Lone Star

Hubby gets 'maternity leave'? Hell, I didn't know he was pregnant!

I'm having a 'problem' with the assumption that the 'couple of half empty bottles of Advil' were 'half emptied' at one time. There's nothing to indicate how old (or new) those bottles are! Logic would dictate that if you're going to intentionally overdose on anything, you wouldn't take only 'some' of one bottle, then open another and take only 'some of those'. If it were an intentional (or even accidental) overdose, wouldn't it stand to reason that you'd work on one bottle till it was gone, before opening the second one?

:crybaby: :crybaby: *sobs uncontrollably* :crybaby: :crybaby: Unfortunately, I don't see a way that I could make it to the party....but thank you for the very kind invite! I can just see it now, the forumites are going to descend on your house like a swarm of locusts! To all the attendees: Dumping Mr. Bubble into the hot tub is NOT a good idea.....'foam monsters' tend to wreak hell and havoc on hot tubs and the grass around it, not to mention make the deck slicker than ice! Hope all is going well for y'all, and Cheeks....you better not be overexerting yourself!!! Just in case the doctor didn't tell you...you're SUPPOSED to be RESTING!

Was there any difficulty breathing BEFORE she went to bed?

Wow! With the suggestions that I've read here, there's not alot I could possibly add! Don't be satisfied with 'the book says'...don't be afraid to delve into what is presented and learn WHY things work the way they do....you'll be surprised how interesting it can get! Take notes in class, and don't stop there. When I took my EMT-B class, I would spend a minimum of 2 hours after school with a 'bottomless cup of coffee' transcribing my notes, and cross referencing them to the book, that way just the notes would make a good 'study tool'. As it's been stated before, dont be afraid to ask questions! This site can be a wealth of knowledge, and there are many here that are not 'bashful' about helping those new to the field. You'll find that in the field of medicine, and EMS; there is no 'black and white', so be prepared to keep learning! This is an ever evolving field, and things seem to change on a daily basis. Above all else, when it comes to taking tests.....do NOT 'read more into the question' than is presented! I've seen good students drive themselves completely batty, trying to read more into questions and scenarios ..... and end up with the wrong conclusions, results and treatments. When it's all said and done, relax....rely on your education (I hesitate to use the word 'training'), and all will work out well. Go back and study your weak areas. Remember that any monkey can regurgitate facts as 'the book says', but it takes an EDUCATED EMT (regardless of level), to be able to explain WHY a certain treatment was rendered, WHAT results are expected, and what to do if the expected results aren't achieved. As my 'signature' says, this is the time to 'kill 'em in the classroom, so you can save 'em on the streets!' Make your mistakes in the classroom, and learn from those mistakes; not only the ones you make, but the ones you observe others make.

Could this be your brother-in-law? *WARNING* Do NOT attempt to drink ANYTHING while watching this video clip!!!

This sounds more like the owner not giving a damn what the dogs do, and ultimately led to the destruction of the animals. While it's sad that the dogs had to be put down for their behavior, I can understand the rationale behind it. We can only hope that in addition to the charges the owner already faces concerning the attack on the man, that the owner is also charged for the destruction of the dogs involved. Had the owner been more responsible, there would have been a much different outcome. While I'm not one of those highly visible PETA members, and I do not believe that a pet has more rights than humans, I hate to see the needless destruction of a pet because they're old, misbehaving or simply not wanted any longer.

And the fact that someone who is one of the 'non-intoxicated people, right now in America' complaining about the discussion says much more!

As I said in the chat room, a rolled up newspaper across the bridge of the dogs muzzle works wonders. It doesn't hurt them, but the loud 'pop' made by tne newspaper and the sheer surprise of getting whacked for certain behavior should go a long way to curbing this behavior. Another trick is to use a spray bottle set to 'straight stream', aiming for the nose works well too. You want to avoid the 'spanking' of the puppy, because in some dogs, it can lead to or exacerbate hip displasia. If all else fails, buying a muzzle for the dog may be an option. You said in the chat room, that you'd hate to have the dog 'put down'. Seems a little drastic to euthanize a puppy for doing what is genetically inherent!

