I would encourage you to take it for any future plans you may have (even those you don't know about yet).

Not to join into the melee... but... doesn't the NR send one patch with your "passed" packet? Everyone that I know has gotten one patch when they passed.

Wow... sad story... but one that I can empathize with. It's really no different than offering remediation to students. Luckily I don't have to deal with those end of the year evaluations (at least not that anyone has told me about so far.... :shock: but, I can identify with the "school" needing to look good.. and the instructor being asked to ensure that it happens.

Wow... I"m jealous too... Maybe I need to move.... Avg. $12.75 per hour.... working in EMS Education and Safety Education.

By the way... Bob's Continuing Education Articles may be found on www.medicscape.com....