DwayneEMTP

You do so carefully and kindly. Does it make you angry? Sometimes. Should it? No man...that's the system. It's how it's set up and how it works. You really, really need to get good with it. You chose this gig, and you have to take it all...not just the good. I will admit though that those patients get a pretty thorough exam, (No, not punishment) as well, they will likely only do it once as I will call ahead, give the results of my assessment, and that person will almost certainly sit in the waiting room for days before being seen. Of course this assumes that they had no valid reason for calling. If you treat them poorly, or harshly lecture them on the proper use of the system then you take a chance on giving them the power to claim that you tried to forcefully refuse them. And refusing patients against their will is a super quick, fairly certain way to lose your cert. Be happy, do a good assessment, find a way to turn their bullshit to your advantage by learning something new from them, give them a ride and triage them to waiting room hell forever. Don't hate the patient for using the system the way that it's been created, hate those that have retarded the EMS learning curve and prevented us from achieving a place where we have right of refusal. Dwayne The man has 4 posts...that was a better alternative than answering the question? Dwayne

Sorry brother. I made my post between patients and it took a while. Both you and Happiness replied while I still had it up on my screen so it reflects your pre apology comments only. Though I WAS looking forward to a spirited debate... :-) Dwayne

A common term that I grew up with is, "You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet." Basically it means that for something good to happen that you often also have to endure some pain as well. Very often a truth of course. My question was this. If you believe that the courts are to lenient, then you seem then to be advocating for them to be harsher so as allow less defense for the scum suckers. If you would choose to do so, in my opinion, you would then be advocating for more innocent people to go to jail so as to ensure that less guilty people would be set free. I was curious if one or more of the innocent people that had to be imprisoned would happen to be those that you held dear instead of a random, idealistic, faceless 'someone', would you then hold the same opinion of the justice system? Dwayne

Well, yeah! Would they attach to a bedpost? Sorry man...but my guess would be that, yeah, if they did the trick most of EMS loves disposable everything, so it might be a hit. Dwayne

Man...caught me completely off guard. Once or twice a month I laugh out loud on accident..For some reason this just cracked me the hell up.. It's so good to have you here man... Dwayne Good God! When did you become a girl?? I've, somehow, always had a picture of you in my head as a man...and I pride myself on knowing the difference! You have the best posts...I guess I just assumed, as the men out number the women by so much. Now if we could just fix it somehow so that the men had the majority of strong, intelligent opinions, that would be awesome! But I'm not holding my breath... Dwayne

Ok, great posts so far brother, but now your just going insane. You've diagnosed her as unfit to be a medical provider based on her comments, that, by the way, have triggered one of the more intelligent, tolerant threads in a long time, visited by some of the most intelligent providers at the City? Now that alone makes me questions your medical competence... (Irony, see? That was an attempt at a joke. Admittedly, not one of my strong suits.) Yeah, fuck that. That sounds good when in a professional environment where decorum is necessary, but this forum, the 'humor' forum, is meant specifically for no holds barred bullshit. It says so in big red letters before you even click on the link. I get where you're coming from my friend, and respect the spirit that drives it, but some of the most productive, most educational, most fruitful debates/discussions/arguments on this board have left me cussing and trying to bandage my massive wounds before they were done. "...all courtesy and professional tact should be used at all times no matter what..." is an awesome goal until it interferes with discussion, debate and learning, which is the ultimate goal of the City, along with all of the others of course. Wouldn't you agree that though none of us is willing to admit to liking the joke, that it has in fact sparked intelligent input and debate? And can you imagine some other way that mainstream tolerance will ever be possible without illuminated discussion and debate? So then, hasn't Happiness actually done more in this thread to promote tolerance, regardless of her intentions, than most of us have done, say, in the last month or so? So the sum total is a positive, right? Just curious. I completely disagree. This joke would not be appropriate on an Arabic forum. But we've given noone reason to believe that this forum is particularly sensitive to Arabic/Muslim sensibilities. I would not say 'fuck' on a Christian forum, though Christian ideals often make me want to use such language. Disagree, I will give them the right to give their opinion on the joke, and express how telling such a joke may cause them to view me, but they have no right, in this environment, to decide what I can and cannot say. That is the domain of the Admin alone. You can try and chase me away, or choose not to participate, but in this private forum you have no right to dictate what I may or may not post. Agreed. I assume that my employers, or future employers may/will read all of what I post here. Is this post the picture of tolerance and professional decorum? Of course not. But I believe that it shows a process of thought, and a clear, though perhaps brash example of written communication, as well as an effort to learn, as well as teach, instead of simply choosing to follow. All things that I think make an EMS environment stronger. (Yeah, probably bullshit, but I like to think that at least some of those things are in here somewhere.) Will all employers like that? Not likely, as EMS tends to like followers. But then again, I'll never have a happy career as a follower so I don't want to work for those folks anyway, nor would they be happy with me. The politically correct world has gone crazy. But instead of opening things up and making people freer, it has clammed people up, suffocated dialog, made people afraid to have a contrary opinion, and that should be criminal. Blacks, Mexicans, women, Muslims...all the people that the masses tend to fear or be angered by have been locked into their little cages because now we are less able to understand each other as open debate has been deemed off limits unless speaking about the weather. If in any way my rebuttal has cause you to believe that I have no respect for your opinions, please believe that you are mistaken. I look forward to your posts, as well as look forward to arguing them for many years to come. Thanks for having the balls to participate my friend. Dwayne