Rich, No, I don't think you're wrong about the 38mm pistol. I have never heard of such a creature in all the time I've been shooting. If you convert 38mm to inches, you'll find that the projectile will be about 1½ inches, (even the 'old school .45 caliber is only 0.45 inches) In this case, the 38mm would refer to the bullet diameter; so you're looking at a 1.49" wide bullet. I can't think of any handgun with a bore diameter THAT large! That's 3 times the bore diameter of a .50 caliber pistol! There IS however, a .38 caliber pistol, which turns out to be 0.356 inches (this is why it can also be fired in the .357 Magnum revolvers). I currently shoot a 9 X 18mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol, (which is roughly the equivalent of a .380 caliber), and I also shoot a Springfield Armory XD40, a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The standard 9mm semi-automatic pistol is 9 X 19mm (the 19 mm refers to the length of the casing [where the powder is held, and the primer cap is attached]) Yes, you CAN reduce the amount of gunpowder in a hand loaded round. By doing so, you reduce the muzzle velocity and the effective range, and ultimately, the overall efficacy of the round when it finally reaches the target. Normally, a round with less than the necessary amount of gunpowder, (referred to as a 'squib load'), results in the bullet not having enough velocity to leave the barrel, causing an obstruction. Squib load It's funny that you referenced the old 'catching the bullet between the teeth' trick. Recently on Mythbusters, they tackled that myth, and found out that it's just that.....a myth. Most of the 'old magicians' would have the pistol loaded with blank rounds (all bang, and no blood), and would have secreted a bullet in their mouth prior to the trick. The gun goes bang, the magician jerks his head backwards (to simulate the impact of the round) and then place the bullet between the teeth with the tongue, smile....showing the 'caught bullet' for the crowd. It was nothing more than sleight of hand. *DISCLAIMER* DO NOT TRY THIS 'TRICK' TO PROVE ME WRONG KIDS, IT'S BEEN TRIED BEFORE, AND PEOPLE HAVE ENDED UP DEAD WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO CATCH THE BULLET!!! . [align=center:797c3ac425]It is possible for a human to catch a fired bullet in one piece with their teeth.[/align:797c3ac425] BUSTED A pig’s teeth are significantly stronger than a human’s, and yet were shattered by an impulse test when a bullet, held by a pig head’s teeth under the same pressure as an average human’s maximum bite strength, was suddenly forced forward by a force equivalent to a speeding bullet. Furthermore, the reaction time needed to perfectly capture a bullet in one’s teeth is too short and has too tight a tolerance for any human (and almost any machine for that matter) to succeed. Finally, when the bullet was captured perfectly, the velocity that it traveled at completely destroyed even a full metal jacket bullet: it is impossible to catch a bullet in the same state as it exited a gun via solid mechanical means. MythBusters

Welcome back Cheeky! Having been on the 'recieving end' of the EMS field, I ca say this with some 'authority': You'll find that after being in the position that you were shoved into, your compassion and empathy for your patient will be greatly increased. As in the 'brotherhood' of law enforcement, and the Fire Service, you, as an EMT (regardless of your level of licensure), belong to a 'family' that extends across state lines and international borders... My prayers for your son, and hopes for a speedy, full recovery for you both! LS

What I find just as funny as the video, is the people's reactions.... It appears that most are presuming that just because something got 'bleeped', that it was too 'salty' to be said on the children's program. I guess it goes to show just where most people's minds REALLY are! I found an Oscar video that has been 'unnecessarilly censored', but I don't know how to post it in here like I've seen other video's posted. The best I can do is give a link.....

OPC - Other Peoples Children (applies to those people you just can't dress up and take anywhere; otherwise known as the HMBS crowd)

HMBS - Hold My Beer Syndrome FIRST- F***ing Idiot Racing Through Slow Traffic TSTL- Too Stupid To Live

BOHICA - Bend Over, Here It Comes Again FDGB - Fall Down, Go 'Boom' DFO - Done Fell Out SOS/DFD - Same Ol' Shit/Different F***ing Diaper NAVY - Never Again Volunteer Yourself

This is my desktop image at the moment.... I tend to change it quite often, depending on my mood or what ever cool pic I can find....

