Ridryder 911

It all depends on their thoughts and views and proven decisions are. Just because they passed a test in EMS, does not mean they have the same views as mine. I know I disagree, with many of my co-workers politically. As well, I would be concerned, that is the only credential they would have... R/r 911

After reading posts from other EMS forums as well of those even here, Myself and others started discussing the credibility of some statements and actions as described from posters and to those in EMS. Does credibility even mean anything in EMS and more so, to those that need EMS (the patients)? How much credibility, do we really have in this profession. There are many definitions of credibility; Here it is defined by Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary : "the quality or power of inspiring belief. When applied to an information source, credibility centres on three factors: opportunity (is the source in a position to know?) ability (does the source have the skill and competence?) dependability (is the source responsible and trustworthy?)...". When using the above definition: Do those that make statements about EMS, actually in the position to do so? Are they currently working in a clinical or educational setting, developmental setting such as EMS division, or even administration or are those that dream and aspire to be those some day? Do you have the ability to demonstrate such competence? Are you actively practicing in this profession or have the past experience? Have you been exposed to most of the adversities in EMS such as MCI, logged several hundred calls, or had to overcome obstacles and improvise on the spot? Are you still being judged and evaluated on your competencies? Dependable and trustworthy? Can your partner, crew, and patient trust you? Can your employer place their trust in you to show up on time, be responsible, give 100% of yourself... without being prompted? Have you mastered your profession ? Did you leave your ambulance clean, stocked, paperwork or PCR performed accurately to be billed properly, will it reflect an accurate picture of the patient? Does your co-worker know that they can speak in confidence to you? Can the patient truly trust your knowledge to know, and are competent that you have mastered your knowledge and skill level 100% most of the time? Can you put on that KED/ Hare traction, recall the APGAR levels without being prompted? Do you continuously read and keep current on treatment, and the system in general, daily, weekly, monthly.. ever? So take a hard look at your self.. how would others or your self rate you?

Ditto.... As well, one needs to know their local community and protocols, what is most commonly used. Then one can set a par level, based upon the demands. Personally, I could eliminate about 3/4 in my pack... R/r 911

Hopefully, your service and administration/supervisors will value you enough to take a lunch break.. just remember, it is against OSHA regulation to keep food, etc.. near the patient compartment. (another reason administration, should allow you to have a break). Technically, administration has to allow you to have some form of relief from work in a certain period of time... again, the specifics are in the Department of Labor standards.. R/r 911

Your absolutely right ... they don't. In fact, in has been several years since I have seen local firefighters wearing badges. All departments I know of do not or should not use the badge as an identification measure... (pleae refer to EMS news.. there are about 3 stories of falsifying use of badges) There are very few professional departments I know of that still distribute them, other than the volunteer ones. Even the dress or blazers, have a mongrammed insignia. It is a decoration, without any meaning or purpose. Might as well get gold colored casusceus as well... again, like you described if they want one to look at.. so be it. Just many do assume, that with a badge comes authority (in which the purpose badges were worn).. don't believe me, again read the EMS news section. R/r 911

mtnsldr, first good luck in your deployment, and pray for your and others safety. I honor those that are doing such, as well wish you success in achieving your professional goals. There are those that have been active in this forum that has always tried to produce the " more than one way" and to "think outside the box"; this is why EMT City is so popular, however we attempt to do so with reason and education. Many of us here, see some very erroneous information given time to time, and as well some information that can be potentially dangerous to patient care, to the EMS profession and to one's personal career. There are very many well educated, experienced, licensed clinicians on this forum that offer much information after performing and knowing the research, and have the knowledge that such information is correct. We attempt to share information, knowledge, ideas and that will promote this profession and to provide better patient care. We may debate, and even discourage advise from some of the novice area, it is not to be displeasing, or derogatory but to make sure that information given is as accurate and true as possible, so this forum can remain respected. As well, there are many of us that are trying to promote the EMT image from the current Rickey Rescue image, to more a professional health care professional, since this is the primary goal of EMS is about ....delivering medical care. We encourage questions (albeit, we do suggest using "search" prior) and comments, from everyone.... again, the best of luck and success. R/r 911

So should the county road workers wear badges ? Hmm never seen the County Health department officials and nurses (in which have more authority than any EMS) wear badges ?.. Oh that 's right they are medical! The reason non law enforcement officers wear badges, is simple they want to or have to! Look to what ever excuse you want to justify your self ego.. as you described the job does not require, nor even expects it too, (most patients do not know or really care between private versus public owned EMS). EMS has no "authority" only in their own mind set.. as well this means you are still wearing the traditional epplet, type uniform... or at least I hope you are to wear a badge. Want to own a badge... go for it, satisfy your thrill and power (whatever that might be), but I much rather have seen you spend that money on a medical book, written above a 10'th grade level. As long as we have those whom try to place EMS other than in a medical field, we wil lhave the debate of badges, this part of the problem, not recognizing what the abbreviation of what EMS stands for. R/r 911

You should or I should say that no EMT should say "you be all right" in a medical term as there is really noting wrong with you... although rather it might be speaking in a comforting way. The child will be evaluated and assessed, as well the mother is responsible for the child and has to make the determination if the child and her self will be treated after the victim is informed of risks, and potential injuries, and refusal form usually witnessed by the law enforcement officer. Yes, law enforcement officers, will be at the scene 99.99% of the time... Good luck, in your research.....

