Ridryder 911

As well, you did not state if it was 24 hour shifts, with built in overtime or any other explanation (s). This might actually be a $40-mid $50,000 year job even at $10.75 an hour. Remember that one can NOT base EMS salaries solely upon per hour statements. For I have seen offers of $25 hr with the stipulations of only being paid for 16 hr of the 24 hour shift.. in reality the hourly rate would be much lower. Again, there are so many variables. When evaluating pay, one needs to look at the costs of living, the benefits and the over all pay. We pay out 12 -15 per hour, but in comparison to a 40 hour week it would be $25 - 30 hr. Look at whole the picture. R/r 911

Sorry, I don't see "news worthiness". Show me an ER without patients in the hall ways! This is even happening to rural hospitals and some still don't believe our job description is not going to change? Ha! R/r 911

What exactly is a "Paramedic Specialist"? ...

I was taught in NP 2-4 hours for facial and up to 8 hours for other. The reaon is for infection but the proximate edges become dry and non pliable. Yes, one can incise and attempt to use better tissue that is if it is possible. Usually it is loosely placed together to prevent dehiscence.

I don't work for them but I do know several that do. R/r 911

True, there is a lot of "suck" in the field, but getting an absolute vacuum is going to be hard. R/r911

If what he was attempting to make a point about was real, then one would had never seen this video or him ever again. Compare that to other countries that one would dare qustion the authorities. Too bad one cannot make a slide and post into the video of : "Idiot... One that pisses off a person, that is wearing a weapon".... Seriously, some people need to get a real life. R/r 911

About a month ago, I was in a meeting with Bill Brown CEO of NREMT and the discussion was made that the NREMT better not find any institutions giving the okay before the student has "graduated" from that program (this includes total completion of everything including clinicals). Although, I know the Registry has many problems; it does appear they recognize them and as well attempting to correct them. R/r 911

Here is a another news story, as we attempt to address the upcoming shortage of Paramedics, yet want quality over quantity. http://www.koco.com/video/17775681/index.html

As soon as you know how to spell the title correctly and yes if it is NREMT, one has to officially finish and successfully complete the program. R/r 911

Apparently not. They charged him with striking a city worker (EMS) misdemeanor and an officer (of course felony). Something that we in EMS should demand is the very least a felony charge! R/r 911

We used to go through many of processions because one of the larger cemetery was next door to the hospital (no joking). In my region, people also drive with their headlights on as well and usually an officer is assigned as an escort if possible. We always turned the siren off but kept the lights on and most always pulled to the side as well. I am glad to say, that it is usually customary to still respect someones life here. You will still see men remove their hats, and people pull over when the procession drives by. R/r 911

Yep, several times. One was the spouse of the deceased (even heard in the background if they could make a double ceremony).. and one was at a Native American Indian inside a tepee (yes, a real one) with the deceased (yep, you guessed it .. one I had worked) on the burial platform. I have to admit this was strange to be shocking someone in a tepee and seeing the vast cultural and technology changes... R/r 911

You would make many feel at home!....lol I can assure you as you are aware of, if they go on at least one clinical they can see at least one double wide with all of the above!

It is a a quote open door type program however; there is a process.. For entry level, you must have had completed at the least A & P I, some other general education such as math, science and be a current NREMT basic level. Personally, many of us feel experience is nice but alike the discussion here a clean slate is many times easier to mold and teach the right way without any prior prejudices. One can obtain a "certificate" without attending all of the usual general education, but it is highly encouraged to obtain at least the associate degree level. As well, there are multiple bridge programs for nursing that are used to this program also the college itself has one, if the person so desires to choose that path. I cannot say exactly what the "wash out" rate is, but it is not unusual to have several either quit or fail. Which I am proud to say not everyone can nor should be able to finish such a program. Something the Coordinator and I have discussed and agree upon.I believe currently there are three Paramedic classes going. Two traditional and we just started a pilot on-line Paramedic, which I am the clinical instructor (the only classroom instructor they will have). It is too early to determine the effectiveness but I believe it will be an alternative way of instructing if performed properly. All of the students can admit that it is definitively not any easier. I discussed with them last week, as most say they study at least 3-4 hours a day (minimum) as they are expected to know all objectives and perform thesis type research and projects as well. The lead instructor is a very well known, experienced and knowledgeable professor that demands excellence. R/r 911

