Ridryder 911

First of all, I know Asysin2leads is doing tongue in cheek humor with some reality. Although, I can not speak for him, I am sure he is aware of the same. There is no "cat' fight.. etc.. Lighten up... it is called professional rivalry. Like football teams teasing each other. There is not "great" one out there. Just think if we could not tease each other or even "stir" the pot on this forum, it would be dull sometimes. There is so only so many "I passed and howdy's " posts that can interest one. We are professional enough, to be able to tease and joke and still respect each other in the morning...lol Eyedawn, you observed and started another good posts on "how to improve professionalism". Yes, there is always room to improve no matter what. Fortunately my local ER daytime shift is filled with RN's that was field Paramedics for >15 yrs., so they respect and understand EMS as well as what to expect from medics. Not all are that way.. yet again whose fault is that really ? I found and empathize with both your comical satire of ER humor and Asysin2leads as well... both were humorous! . Keep the humor coming.. R/r 911

Wendy, I think you have hit the main point. I am in the middle of writing an article for an EMS magazine on critical thinking skills. Very few EMS instructors are aware of what these are and definitely not how to improve their students upon them. As more and more medical academia are accepting and promoting critical thinking skills, we will hopefully see a paradigm shift of this in our profession as well. One does not have to have letters, degrees after their name to be a professional in their career. I know of many with M.D., MSN, etc.. only to be some of the most non-professional persons I know. However, the difference is they choose to be that way. They have been educated and as well expected to become such, it is they chose not to. I cannot say the same about EMS personnel. We in EMS do not endorse teaching, maintaining professional standards and being a professional. In comparison of my nursing school, with each semester or each class professionalism was re-addressed in some form of another. Expectations of behaving, displaying and presenting one self as a professional was expected by educators, peers, with pressures to maintain it. The higher level of education, the more pressure and expectation is required of having and displaying it, at all times. Where we in EMS will briefly discuss it once in the beginning of EMT school, and again the beginning of Paramedic school... then, that's it! .. One chapter. Most consider being professional is having a nice, crisp, uniform... which is part, but is only a very small part of the picture. I would like for all to consider this: We require those to teach our 4 year olds (reading, arithmetic-which is crucial) and on up to have at least a baccalaureate degree with hundreds of clinical hours which is very important; but yet, we only require those that truly deal with life and death situations only to have a two week instructor course. Is there something wrong with this picture ? Then of course the course material itself is minimal... We expect others to treat us as a profession or be to treated as a professional ? ..... Are we asking for too much ? We can be.. but, it is a long road. We have to have willing participants. This includes administration, educators, state buerocrats, and yes field medics wanting to change and requiring the change.

Dependent on what your definition of what a professional is. One can display professionalism no matter what level of education, age, or job function. One of the major problems I see is most are not really aware of what being a professional is really about, or for that matters cares to. There are several factors that "make-up" professional traits. As on another EMS forum, people have different definitions of what those might be. For me the ones I can identify are: attitude, knowledge, behavior, appearance, and being able to utilize all those in a manner to perform their position and job with all those traits in a positive manner. Unfortunately, this profession is full of those that do not meet those criteria or even attempt to ever better themselves off. Most are very satisfied with status quo... R/r 911

Ditto.. DVT unless they did not know the appropriate abbreviations. R/r 911

Wow ! I am suprised many are still buying into the CISD crap. When it has been determined not to be helpful and potentially hurtful ( http://info.jems.com/jems/exclus05/e0927a.html ) ... Get a professional counselor to discuss things. R/r 911 (EDITED TO MAKE LINK WORK - ADMIN)

First, let me say ped calls are horrible. I too had one that made me seek professional attention. Saying this, CISD as Dr. Bledsoe and so many others have recognized has not been proven to be effective or even helpful. The truth is everyone die at all ages.... Who says babies, kids, young people shouldn't or don't die ? .. No where I have read or studied ever states such. Go to a NICU unit they die all the time , PICU again kids die .. it is a reality. It sucks, it's bad .. but that is life. Unfortunately, since it is part of life, it is part of the job. The difference of having a bad call and infatuation on one, is a bad call goes away.. and the other is one that never leaves and scenarios are replayed in your mind. Keeping memorabilia off a call .. Are you really thinking how you can not save them all or just that one ? Again, I realize the problems of "bad calls" and again, I highly suggest seeking true professional assistance. A licensed counselor (hopefully one with emergency services or healthcare background). Discussing and talking about the problems with some helpful insights can help. I do wish you the best.. R/r 911

Although Aysy I agree with you ! Now here is the ER Bi*ch nurse response back after standing all 12 hours and as of yet been able not even have a pee break. (all in good humor) ..

I understand the concern of costs, however; it is not the referring or helo fault. Shameful, that the patient ever was received into the ER instead of being to sent directly to the cath lab. Appears the receiving hospital needs to get aboard with new national standards of door to cath... As well, I am surprised that the cardiologist is not having someones arse on a silver platter.. I know when either I have flown (usually Doc perceive those flown as being more serious) them in or go by ground.. the awaiting cath team is ready and the Doc is awaiting and time is money.. as well time is heart muscle. I would have my friend discuss the situation with the patient representative of the hospital. Doubtful they will assist in payment of helicopter but, they may change the policies or better communications. R/r 911

At least one thing, all those were true and universal @ every ER I have worked... R/r 911

I have to agree... as well it is loosely based upon the book House of God which should be mandated for every EMT to read.. and no it is not religous... R/r 911

