Lone Star

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Turkeys I know here at the City! I'm very thankful of the fact that I'm warm, fairly healthy and alive. I'm also thankful for all the friends I have here at the City. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. Let us not forget those that are not as fortunate as we are. LS

It's my understanding of the duties of the EMT/Medic involved is to only place the catheter, to ensure that venous access is achieved, and that all medically accepted practices for venous access are adhered to. Just because the inmate is condemned to death, it does not mean that the State can just slam a needle into their arm by someone with no medical training or background. The complications of extravasation would be tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment. That being said, since the initiation of an IV is considered within the medical scope of practice, it only stands to reason that the person gaining venous access be a member of the medical community. The EMT/Medic/Physician present is not the State sanctioned Executioner. They are not the ones that are charged with releasing the chemicals that directly cause the death of the condemned inmate. They aren’t going to be the ones activating the trap door in hangings, they aren’t going to be the one to give the order to fire to the firing squad; and they will not be the one pulling the switch for “Ol’ Sparky”. One must then consider how simply initiating intravenous access by medically accepted standards and practices is considered to be directly violating the Code of Ethics. The actions of the EMT/Medic would be the same actions that are used in the field to save lives. The only difference here is that there will be someone else releasing chemicals into the IV that are designed to end a life. The EMT/Medic’s actions are not what directly caused the death of the condemned. Just because the inmate is condemned to death doesn’t disqualify them from having medical procedures initiated and monitored by properly trained medical personnel. My personal views on capital punishment are irrelevant in this discussion.

Send me an offline message with all the companies you've contacted, and I'll fill you in on what I know LS

*Notices that the kiwi guy still hasn't responded to the GPS posting*, (even though there was a special poll answer created just for him)

Herbie's right, I was 28 when I got into the Fire Department, and I was 30 when I started EMT classes (the first time). I'm now 46 and working on my Associates Degree in paramedicine.

I'm going to presume that you're thinking of attending OCC or WCCC? The EMT-B program through a community college is going to be pretty much the same no matter where you go. Any idea which company you're planning on applying to after completion? I used to work in the Metro area, so I know a couple things.... LS

There's something about that statement that isn't sitting right with me. Even though the patient is NIDDM, and BGL is 205 (which is higher than the 80-120 averages we're taught). Did he take his meds today? This is ringing like a diabetic episode, just because the BGL is high, and the patient ate very little....the glucose is just floating around in the circulatory system and not going where it's needed.

Hopefully, since EMS is now being recognized as a subspecialty in the medical field, that it will lay the groundwork to get us moved from the control of the Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and put where we belong.....governed by a MEDICAL organization. Once that happens, we can start pushing for higher educational standards, and possibly begin to look at being recognized as a PROFESSION and not just 'another job'.

The 'right thing to do' in that case is to not let that kiwi guy know where you live in the first place! From what I hear, he complains about what you feed him, and makes a lousy patient.....just sayin.

I stumbled upon this quite by chance, and felt that it was worth passing along: FDA pulls Darvon painkiller due to safety risks First approved in the 1950s, opioid can cause dangerous heart rhythms, officials say By MATTHEW PERRONE The Associated Press updated 11/19/2010 12:52:52 PM ET 2010-11-19T17:52:52 - WASHINGTON — The maker of the painkiller Darvon is pulling the drug off the market under pressure from public health officials who say it causes potentially deadly heart rhythms. The Food and Drug Administration said Friday that Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals has agreed to halt marketing of Darvon and the related brand Darvocet, which have been subject to safety concerns for decades. About 10 million people in the U.S. received prescriptions for Darvon and related drugs in 2009, according to the FDA. Friday's action puts the U.S. in line with Britain and the European Union, which previously decided to ban Darvon due to suicides and accidental overdoses. FDA officials said they decided to take action based on a recent study showing Darvon interferes with the electrical activity of the heart, causing irregular heart rhythms that can be fatal.1 Read the rest here: 1Perrone, Mattherw. "FDA Pulls Darvon Painkiller Due to Safety Risks." MSN.com. MSNBC, 19 NOV 2010. Web. 19 Nov 2010. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40274692/ns/health-pain_center/>.

Does this woman qualify as a 'runner up' for the 2010 Darwin Awards or what? I'm sorry, but common sense would tell you that if it looks like a pipe bomb, it MIGHT not be something you want to toss into the trunk of your car and go looking for a cop! Obviously, she had enough brains to realize that the bucket and the devices should go to the local police department, but geeez!...let's use a little common sense! According to what I read, five of the devices exploded, each sending a fireball 8-10 feet into the air. What did she think was going to happen if even ONE detonated while she was trucking through town? Had it happened, she would have gone down in local history as some mad woman who tried to blow something up instead of a good Samaritan who was killed while trying to do the 'right thing'.....