I wished but EMSA is now having an employment + school sign on agreement. They are sending some to OKCC, but many to EOC, Metro Tech and Gordon Cooper Vo-Tech. R/r 911

FYI: He was charged as having possession of PCP, and abandonment of children. He was also charged with assaulting an office, and striking city employees (EMSA is a trust of the city). A note that EMSA is reviewing to assure that the medics action was correct as well. R/r911

Well, this just happened up the road... Let you know more as details is let out.... http://www.koco.com/news/17736008/detail.html

We just opened a new state of the art facilities where I teach at. The mock code was for tv (yes they knew they were bouncing).. http://www.kwtv.com/global/video/flash/pop...mp;rnd=73547672 R/r 911

You were lucky then. I still do not know of any ER's in my area that has LMA's (except in OR) or King/ Combitubes, etc. Nor does most of the ER physicians (yes they are board cert ER docs) know anything about them. I wished I could say it is a regional thing, but they come from all over from different states. I have seen more my fair share of botched up airways. One attempted to perform a crich after a failed intubation using a Melker crich kit. He inserted it with the curvature upwards and refused to listen to Paramedics on the proper placement. Another attempted intubated with an NG tube then attempted slide the ETT over it alike a bougie device.. except the NG tube was too big so he then placed KY and attempted with no avail... Again, different ER's and no these were not small ones either. My opinion is let's start at the top and clean it up.. Personally, would like to see the performance level of Dr. Wang on airways from hell. R/ r911

I do hope that they really read whole the study. Read the type and acuity of what the patients are compared to. Again, skewed and misunderstood studies is of no value. Alike the Houston PASG study that first accused the knee jerk of removing the garments. Many assumed it said that they did not work; when in fact it did NOT say that, it described it did not an increase in survivability. Yet again, the acuity of the type of patients it would be doubtful if a trauma surgeon would had made a difference. Look at the whole picture.... and then be sure to read in between the lines as well. Again the procedure(s) is not the problem rather the lack of education of the personal. R/r 911

I agree, another propaganda to assure FD has security. Just because they have a patch does not mean the will be able to or want to perform. Alike the old saying.. "just shoving feathers up your arse does not make you a chicken"....

Wang has always had a hard on against EMS. Unfortunately, his studies has always been known to be biased even before publication one can predict which way it will be skewed. Ironically Wang is getting up in age.. would it not be ironic.. you can guess the rest. R/r 911

If we were to base our procedures upon the number of times or if needed, then ER physicians would only have to go through a year of school. How many times do you see pericardiocentesis, crich'ss, trach.'s performed in ER by the ER Doc? Yet, we still allow and want them to be able to perform if needed. See the correlation? How proficient do you think that ER Doc is in performing some of those procedures they have not used in 15 years? Not being able goes back to poor education and follow up of proficiency. Yanking the procedures because there was poor rates is foolish. It is not the procedures that is wrong, rather the individuals performing them that is poor. Sorry, I have worked in rural areas where the nearest trauma center was 2 hours flying time. Does one not think that maybe RSI might be nice in the head injury patients with clenched jaws? Stop at the ER and have a P.A. attempt RSI?... Yeah, they intubated a whopping five times in their life. Yes, we definitely need to police ourselves. Enforce true education in and on every procedure we perform, ensure safety and the person is qualified and is able to perform correctly. Just wished they made others as responsible too (including physicians). R/r 911

I don't think their the enemy, yet they have not taken the proper actions as well. I definitely agree we are lacking on our part, yet this does not exempt them either just because they are physicians. If you want to assume the role tof medical control then be active and assume the responsibilities seriously. Make sure that your standards are carried out. Again, just you are a Doc does not exempt you not becoming qualified as a medical director and actively participating within the service (controlling whom can function or not). Again, instead of worrying about removing one procedure, I would worry about the total care that may or may not be provided. I do agree, we should get our act together as well. We should never recommend to physicians idiots that cannot pass tests, perform quality care. Again, alike you described it is as much as of our responsibility. We have became so relaxed in whom, what is produced and still can operate as a Paramedic it is a wonder more procedures are not removed. Time we start cleaning up our own profession.. anyone got a big broom? R/r 911