God Damn it SD, every time I get your negative count down by giving you positive points on posts where you don't sound completely insane you go and do some shit like this. Why in the world would you believe that you have more of a right to a discount than, say, the mechanic, or preacher, or teacher sitting next to you? After all, the odds are that any one of them likely worked harder and/or did more in their day to change the world than you did, right? My guess is that you come from a Fire background so that you have that bullshit sense of entitlement because you're a 'hero'...Nonsense. In fact, this has volly fireman stamped all over it. This isn't terribly surprising given your previous posts of 'being at the top of your game', of 'being an EMS Pioneer', despite ignoring everyone's attempts to get you to show us what exactly you've pioneered, and all of the stuff you carry on your belt. No matter how badly you want reality to match the nonsense displayed by your TV hero, it's never going to manifest brother. Why do you deserve more of a discount than anyone else? Dwayne

I'm pretty confident that I'm familiar with the contract that you're referring to. The problem is that you get R&R after 4 months, but no one is allowed to take it before 6 months so, according to the company, "Most just take their R&R on site." Yeah, I wouldn't touch such a company with a 10ft pole. The contract makes it clear that they aren't looking for 'real' medics, but just a bunch of wankers that will do anything to make a few extra bucks. But, then again, it may be a way to get your foot in the door to network. But if you have family, or anyone significant, understand what it will mean to be away, on this particular contract, for a full year at a time. Dwayne

And if the 10th (out of 10) is your son, or your daughter, or another that you cherish, you will then still be satisfied as "you must break eggs to make an omelet?" Will you willingly sacrifice one that you love so that those that I love will possibly have one less criminal on the street? How many of those that you love are you willing to do so with so that there will be no chance that the guilty will walk free? Without 'scum sucking' defense lawyers there is no justice, no civil liberty, no constitutional value. What you ask for is to allow the government to choose who is guilty or not, who will live or die, who is worthy or isn't? Welcome to Squints domain in the dark ages.... For the record, I have no family members, friends etc that are defense lawyers. I simply respect the need of the individual to be defended against the masses. Dwayne

Yeah...it has nothing to do with this little girl. It has everything to do with people wanting something to be angry about. Wanting to be 'advocates' without every having to actually commit themselves to anything. What truly pisses me off is that these shitheads will get off of their couches to protest in front of the cameras for a dead child but will be sitting still, getting fatter and more ignorant while the next two hundred such children become dead. It's like the "if you care, repost this!" shit on Facebook. People are allowed to feel like warriors without ever having to do more than click a button. It's crazy, ridiculous, enraging and sad. It makes me think of the contests, like the televised celebrity poker tournaments where there is someone playing for a battered women's shelter, someone for children's cancer research, etc...yet who always wins? Some ditzy, vapid, starlet playing for Momma Murphy's home for stray cats. And they are ever so proud to give that money away... We can't advocate from the sidelines. We can't create change by fighting when we haven't even identified the enemy. The world has got to get back outside, where they can be effected, and then affected, and then become potent again. The world, despite appearances, doesn't concede to sound bites. Hell, sorry all. Was just on the break room on the rig where "paranormal scientists/researchers' explained to the world why we know that the moon is actually a spaceship that is trying to communicate with us. Unfortunately that communication is being covered up by the corrupt governments of the world. Listening to some of the roughnecks say, "See! That's the kind of bullshit that I'm talking about! We have a right to decide if the aliens can talk to us or not! Not the governments! What if they have the cure for cancer or something!" made me a little batshit crazy and got you all a silly rant. If you really want to cry, go to Youtube and type in "end women's suffrage" and watch some of the videos. Ridiculous. It's not the misunderstanding that bothers me so much, though it does of course, but the passion that these young, supposedly educated, women churn up on a subject that they are completely ignorant to, in order to participate. Thanks all for participating. Dwayne