Doc, Do you think that is part of the reason that EMS isn't making much progress....because it IS catering to the 'least common denominator' instead of weeding them out? I'm sure that you've seen some in EMS that you've thought in the back of your mind, "This person has no business treating patients!". Let's be brutally honest here for a minute; we've all come across providers that make us wonder exactly HOW they passed the course, let alone any state testing. I had a partner in Detroit that was trying to palpate a patient's blood pressure (mainly because he forgot his stethescope in the truck). The problem is that he was attempting to palpate the radial pulse on the dorsal aspect of the patient's wrist, and inflating the B/P cuff while idly glancing around the room. This is the same guy that stuffed 15 LPM via NRB in a COPD patient's face who showed no signs of cyanosis, no difficulty breathing and had a SPO2 of 96% on 2lpm via nasal cannula. When he was asked WHY, his answer was "It's my patient, and I will treat them however the hell I want to!". I'm not going to continue because this isn't going to become a 'bash your partners thread'. You get the idea. I'm sure we would all agree that EMS doesn't need providers of this caliber. This is why I personally think that there should be a 'minimum level' that needs to be inplemented. If you can't score above this 'minimum level', you should be excluded from the field.... It's my understanding that there are similar tests for nursing, lawyers and I would presume even for medical school. Why should EMS just take any 'warm body' that wants to get into the field for the glory and 'hero worship'?

Herbie, This is an excellent post that once again confirms the statement "Nothing in medicine is black and white.". It's only human nature to take the scenario you described at face value. While reading it, I was thinking pretty much the same thing you were as you rolled up on scene. As I read further, I had that ever popular "Oh, DUH!" moment. We have to form a 'general impression' when we get on scene, but this story points out very clearly that we cannot write that first impression in stone, to the point that we miss the subtle hints that will be revealed as we progress to patient assessment. There are more than a few in this industry that have a bad habit of developing 'tunnel vision'. They get as far as the first impression, and thats as far as they want to go. We have to treat our patients based on the evidence we uncover, not just off of our first impression. Not all calls will have such a great difference between your first impression and what you find when you start assessing your patient. Good job!

Can you imagine working for this Company ? The Company has a little over 500 employees. 29 have been accused of spousal abuse. 7 have been arrested for draud. 19 have been accused of writing bad checks. 117 have bankrupted at least two businesses. 3 have been arrested for assault. 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit. 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges. 8 have been arrested for shoplifting. 21 are current defendents in lawsuits. In 1998 alone, 84 were stopped for drunk driving. Can you guess which organization this is ? It is the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group that perpetually cranks out hundreds upon hundreds of new laws designed to keep the rest of us in line.

TJZ, I found this post while working on the ‘first cup of the day’, and I have to admit that it made my blood boil! Before I continue, I want to get a disclaimer out of the way: NOTE: This is not meant as a ‘personal attack’. This IS meant to wake up those that are so self-centered that they would DARE to make a statement like what is in bold above. Disrespect of the elderly is a major pet peeve of mine. When I hear some young person (EMT, Medic, Nurse or other individual that is in any way connected to providing care and services to the elderly), using such derogatory terms as 'raisin runs', 'GOMER (Get Out of My E.R.) runs', 'Granny slings' and a host of others; I want to just reach out and do physical harm to them! These people are the reason we have the freedoms, a lot of the technology, and other things we take for granted in our daily lives. They have done more to EARN our compassion, respect and patience than most will ever do! Having actually taken the time to talk to these people, one cannot help but realize that they are 'living history' of not only our respective countries, but of humanity itself. They didn't ASK to grow old! Most don't want to call us, because they don't want to be a 'problem' or a 'bother'. There are so many that are pushed into nursing homes and extended care facilities because their family can't be bothered to take care of the very people that brought them into this world and raised them. I get so disgusted with how self absorbed and self centered people are today! We fairly bristle with anger and hostility when we think of someone treating our family members like that, yet these 'old people' are someone else's parents or grandparents! They're brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles as well. So many of the elderly are placed in these facilities and just ‘forgotten about’. Try putting yourself in their shoes for a while, and see how YOU like being treated as nothing more than an ‘inconvenience’! Who is the ‘deciding authority’ that determines who DESERVES an ambulance or care from those that have taken an oath to provide that care? We don’t decide who ‘deserves’ to be treated. We don’t discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion or age. We’re SUPPOSED’ be treating everyone with dignity and respect. This includes the elderly! REMEMBER THIS: This could be YOU some day! How are you going to feel, knowing that there are people you’re depending on to help you; thinking that just because you’re ‘old’ you don’t DESERVE to be cared for and taken care of because you’re nothing more than an ‘inconvenience’ to them…