When I opened the 'main door' to leave for the fire call....cujo the pit bull slammed into the screen door, partially knocking the metal panel (in the bottom half of the door) out of the frame....I slammed the main door shut and picked up the phone....

The only 'problem' that I can see in 'correcting' this situation on my own was, if I had actually shot the dog, (as I should have the right to do); I would have been arrested for discharging a firearm within the limits of an incorporated metropolitan area. Some more 'history' on this call..... I had been sitting in my house, minding my own business; completely unaware that I had been technically kidnapped by some monster pit bull. I get toned out for a fire call, and open the door to find cujo baring his teeth at me. Yes, I could have shot the dog, and I'm sure I would have been well within my rights to do so.....but theres that pesky law about discharging a firearm.... The only 'recourse' was to dial 911, and ask them to dispatch an officer (and hopefully animal control) to come 'rescue' the rescuer!

Does calling 9-1-1 to get 'rescued' from a big mean dog thats got you trapped in your own house constitute an 'emergency'?

While I agree that if there are problems; then by all means, bring law enforcement into play. Having a shouting match with anyone over who is the actual boss is counterproductive at best. The 'problem' I'm having with this post is the section hilighted in red....how can the bondsman even BEGIN to decide whats best for the patient, or even refuse medical treatment on the patients behalf? If theres ANY signature on a refusal to treat form, it had BETTER be that of the patient! To allow the bondsman (or law enforcement officer) to speak for, and ultimately refuse medical treatment for the prisoner would constitute abandonment. Even in the event that the patient is a minor, the ONLY people that can sign a refusal would be the minors LEGAL GUARDIANS, appointed by the family court. Last time I checked, not even law enforcement has that power; even with 'one in custody'!

I think rather than trying to blame EMS for the 'downfall of the US healthcare system', maybe we should put the blame right where it belongs: [align=center:bd2d401a53]FBI: Hospital used homeless as 'human pawns' CEO arrested for billing unneeded procedures for phony patients[/align:bd2d401a53] LOS ANGELES - A hospital CEO was arrested Wednesday in what authorities said was a scheme to recruit homeless people as phony patients and bill government programs for millions of dollars in unnecessary health services. Federal agents raided three medical centers and the city of Los Angeles sued the hospitals, saying they used homeless people as "human pawns." More charges are expected, a federal prosecutor said Hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange counties submitted phony Medicare and Medi-Cal bills for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homeless patients — including drug addicts and the mentally ill — recruited from downtown's Skid Row, state and federal authorities allege. While treating minor problems that did not require hospitalization, such as dehydration, exhaustion or yeast infections, the hospitals allegedly kept homeless patients in beds for as long as three days and charged the government for the stays. Over four years, a mentally ill woman identified as "Recruit X" was admitted to all three hospitals for conditions she said she never had, such as shortness of breath and chest pains. After her stays, she would be returned to Skid Row and use money she received for participating in the scheme to buy crack cocaine, authorities alleged. She was never treated for drug addiction. Reports of homeless dumping prompted investigation The investigation was sparked in 2006 by a Los Angeles police investigation of reports that hospitals were dumping homeless patients on the streets. Search warrants were served at City of Angels Medical Center, Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center and Tustin Hospital and Medical Center, the FBI said. FBI agents arrested Rudra Sabaratnam, CEO of City of Angels hospital, and Estill Mitts, operator of a Skid Row health assessment center, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. They were in federal custody and were expected to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon. A 21-count indictment unsealed Wednesday charged both men with conspiring to receive and take kickbacks for patient referrals and to commit health care fraud. Sabaratnam also was charged with paying kickbacks and Mitts was charged with money laundering and tax evasion. If convicted, Sabaratnam could face 50 years in federal prison, and Mitts could face 140 years, authorities said. U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien said he expects additional charges in the case. "This is one of several major medical fraud investigations that are ongoing," he said. "There's too much money being illegally stripped from public health care programs and the potential impact to those with a legitimate need is too great to let such fraud escape federal prosecution." There were no residential phone listings in Los Angeles for Sabaratnam or Mitts and it was not immediately known if they had attorneys. Representatives of the hospitals did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment. Los Angeles Metropolitan and the Tustin hospital are owned by Pacific Health Corp. and Los Angeles-based Intercare Health Systems owns City of Angels. The city attorney's office said it filed a lawsuit against the corporate owners of the three hospitals — along with Sabaratnam, several doctors and others — in connection with the alleged scheme. Kickbacks of up to $20,000 a month Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the city attorney's office, said Skid Row workers "were receiving kickbacks up to $20,000 a month from some of these hospitals and they were delivering between 30 and 50 patients a month." Mitts ran the 7th Street Assessment Center, which screens people for health needs and takes them to hospitals if necessary. The lawsuit said the "patients" were picked up by recruiters who sent them to the 7th Street center, where they were given phony diagnoses and forms were filled out justifying their eligibility for government medical programs. Medi-Cal and Medicare would be billed for the ambulance and hospital stay, Mateljan said. After their hospital stays, the homeless patients would be returned to Skid Row shelters, but "they would go back multiple times," he said. In the lawsuit, "Recruit X" said she "received very little medical treatment, and none of the treatment that she received was necessary." At least once, she suffered a serious drop in blood pressure after she was given a nitroglycerin patch for a nonexistent cardiopulmonary condition, the suit claimed.