I'm also with having a good stethoscope. You know what makes me a little bit crazy? Is that it's so rare that medics take them into calls with them. I've heard the phrase, as you used it, "It's in the truck if I need it" a bunch, and my initial thought is always, "how many calls do you NOT need it on?" Chest pains, difficulty breathing, weakness, altered mentation, failure to thrive, etc. Won't you use it on all of these calls? Isn't there a possible cardiac/respiratory element to all of them? I've come to believe that many simply like to be seen looking at a fireman or basic partner and barking, "Quick! Get me my 'ears' out of the truck!" You've seen the conversations girl. But I would add that as a new medic that there may be some things that you carry not because you need them, but simply because they make you feel better. Personal notes on some issues or drugs, Ped info, a pad for writing notes/vitals/ER radio reports, an O2 wrench, mace, rappelling hook, personal Batman signalling spotlight, etc. (Poking fun at SD of course, but am truly grateful he had the balls to hang around). You may never use them, but they make you feel more confident to have them on you. And that's ok I believe, for a little bit. Just make sure that you don't allow yourself to develop habits using things that are silly. Oh, and tape. I never had enough tape when I really needed it. So I always carried a few rolls in one of my pockets. I have a feeling that you are going to be a really, really good medic. Would love to see you in the scenario forums so we can bust your ovaries and see how well you play under pressure... :-) Dwayne Edit to add something, but changed my mind. No changes made.

Heh...why do I have no trouble at all believing that? Dwayne

I think that they all do, at least as of LP12s or so?...I've just, like most I think, never used it in AED mode. Dwayne

Yeah, but you're old and sentimental, and would rather have trauma shears than favor coupons....that's just pathologic. This kid sounds young, and presumably so is his soon to be ex girlfriend...she likely has different priorities... :-) Yeah....and if you didn't follow that advice you are seriously missing out...or at least that's what my friend told me... Tell the truth, is there really anyone here that hasn't 'borrowed' some soft restraints to 'practice' with? Dwayne Oh, you said 'purse'... Never mind... Dwayne

Oh hell...I gotta tell you that the worst 'ahem' favor will ALWAYS be better than the best trauma sheers! You may need to tutor your favor giver? And you can't get a good set of sheers for $10, can you? So you're looking at a $3 pair of shears in reality. How long did she work on her education? It's kind of like saying, "Awesome job getting your medic cert! Here's a sausage!" (Yeah, so the puns didn't really occur to me until after I'd typed that, and I refuse to take it back now that they have. Just sayin'.) Chicks and their priorities...no wonder guys get confused... Gotta warn you brother that a medic with a hot girlfriend that hasn't progressed to a point of being able to give her more than a $10 gift for such a special occasion? Well, he might want to start shopping his next girlfriend... Dwayne

I sent her an email and told her to get with you. She's getting a little uppity now that she's finishing up her medic up there in Canada. Too good for the great unwashed. Not sure what she's so excited about...do they even have ambulances in Canada?? I think it's like an ALS pack you drag around with a dog or something...but whatever..she's excited. She'll give you a holler. She's been really busy between school, clinicals, working and running her teaching business. Dwayne

Yeah Babe, as Island said, it's just such a big subject to cover in a posting. You'd be better off maybe to work out calling someone. Schedules are a huge thing, my first was 4 months on 2 weeks off, my second was 10 weeks on 5 weeks off. The first place I worked it was nearly impossible for a woman to get in or, if she could, to do well only because there had been a couple of women that played the harassment card not long before. Not that anyone would treat them poorly on purpose, it's just no one wanted to be anywhere near them if they could help it as there is no defense against the sexual harassment charge. I lived initially in a 50 man tent, then a Bhut, then a container (read 'Castle'.) The money varied tremendously, the treatment you received even more than the money. Unless you have previous Special Forces time I'm not hearing of any really good contracts over there. And if you do have Special Forces time the money is great, but the odds of getting dead follow you right up the financial ladder. Of course, there is one player there that I can promise is good to his word, will treat you well and won't allow any of the sexual bullshit...but he has a long list of really qualified folks waiting for his nod...Is ak listening??? Good luck girl. If you're thinking of any particular contract I'd be more than happy to talk to you about it. But I've been gone a couple of years now, which means that I'm almost completely out of the loop except for what I hear from my friends... Dwayne