I know that Veteran's Day and Rememberance Day has passed, but this was recently sent to me. After watching it, I felt compelled to share it here. A Pittance of Time They fought and some died for their homeland. They fought and some died, now it's our land. Look at his little child; there's no fear in her eyes. Could he not show respect for other dads who have died? Take two minutes, would you mind? It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls who went over. In peace may they rest, may we never Forget why they died. It's a pittance of time. God forgive me for wanting to strike him. Give me strength so as not to be like him. My heart pounds in my breast, fingers pressed to my lips, My throat wants to bawl out, my tongue barely resists. But two minutes I will bide. It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls who went over. In peace may they rest. May we never forget why they died. It's a pittance of time. Read the letters and poems of the heroes at home. They have casualties, battles, and fears of their own. There's a price to be paid if you go, if you stay. Freedom's fought for and won in numerous ways. Take two minutes, would you mind? It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls all over. May we never forget, our young become vets. At the end of the line, It's a pittance of time. It takes courage to fight in your own war. It takes courage to fight someone else's war. Our peacekeepers tell of their own living hell. They bring hope to foreign lands that hate mongers can't kill. Take two minutes, would you mind? It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls who go over. In peacetime our best still don battle dress And lay their lives on the line. It's a pittance of time In peace may they rest, Lest we forget why they died, Take a pittance of time. Terry Kelly Terry was a double silver medalist at the 1979 Canadian Track Championships; a member of the Canadian Track Team that competed in the 1980 Paralympics; has distinguished himself as the third blind person in the world to run the mile in under five minutes; and was honored by carrying the Olympic Torch as part of the Cross-Canada Torch Relay for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Congrats, Ruffles! I pray that all goes much smoother than the last time! I know how worrisome it was for those of us on the 'outside' of that situation, I can only imagine how much of a nail biter it was for you and your family. We don't want anything like that this time!!

I have to admit, I've never used a GPS unit. I've never had a vehicle that had it built in... every time I have to go someplace and I'm not sure about how to get there, I either have a map, or I look it up before going and take 'notes' to get there and back. I know people that couldn't make it out of their driveway without their GPS.... What's funny as hell, is watching these people try to 'navigate' with a map! Let see....south on I-95 to exit...........107 then make a (turns map) right and go .......ummm...........uhhh.............this far (holds fingers an inch and a half apart).... I'm sure you get the idea, and can appreciate how hillarious it is to watch.

GPS addict? It may be eroding your brain When it comes to spatial memory, it could be a case of 'use it or lose it,' say researchers By Joan Raymond msnbc.com contributor msnbc.com contributor updated 11/15/2010 8:51:23 AM ET 2010-11-15T13:51:23 Share Print Font: + - Jean Snyder says she isn't afraid of spiders, snakes or even dentists. But she is scared of one little thing: a GPS breakdown. Snyder's 2005 Honda Odyssey is equipped with GPS, and for the last five years, Snyder hasn't looked at a map, noticed landmarks or even tried new routes to get from point A to point B. Instead, she relies on the disembodied voice of "Jackie," her GPS, to guide her. "When it comes to finding my way, I've become a GPS zombie," says Snyder, a 47-year-old office manager in Highland Heights, Ohio."I'm sure I'm not doing my brain any favors." Snyder might be on to something. Three studies by McGill University researchers presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience on Sunday show that the way we navigate the world today may indeed affect just how well our brains function as we age — particularly the hippocampus, which is linked to memory. Read the rest of the story here

*NOTE*: I am only posting this because the person who wanted it posted was having difficulty in doing so.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cetGUdada8g

By honoring the traditions of the country I was born in, by enlisting in the military, willing to lay my life down to defend the country I was born in and by not taking the rights that others have fought and died to provide for granted.....yep, I believe I've more than EARNED my right to be a 'proud American' and earned my citizenship. And just for the 'cherry on top' I'm trying every day to make this country a little better.