May I highly suggest you check local laws on protecting one self and proper ways to do such. There are federal laws as well on the amount of protection one can do if the patient is a known psych patient..even if they are promoting hostile situation to you or another. If you value your license, certification etc.. and really would like to avoid prosecution to your self, you may want to drop the "tough man" image. It is apparent we have a lot of either newbies, wanna be's etc..that are ignorant in personal and safety protection as well. As well, it is very apparent these folks have never really dealt with hostile, aggressive, mentally challenged, and psychiatric patients as well. LEO whom train in this daily is often overtaken fast, and dangerous. I might as well suggest reading those EMS personal that lost their lives, partner lives, of "attempting" to protect themselves with equipment. I highly suggest courses such as http://www.dt4ems.net/ or similar for protection, trained and licensed protection designed for medics by medics and law enforcement. These type of courses not only are designed to help save your life, but your partner, and career as well... Carrying weapons such as knives, will only have potential dangers to yourself, and others. Sorry, I am have been in a very busy EMS and flight service for over 29 years, and have yet as many others never seen the need for a knife... EMT shears will cut through leather, rope, and seat belts. as well knives may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Again, we are or suposed to be medical professionals... let's at least look the part, if you can't provide it. R/r 911

It is not usually mandated by the state, rather by Federal regulations under Federal Wage and Labor Board. There are many different interpretations of how and when and if all dependent on your length of schedule, type of EMS, etc.. So you need to check with them. Many have an uninterrupted period and some don't have specifics, rather non-busy EMS can describe you have a period that allows one to eat at a non specific time. R/r 911

The traditional way it was taught was to place the elbow toward the nose, and the fist should not be greater than 15 inches in height, so one would not "swinging" outward or reaching to far back to hit too hard... It does not take much to produce enough force.. R/r 911

Be a professional, your service should have a standard or guideline to follow. Keep the gizmo's, knifes, and weapons to the whackers... R/r 911

Wow!.. Al this for some info... I agree, if you view other web forums, part of the communication is to appear that you have done some research, and investigation prior to asking questions. There is no excuse of being ignorant with the invention of the internet and search measures. Surely, one would investigate a career by looking at the professional requirements from educational systems and professional organizations, before discussing with members of that trade. Yes, we have a reputation sometimes, but then again we have one of the highest active member forums. Yes, we strive to encourage common sense, reading, and further education of any non-level or levels of EMS. If you are offended for us that that want to maintain some creditability in the forums, there are plenty of "feel good" and whacker sites out there. Yet, one will not likely to find the experience nor educational level , rather those filled with students, newbies and wanna-be's.... Interested in any career, do a search.. go to a career counselor etc.. then after finding the qualifications and the job duties, and having a basic knowledge of that profession.. then talk ask questions of members of that profession.

Remember to use common sense... If your patient is symptomatic and has extreme vertigo or dizziness when going from sitting or laying supine to upright this is indication that your patient is "tilt +".. with symptoms and the tilt should not be performed for potential injury to the patient falling. Yes, like pulse points in determination of pressures, this gives approximations... R/r 911

Ditto... good post . R/r 911

Search this forum.. there are plenty of discussion on electronic PCR's and programs... R/r 911

Look at other forums as well, this is the firstI ever heard of praises for Zoll..... R/r 911

Why would it take more than 5 seconds to deliver it ? It is simple... measure from nose to chest .. approx..10-14 inches and deliver PCT.. done, it delivers approximately 4 joules.. and yes, I have seen it worked numerous times. R/r 911

Ditto, to the above post... remember a good stethoscope is nice to have however it is what is between the ears that counts as much as what you put in your ears..... R/r 911

Another EMT that actually believes trendlenburg works..! R/r 911

Confusing protocols, first ask if they got a UDS (urine drug screen ) on him... have someone else take a blood pressure, palpation is only a guess and if he is warm and dry and alert with only a 80 palpated.. hmm something wrong. I would give him a some fluids and then some adenocard.. not working then consider it's time for Edison Medicine...if he was a middle age AMI candidate, I would approach differently. R/r 911

It is all how good you want to be.. if you want to be comparable with others, just occasionally rad the assignments, half ass the clinicals and labs.. and yes, you will do fine and even pass the certification exam... However; if you really want to do well and know what the heck you are dong, plan on spending some time at the library, study at least an additional 4-6 hours on lit review and an extra 2-3 hours on skills... Good luck! R/r 911

Do a search on this site, plus many others.. there has been studies pro and con.. as well, some have been restricted and under investigation for potential wrongful problems. R/r 911

PTSD is a psychological disorder and personally prefer not to be diagnosed with. One would have to got through a battery of test and probably prescribed medication as well before medical retirement would be awarded if and that is a big IF allowed to be covered even. Most would have to go on disability...I know of fires service that was able to truly claim PTSD after the OKC bombing, but the medics were not able to receive the same benefits due to the retirement structure and benefits package. Now, diagnoses with PTSD, these medics will never be allowed to maintain any "stressful" job. This would include any healthcare /public service, etc.. profession. One needs to be sure, that they are truly diagnosed and receive treatment of PTSD, and not try to "scam" and receive undue benefits.. which could be perceived as insurance fraud and potentially have financial fines and possible prison time. R/r 911

If you are concerned about ID's then have one made up.. take your company logo and and a pic, with a letter from your director on appropriate stationary.. there are several areas that will make them for you. R/r 911