I think that Annie may be the one to talk to about this...EMTAnnie? Is that right? Hell, sorry Babe, you've just been Annie for so long I don't remember your screen name! I just got a couple of bags from her last month. They're awesome! One basic EMS bag for my son and all of his electronics, and a used ALS bag for traveling...I like to compartmentalize.... Dwayne

That is why a history is so vitally important. This can catch you completely off guard if you didn't know that they just went through mefebuary...Just sayin'... Dwayne

Yeah, I'm going to take a different tack....an arrest in an ER, and you need more than two people for compression? And (what sounds like) a basic recruiting folks because he's unable to continue compression due to exhaustion? For a patient with an initial rhythm of asystole? This entire code sounds like a cluster fuck. I'm thinking that if this was perhaps a competent medic that 'gloves' was maybe easier than saying..."I want no part of that mess...." But, then again, unless he's banging one of the nurses, or ill, I don't know what he was doing at the ER while off duty. Just a thought... Dwayne

Matt, you have suction as a 'first aider' but no collar? That seems weird... And, as others have explained...life before limb...Cspine makes no difference to a corps, right? Great questions man... Dwayne

Great question, though I don't see the intolerance so much as the debate you said that you were looking for...or do you see the general lack of this being considered funny as intolerant? If you mean maybe, 'they', as in Muslims, then I'm unaware of their protesting my eating of pork or such, but only being vocal about their decision not to do the same.... I think that it is a great post! Rapist, abusers, nigger, Muslim jokes spark debate and discussion and I think that is vital if we're to stop the hate. I'll just never (hopefully) think them funny. Great discussion... Dwayne

I get that, and am sure that we're all pretty much the same in general. Being formed little by little, being shaded by many things as opposed to be painted a new color by one shocking brush. But I do find that there are often 'light bulb moments.' Like with that nurse...he knew the patient was in pain yet had no interest whatsoever in mitigating it. At that time in my career I found that shocking. I thought that we all wanted to do 'right' as a team...it never occured to me that a medical professional could enjoy watching a patient in pain. But man, I saw some pretty cruel shit come out of the Canadian hospital, along of course, with some amazing kindness and competence. As well as being a newer medic and not being pulled off of that mass cas call. It never occurred to me that I wouldn't hear Ak calling me on the radio to tell me that he was on his way to take over. I can't even tell you how grateful I am for that moment. I've never again been afraid on scene, no matter what was happening. Now, did the first moment make me a kind person and a patient advocate? No...but it cemented into my head that I had to pay attention to everyone concerning my patients and not simply assume that the right things were going to be done. Did being involved with the mass cas suddenly gift me with balls? Of course not, but it gave me a moment in time that many would have run away from, or quite, and showed me that I didn't, and won't, and I find that comforting... :-) Not arguing against your point Chris/Richard, only stating that for me they coexist. Maybe because I'm not so bright, every now and then the EMS Gods feel the need to slap my face and make some points more obvious. Thanks for participating all... Dwayne

Yeah, I would find it funnier if I hated Muslims.... But I don't, and I don't really get the hate that people continue to sling at them. Hating Muslims for 9/11 is like a child hating all dark haired people because he saw a monster on a cartoon. Muslims are simply a near random point for people to focus their hate and fear. They, as a group, haven't earned that, that I can see. Plus, I don't remember them being intolerant of any of the types of business that you've mentioned, but I may have missed it.. Sorry girl, not trying to be a party pooper, but hating on random people simply because they share a religion isn't working for me. Wanna hate? Take a look at Christians...I'm not sure that any religion has done more evil, all in the 'Name of God' then they have... Dwayne

Good God. I fly tomorrow for another month away from home...that always makes really sappy and sentimental.....gross.... Yeah, AK it is. Just about everything about me as a medic has been shaped by him, or the opportunities he sent my way. With the first patient I was so angry that the hospital wouldn't manage his pain. I learned then that I can't always effect others, but that I can choose to try and do MY personal best always....The second scenario taught me that I just simply have to step up...every....single....time. If you put the two together you kind of see where I'm most often arguing from here at the City. Also, that expecting 400, when you have access to the resources that we did there, is really not so different than preparing for 4. Just busier. But how about you? No pivotal moments in your life/career? Ruffster, send me your address and I'll send you the coin...Their kinda cool... Dwayne