As well as the topic, I am sure he would love to see a well written paper. I would look up the current APA format on how to properly write a thesis and follow their suggestions. Scientific papers are written following that format and should be graded accordingly. Suggested topics: Rhabdomyolysis and field treatment Use of Leach and Maggot therapy Pharmacology of p.o. meds and how they are distributed as well as combination effects they have with medications we administer. Diet (such as green leafy vegetables, cheese, etc.. can be contraindicated) distribution... or even how sublingual medications are really absorbed.. (please more than through the bucossa) ... Good luck, R/r 911

Actually, AHA does not frown upon the PCT as long as the patient is currently monitored and there is a defib delay such as seeking and retrieving a crash cart. The reason it was removed, because too idiots performed at the wrong time, incorrectly and most ER and ICU's as well as EMS monitor patients with defib capability at the bedside nowadays. (p.s. it produces 0.4 joules when done correctly.... slightly more or less dependent on the strength of strike, voltage may very..) R/r 911

Actually, since he cared for the patient there is no HIPPA violation. Continuation or follow up is acceptable. As well if they do not do electronic billing, there is no HIPPA ruling.... a little loop hole. R/r 911

I worked in one place that did not even have hot water, contacted the Dept. of Health and they could not help us stating it was assumed a work place would place hot water, stranger this was a city service. This changed when decon rules became effective. The only "codes" I am aware of is they have to offer you a place to either shower if you get exposed to bio materials and a place to decon materials separate from regular building or vented with specific requirements for hot water temperature to wash materials. This is where medics needs to be very particular when applying for employment. Most are so excited to get an EMS job, to find out later it is a hell hole, and they get treated like crap. Be sure to ask and examine before you sign that dotted line.... There is no excuse of not providing EMS personnel that is making them money for some basic essentials such as a full refig, decent working conditions. Unfortunately, they know they have a list of "wanna a be's" that will put up with the crap, just to do it. This might a good time, to consider to discussing potentil union or another employer. R/r 911

Ever hear of hair line fractures ? Some fractures are non-displaced and may not have a lot of pain especially if there is other painful areas. Don't fret over it... live and learn. I have seen patient's with fractures that never complained of any pain and was not examined for it because of such, and then later come with complete fracture. They had went home and later became displaced. Even the Doc almost missed it. Again, probably when he laterally moved it or firmly assessed it, it then became non-intact. R/r 911

Hey! I resemble remark as well! Yes, one of my favorite episodes as well!..... Funny, how people look at me wen I convert with a PCT, while these newbies are trying to charge up the paddles..... R/r 911

Michael, Seriously, you need to get out more often!...LOL R/r 911

Wow! Just when you thought a post was dead, just to show we will try resurrect anything. First, it is their emergency NOT yours! Coding a patient that is known anoxic and has been down an extent period of time without cerebral resuscitation is futile, and as well known to not to have a positive outcome. This could be considered unethical and even delivery of poor care. Placing a patient in such situation to be resuscitated with brain damage and then to have that patient slowly go into organ failure is inconsiderate. As well, as placing numerous large amount of financial burden and potential psychological trauma to the family... way to go! What we do or not do... has long term effects, that we are not always aware of. Are we attempting to save the patients for their behalf or..... ours ? R/r 911

Wow! That was an attack?..I must say for a supposed experienced field medic I would expect thicker skin.. I too did not see any attack .. rather a question, in which they still did not defend. Like you said Bushy it is their choice, when one leaves two more enter... R/r 911

Actually, what you don't understand most of the care they provided or standards was those standards at that time. CPR has changed at least 25 times since the filming of Emergency, also " IV D5W" was a common therapy until the late 80's. As well, you might not realize JEMS founder was the consultant for Emergency. James Page (hint J. Gage) The problem I had was not so much the standard of medical care but the unprofessionalism it portrayed. Wearing a t-shirt in every episode when every one else had to wear a uniform.. C'mon. Could had been a Dr., but settled to be a Paramedic.. Surely, there are enough script writers out there that can get things right. That is why some last and some don't.. R/r 911

Let's see I am a RN/CCP and have been doing so nearly thirty years. I wear only a radio holder on my belt, because I am required to carry a radio. I have a total of a pair of scissors, and ink pen and cheat books. So far, I have gone without notice of carrying anything else. Stethoscope, gloves all can be worn before I approach a patient. Have yet seen any need for a pouch... but, that is my personal opinion..as well I don't get laughed at. R/r 911

WOW! My how Gall's must be proud of you! I nominate you for whacker of the year! I have to admit after showing other medics this, some had to check themselves after laughing so hard!.... R/r 911

Ditto... They would not probably enjoy seeing me having to yell at a hard of hearing old lady, "When was the last time you had a bowel movement!..?".... There is only so much one can do in an hour, as well as repetitious movements and treatments. Even codes are boring... R/r 911

Good points as always Azcep. As well as I always caution any pregnant female of the potential risks of exposure to childhood diseases such as chicken pox, measles, etc.. even standing or being near an ER or in the field one can be exposed much more than one realizes. As well as many of the blood borne pathogens. Although, not trying to hijack a post, Dust points out some very interesting and important issues that we do not probably adress in the forums. Since majority of the EMS personnel is usually of gestational age, one should be informed of risks, employment requirements in regards to pregnancy. This probably should be discussed in EMT school, which I doubt is. Females need to adress these questions when applying onto a company, as well as if possible think ahead if planning to become pregnant. It is part of the responsibility of the employee to recognize the needs of the employers as well. Employers understand "things happen" but, as well the employee needs to realize the other side of the coin as well and be expected for the outcome. R/r 911

Fortunately, Saved was cancelled after one season. People, seen through the non realistic B.S. R/r 911