JP, you're being intentionally obtuse just for the sake of an argument. I'm not going to get into a long drawn out affair over this. Whether you recognize a 'heirarchy' or not, there IS a problem in this country of the rights of the 'natural born citizens' and 'legalized citizens' being trampled by the minorities (some of who refuse to enter this country legally). The point is, this country was founded on certain values, customs and traditions. Others have been formed later. To move to this country and demand that these customs, values and traditions be changed because you, the immigrant find them 'offensive' is absurd. That's the bottom line. America has no problem with the immigrant bringing their customs, traditions and values with them, but you MUST respect the ones of this country as well. If you don't like the celebration, holiday or other tradition or rite...then don't participate; but do NOT demand that we stop because you. the GUEST find it contrary or offensive to your way of life. No one asked you to come to this country, and we as the host country shouldn't be expected to change our ways of life to suit you! Just because I was lucky enough to be born in America does not preclude me from being a 'proud American'. If you're not a 'proud American' then feel free to exercise your right to the freedom of choice as you find another country that you CAN be proud of! As far as not earning your citizenship in this country, it is a federal crime to enter this country illegally and to stay in this country illegally. To change this 'illegal status' is to become a citizen. If you cannot be bothered to become a citizen, then you have no place in this country, and you have no voice in it's policies, its practices, or it's traditions. Are you willing to give up your traditions, customs and practices because someone finds them offensive? We already ARE doing just that. Haven't you noticed that we aren't supposed to use the word 'Christmas' in December any more? It's now referred to as a 'winter holiday' and our Christmas tree is now called a 'holiday tree' all because non-Christian minorities found the reference to Christ as offensive. Why should I refrain from my Christian beliefs because someone finds them offensive, and yet I still have to honor their traditions (look at the woman in FL who raised such a stink about not being able to have her veil on for her driver's license photograph). The whole purpose of having your picture on the license is to be able to identify you as the legal holder of that license. If you're not showing your whole face, then how do you expect it to be VALID form of ID? Show me where non Christian religions are being restricted in their practices. Show me one 'non Christian religion' that is having their holidays renamed because the mere mention of them is 'offensive'....you can't because it's not happening to them! It's not that I think those two countries are similar in governance. In Iraq, you can be put to death for not conforming to the Muslim religious ways. Which means that if you hold Christian values, you either turn your back on them, move out of the country or die....you can't even practice your Christian rituals in private. This is a strict DEMAND of the 'host nation' should you decide to move there. You either 'fit in' or you leave/die. No questions, no argument, no compromise.

I can only speak for myself on this. I'm watching our customs, policies, rites, traditions, and observances slowly being eroded in the name of 'accomodation' of minorities...some who can't even be bothered to become citizens before they start demanding we change OUR ways to suit them. While we have no 'national religion', how is it that the minorities can expect their religious beliefs to be more important than those natural citizens of this country? How are our established policies, customs and practices suddenly 'less important' than those of the immigrating minority? How many of YOUR customs, traditions and religion are you willing to give up to make other's happy? Don't you have that RIGHT in this country as well as the minorities do? Where are YOU willing to 'draw that line' where you will not back up from? As a Catholic, I do not feel that my religion is better or superior to the Baptists, the Pentecostals, the Lutherans, the Buddhist, the Muslim, the Wiccan, the Scientologist or any other religious group, but I will NOT compromise MY religion to accommodate theirs as 'superior' or 'more important'! This country may only be a couple hundred years old, but guess what? Some of our traditions are that old as well, and 'thats the way we do things here'. To expect me to turn my back on over 200 years of traditions, customs, etc; just because you think YOUR ways are more important will probably meet with more than just a wee bit of resistance! The consitution states that 'all men are created equal' which to me means that no one person/group's ways of doing things should interfere, limit or otherwise negate the others! If you were to move to Iraq (as a matter of example) do you REALLY think you would be in a position to DEMAND that your traditions, religion and customs would be welcomed? I think the United States has been more than accomodating in that respect, and its about time that OUR ways of doing things are accomodated as well! It IS after all, OUR country that they came to!

I didn't realize Extenz was affected by nitro.....

I think I can see Happiness' point of contention here. In this day and age of 'political correctness', we're allowing our customs and practices to be slowly disintegrated in the name of 'not offending' immigrants and other minority groups. I believe the point that she was trying to make about the RCMP officer and the turban was simply that the RCMP has a long tradition and their uniforms are unique to only them. To change that tradition in the name of 'religious acceptance' is absurd. In the United States, the proper show of respect for our flag and national athem is to stand and face the flag, while you place your hand over your heart (remove your headdress and hold it over your heart) when the national anthem is played. You would be offended (as would any American) if someone remained sitting or turned away from the flag and gave a Nazi salute. The point she was trying to make echoes the long held adage, "When in Rome, do as the Romans". The long standing traditions of the RCMP should NOT be usurped in the name of any religion. If you're going to emigrate to another country (for whatever reason you choose), it's not an unrealistic expectation that you try to assimilate yourself into the customs and practices of your host country. No one has suggested that you trade your own customs and practices for those of your host country, but do NOT expect that your host country HAS to accept and accomodate them. Here in the United States, there has been a shift to bending over backwards to accomodate everyone else's traditions and customs, that we are losing our own customs and traditions in order to 'make peace'. (Look at how we're not suppose to wich each other "Merry Christmas" because it offends some minorities. We are now only allowed to wish each other "Happy Holidays" and "Seasons Greetings", and Christmas is now being referred to as "Winter Holiday". We're not even supposed to refer to the symbol of the decorated tree as a 'Christmas Tree'.) As a minority, I don't care if you wish to observe and practice Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Tet, Kwanzaa, Cinco de Mayo or whatever holiday (religious or otherwise) you wish to observe; but do NOT expect me to change MY right to observe the holidays and Holy Days I hold dear just because you find them 'offensive'! The same goes for customs and practices.