The Battle Of New Orleans -Artist: Johnny Horton -the # 21 song of the 1955-1959 rock era -was # 1 for weeks in 1959 -Words and Music by Jimmy Driftwood In 1814 we took a little trip Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip We took a little bacon and we took a little beans And we caught the bloody British in the town of New Orleans We fired our guns and the British kept a'comin' There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago We fired once more and they began to runnin' On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico We looked down the river and we seed the British come And there must have been a hundred of 'em beatin' on the drum They stepped so high and they made their bugles ring We stood behind our cotton bales and didn't say a thing We fired our guns and the British kept a'comin' There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago We fired once more and they began to runnin' On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico Old Hickory said we could take 'em by surprise If we didn't fire our muskets till we looked 'em in the eyes We held our fire till we seed their faces well Then we opened up our squirrel guns and gave 'em ..Well....we... fired our guns and the British kept a'comin' There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago We fired once more and they began to runnin' On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico Yeah they ran through the briars and they ran through the brambles And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn't go They ran so fast that the hounds couldn't catch 'em On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico We fired our cannon till the barrel melted down So we grabbed an alligator and we fought another round We filled his head with cannonballs 'n' powdered his behind And when we touched the powder off, the gator lost his mind We fired our guns and the British kept a'comin' There wasn't nigh as many as there was a while ago We fired once more and they began to runnin' On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico Yeah they ran through the briars and they ran through the brambles And they ran through the bushes where a rabbit couldn't go They ran so fast that the hounds couldn't catch 'em On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico SPOKEN TAG Hut, hut, three, four Sound off, three, four Hut, hut, three, four Sound off, three, four Hut, hut, three, four

I have to agree there Ruffles, war isn't always a good thing. If you like playing 'real time strategy' games, I've got Age of Empires 1,II, and the expansion packs for both levels. I've also got Command & Conquer up to "Yuri's Revenge"

I would have to agree with Constance.... There should have been no need for 'Scott' to take pictures of the patient, he should have been able to document the incompetence adequately in an incident report. The only time I can see photographing a patient, would be as Constance said, to document injuries for filing criminal charges. Those photographs should be taken by a law enforcement officer, as to preserve the 'chain of custody' on the evidence. Any other 'reasons', how ever well intentioned should be (and are) a violation of not only privacy laws, but it's not doing anything to protect the patients dignity! How long has "Scott" been an EMT? It's a shame that your friend should even find himself in that position, but we walk a very fine line with the dissemination of information and toeing the line with HIPAA requirements.....

DAMN! Here I thought I might be able to dispense with that 'special exam' with the elbow length formal latex glove with only one finger!!!!! :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :cussing: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: :pukeleft::pukeright: