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Agreed, I like how you explained that and laughing .. the old paper bag kill them trick MAJOR RN FAIL. Carpal spasm more correctly (just showing off is all) The OP presented/ painted the picture in Technicolor and with SpO2 of 89% on FiO2 of .21 then O2 admin is required asap, no questions asked, it certainly sounds as if Hyperventilation Syndrome (er increased deadspace ventilation due anxiety) was the underlying patho here .. but these days we should not ever rule out recreational drug use(cocaine or meth) or even excited delirium to this presentation, yet another differential dx could be Central Neurological Hyperventilation Syndrome from the early onset of an inter cranial bleed, and with DOA ie drugs of abuse on board then having an MI associated, yes even at this age this should NEVER be ruled out. Late edit Ventmedic/ chbare "tachypnea" more susintly, dang always a day late and a dollar short with you guys .... YES the RN should be treated for cranio rectal inversion, she knows zip (bitch slapping sounds overheard)so use the info provided to open a dialog and discuss all presented here. Now on to my bro LS ... JPINFV is quite correct there are 4 factors that affect any mask or N/C delivery, the concepts they teach about the concentration and flow in differing delivery devices are JUST optimal and just in the books, Unless one exceeds the patients minute volume by 4 times your kidding yourself that a NRB is actually delivering what the books say, or by definition NRM is a high flow delivery system ... I am going to make a RT out of you guys if it kills me ! The major drive is NOT hypoxia its CO2(argh as already stated) ... unless documented with ABGS and that is only 5% of KNOWN COPD ers....in this case the drive was higher up like frontal lobes anxiety or drug assisted. Criteria for optimal delivery for Masks or N/C. 1-RR less than 28 2-properly fitting mask (as if the reservoir bag ever collapses with one size fits all) 3- RR is regular. 4- Ok I forgot but I know there is another criteria. ps in passing did you know that 15 liters per minute on a BVM can actually cause iatrogenic PEEP, and lead to Dynamic Hyperinflation and dump a intubated patients BP ... ok enough of that, but the point being you want to deliver 1.0 Fio2 ...use a BVM, talk to your patients and watch the reservoir bag ...if its not deflating a bit your wasting O2 bottom line and could be causing some more issues. cheers

Ok and there is something wrong with a SLAGFEST that disrespects the entire profession on a world wide basis, oh grasshopper best review your EMT origins and WHY Paramedicine was so well established with Gage and Desoto entrenching PARAMEDICS in the eyes of the public and the genuine concern for the public no mater what walk of life. Yea know sometimes I wonder why its cool to be the Gangster type instead of Boy scouts persona, a serious reflection of societal issues that have gone sideways. So pull up your BDU pants KY and put that hat on the way it was designed, the brim keeps the sun out of your eyes. So its acceptable to Medium Weight LAND Helos on any old roof tops and not have issues? Hell even fly in down town areas SF with high rise buildings (bit of an issue there too, ahem a few members on board here were at the twin towers, just saying) and perhaps you are NOT aware of how many we have REALLY Good Men and Women we have LOST lately with those pilots that stretch the limits and sure then break all the rules and Protocols of EMS be unprofessional and on so many levels besides being inaccurate and misleading ? Well, there is a way with multi media to get through to the Producers and EMS is speaking VOLUMES to them this very minute Hell on an EMS TV show doesn't even do CPR correctly ???? NCIS NY(Gary Sinise)is better at doing CPR on TV for ****s sake, now there is a good role model and your military agrees with me. Perhaps look in the mirror to KY supposed TV heros like this rabbit guy are NOT, I repeat NOT good role models to the kids watching and could very well be the next Paramedics taking care of you. NOW Besides the fact I wear a royal blue Nomex suit with a conterra radio pack myself and it just personally offends me, So the next person calls me Rabbit: 1-I will chemically sedate them 2-chemically paralyze them 3-then put a tube in every orifice 4- and make at least 3 more holes and they will wake up in an ICU asking ... man I so shouldn't have said that to Squint ... ok just kidding there Hope your following grasshopper and if the ones that fund this show and writers ain't listening and clean up the act then it just could be rabbit stew and get killed off cause he was "bullet proof" cheers <end Rant> ps I am available as an on set advisor but I ain't cheap.

With more of the experienced providers perhaps a redundant comment but adding these devices in circuits (and moreover placement) can cause some adverse effects generating more PEEP or changing I;E ratios inadvertantly, or saturating the filter with sputum ... while I am on that topic dont forget to change out side stream ETCO2 sample filters on ones monitors. In passing remember that BVM or as some call it a "bagger" and where to place the HME/HMV or any filter other wise one may not be protected, some place it between the patient and ETT (and dependant of the type of filter) some use a flow diverter. The incidents of nosocomial infections with any hospital equipment is quite high risk, and second on the hit parade is respiratory and the first is urinary cath so be careful out there. I post this link in regards to O2 delivery devices ie modified NRM ... hope this link works. http://www.gutz.com/display.php?psku=304020&lid=1&zid=1&origcat=30&mode=sp If it doesn't goggle GUTZ medical and click on Oxygen and Entonox supplies, its on right side and one page down ... oh yes I have searched for who makes or just how effective (FLO2MAX® Filtered Oxygen Therapy Mask) it may be. cheers and a timely thread.

Umm ..... OUCH .... I guess when your standing in the sunshine your bound to get burned a bit. You make some good points: I too believe that any PR is good PR ... I have spoken with others in the medical community and because generally speaking because of the "hype" generated this has increased the viewers just to see for themselves. cheers

"Say what you will about the Nazis, but their fashion designer was fabulous." Damn good thing my computer is beer proof ! Squint gives 2 thumbs up

Hey don't shoot the messenger ... thing is the government did not consult me because I love the LTV maybe the thinking was oh well they don't have enough beds to cover anyway or those affected by H1N1 will not need anything more than AC or PS or just underbid and let the bean counters decided ? I dunno. And yes most of the flight teams here in AB use zip for patient circuit isolation ... can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink I guess. It is not for lack of trying ... As for sterilization ... internal circuity dunno its the first time I have even seen the Newport, it was mentioned about training but not too many critical care RRTs would need more that 10 minutes to figure that vent out. Self check is push the turn me on button twice. cheers

Less effective than what would be my first query. Ventolin is a drug that is very effective with not only asthma but asthmatic response ie histamine release by "J" receptors in the lung, the old terminology was Asthmatic Bronchitis btw and describes this far better. YES ventolin should be used on H1N1 is there is an asthmatic / bronchospasm response ... but here in lies the problem: The release of possible contaminated droplets into the surrounding environment, hence increasing risk to caregivers (especially in a confined area)as the partical size generated by a SVN is .2 to 10 microns and this is the most optimal range to find its way into the terminal bronchiole(s). There are devices out in goggle land that can and do use a sealed system with hepa type filter on exhalation ... but they ain't cheap, if a patient is ventilated ie "tubed" then a DAR filter should be used on the flow diverter (exhalation side) As for IV ventolin .. brother mobey is Parkland using 250 mics IV or using a Drip ? it is a big hammer administering Ventolin this route and usually reserved for extremus both concepts have lost favour in the EMS community and are not included in the new Improved 'Alberta Health Protocols' to the best of my knowledge and just where are those elusive documents with this "transition" ? ... sheesh. I recently attended a Respiratory geek thingy meeting and the main topic was ISOLATING the patient, all laughed at the suggestion of coughing in ones arm, bawhhaa using isolation techniques and not emphasizing REVERSE isolation to care givers is like closing the barn door after the horse is bolted so all suspected patients should have the N95FIRSTthen comes the issue of the valved exhalation "approved N 95 ?" and then fit testing, have you seen anything other than an ADULT N 95 ? Then how they are going to sterilize the guts of the new Newport Transport/MCI Ventilators post patient use is a bit of a quandary too, the Canadian Government bought 500 of them unfortunately they need a few more bloody beds/rooms and RN and RRT staff available first so just who is going to run them ... ain't it the government way. Cloning was an option I suggested .... te he.

Your Tutorial Securing ETT tubes Was deleted by EMT City Administrator. You do not have access to this tutorial

Ok if I participate ... where is the Dinozo Headslap button LOL> Well I tried to add a Tutorial Topic .... error message.

Ah taking to the streets ! Sorry couldn't find the other thread ....

Ok the CVT is packing a US in his back pocket on his lunch break ? ... ok maybe is it just me that thinks this senario is a bit over the edge .... or they were watching too much "Trauma" on the TV. I believe I would get him off the bloody park bench and transport to the ER were he could get some definitive assistance, double tropes in the field without an art line or swan ??? With a low B/P nope agreed no CPAP..... what's SpO2 and dont put a cart before the horse. His level of C was what again ?? What medications is buddy on ? O2, Line, small bolus of fluid ... think about Dopamine (and if you don't have a pump) don't even spike the bag. TRANSPORT and let the CVT student do the patch .... cheers.

The duplex and simplex systems in regards to driver concentration and comprehension is markedly different, a perfect example would be flying aircraft .... would anyone want a pilot on final chatting with his wife ? Make laws to banish these cell and text morons off the damn road ... period. cheers

Well I had the chance to watch this Holly Wood thing and as I know the mantra there being "why tell the truth when a lie will work just FINE!" Honestly did anyone THINK that we could not blow so many holes in the medicine alone, a fine example of one of the reasons, I can't watch any Medical Show on the TUBE. BUT VERY SAD to see CPR being done incorrectly ... bad bad bad example for the public. Query: So who is the "paramedic" advisor as I sure would like to contact to have a wee campfire chat .. back to NCIS for me. I did like the general theme that there is a personal cost of working in this industry and liked the ER Doc's words ... but thats about it. Got to love the 212 landing on just any old rooftop .... freaking hilarious ... and interesting way of moving patients off the bird at the Hosp LZ. cheers

So are like U saying inter cranial D50 W is a bit excessive ? cheers

Ah again both feet. A gross generalization, funny but in some rural facilities EMS are called to pop a line in for the medical staff ... put that in your pipe and smoke it. Well interesting again because here in my hood phlebotomist is a intensive 2 week traing course and the ante cubuital fossa is the only access they look at- besides, every time I get blood drawn they can't and do not look anywhere else. hint: I have ropes all over my hands, I am pasty white and if one turns of a light in the room when I have my shirt off one does not need an xray machine. . Yea like most previously health kids. Vein anatomy is always different in every patient as most patients just don't read greys anatomy book your obese diabetic does have veins buried deeply under layers of adipose tissue so do you go blind and hope its a vein or maybe its a tendon ?... and quite the visual there a blindfolded student with a cath in hand .. umm this would not be the way I would teach, use all one senses. Inter cardiac worked in Pulp Fiction and the newest trend is ICP probe stat in head injuries. Disagree ... do you actually KNOW whats going on in IRAQ and AFGAN land ? When a critical patient arrives at the trauma center door btw (when IOs really count as peripheral veins are flat when one is bleeding out) ... Its 2 IO one in each humerus just why play around when one has immediate access to treat with very few complications and faster to the door of the OR the better the outcome in fact messing around on scene could be increasing Mort Morb .... meh this attitude and your crystal ball needs some serious re evaluation as Wars Zones these are the place's we historically improve emergent medical care .. crotch please go back to the medical history books, Nam, Korea, Falklands as these events changes the way we treat and think and what we will in future be practicing on the street, we as Public Corpsmen were an invention from these "adventures" not the other way around. Oh late note AHF in PALS suggests that if a perf line can not be established in a kid in under 90 seconds then IO IS the Preferred route ... you know like LIFE SAVING, after working in ICUs I can tell you with a great deal of confidence that scalp veins and butterfly's are a constant challenge/ PITA unless the kid is absolutely flat. cheers

PAC was trying but got the rug pulled out ... by some of my "past" friends what an abomination REALLY no insight at all. The reason was that PAC was not a regulatory body .. umm hello neither was APPA before the government jumped in. APPA was the association powerhoused in a previous life .. where we went wrong is the membership was farking appothetic ... sad now retrospectively. Yup take away 15 bucks per person in a ACoPs budget of now 3 million is dumb dumb dumb .. on top of that they council increased dues to there pockets I did the math but they are about 30 G to the Black and even increased the dues last year. AB complete power dominating in The AB Legislature (no real opposition in 30 years) the democracy in AB is a 2 week period before an election ONLY! Well I do believe it is in the best interest of the public really,( I have promoted this concept) but without legislation in place first No way am I going to be the "poster boy" ZACTLY ... they should not have one iota of say in this profession as the are NOT I repeat NOT health care providers ... read my lips: Emergency Medical Responders .. let St. Johns or Red Cross set those standards and regulate that group. AND NOW with the new improved BYLAWS ... council and the lawyers can do as they please Good Grief where was everyone sleeping in the last 4 years anyways ? Well no argument here being an Alberta Red Necker ! Please insert the name Stelmach in that ! What BC Paramedics are fighting for is NOT just wages ... when will the public figgure that one out its Democracy that is Failing with these dictators ! Well off to my AGM for CARTA ... with a very close association to the National organization .. if only ACoP would follow suit ... I digress more like cattle to the slaughter with that group of self serving fools lately.

Well seeing as we are all getting a bit touchy with responses as of late therefore for your pleasure and enjoyment ... I present the legal drugs that are used in dang neat every industry on a daily basis, an no they don't affect me "attitude" that is more than prevalent even amongst EMS ... hell I have worked with different "cultures of workers" that rattle when they walk ! The sedating 1- Gravol or Dimenhydrinate 2- Benadryl or Dramamine ie Diphenhyramine 3- the OTC antihistamines (umm tons) The anxiety producing: 1- The plethora of OTC cold remedies Decongestants) that are derived from Pseudoephedrine and best of all the nasal spray Dristan .. OMG now there is an addictive substance that the FDA or CDA kinda forgot about. Ginseng and all the other "herbal" non regulated drugs. Question: Does your mass spec in your ER (slapping knee noises heard) even capable of assessing these drugs? On to the Powerhouse or Red Bull drinks ...I watched a worker pound back 6 in a 12 hour night shift and he was acting like he was on roids (with the rage attitude included) whose to say he was not impaired ? Then for my Canadian counter-parts and AK drinking that "bloody rocket fuel in Afhgan Land" the double double aka known as Timmy's ... wtf do they put in that poison anyways ? Just for giggle's throw one beer into that mix of cold remedies because here .04 and one can actually go to work legally Ok NOW pass the Bong ... ps thats a joke btw ! and it takes (thc catabolites) about 2 weeks to be non detectable urine dip test in the "infreqient user" and up to 30 days in the chronic user to clear (ie THC is fat soluble unlike the others)The question remains is what level is THC before one is impaired hmm ? ... I digress but THC sure gets a bad rep as a result, and been proven to be useful in many patients ie CP, stuttering, CA patients post chemo, some seizures disorders .... and no I am not a member of grow op. Some questions I field from numerous groups and almost DAILY because I carry TNT diagnostic DOA (drugs of abuse) urine testing quite amazing how many jumpy workers prefer to have that sore tooth looked in town when I confront them in Industrial settings and moreover to help them as opposed to run them down the road, I love this escape clause (sorry off topic)but more than one way to skin a cat. Point being best take good look at the big picture before pointing fingers as we KNOW that the most Prevalent Drug in society is ETOH and as a group we should really focus on steming that tide first as EMS providers cause we see the results of it every day .... IMHO. cheers

1-Interesting .... so whom do I hold accountable for those bubbles in my preloads or premixed bags of dopamine ? j/k. 2-It is interesting to observe that different nations use different concentrations of Rx, will be looking even more diligently when I am reading "resus" stats from different places. 3- Doest this look like scheduling error to anyone else, although given this information is the "on -call" skull cracker responsible to cover and not be informed about that patient ...looks like he was the whistle blower in this but paid the price. Umm Yikes .. great system of checks and balances there maybe this TIME OUT and one should ask for credentials too?

Well I can not disagree with anything stated by rock-shoes or doc harris but the real problem here is lack of solidarity on all levels. Do you think BC Supreme Court could affect anything if we had national solidarity as they would quite simply be shooting themselves in the foot mandating EMS to work OT ! Yes Health care is a provincial jurisdiction but it could be argued constitutionally that "access to health care and EMS should now be included under the guidelines of the Canadian Heath Act" IMHO. Just imagine if we ALL were unified with one voice and I am not talking provincially here but nationally ... I had a dream .... but it was dashed, let me explain. Apology in advance for a bit off topic but by understanding what has transpired in other provinces, well perhaps others can avoid the pitfalls in the future I am hoping. With our last ACoP AGM it becomes crystal clear that our so called College is no longer "self regulated or even guided by its membership" the numbers in attendance speak for themselves with 100 attending out of a potential 7000 and with an EMR leading the pack ? and now mandated 25% of council membership being "members of the so called public" hint: note the so called public appointees being impartial good grief how stoopid does the government believe we are ? Quite clear that original intent of an "association and advocacy" of ACoP has been defeated for the Profession from within, and now a stepping stone to higher levels of the white shirt middle management crowd. Now, I am quite positive that dictating just what Union WE are now supposed to join is also a government move to even more control of labour, this has as many negative implications down the road in lack of continuity of goals, restructure under another organization structure with not one of the past negotiators or reps for administrative continuity(thats the divide and concur technique in action)not to mention an infringement of labour of the right(s) to organize. Our Health Minister King Liepert in all his "crush public delivery of health service" wishes to have ACPs have more "authority" and increased scope of practice under out Health Professions Act to provide services ps we are not there yet its only been 12 years or something ... ACoP FAIL! Big point being is ACPs are NOT trained to provide primary care from the schools its a false baseless pipe dream and unfortunately this is destined to fail because there is NO legislation in place to allow a Practitioner level to even start to advance, again a cart before a horse senario as is this "transition" a concept with no real plan .. or changing plan as siffalass refers. So be honest with yourselves @ the ACP level, just because suturing is in the scope of practice do you know what type of bug is "most likely" to infect that site OR just what broad spectrum bug juice should be used to treat or even if it is necessary to start with ? Now belly pain, sit on it and observe or transfer a stuck fart or then again is it dead gut ??? Be honest with your own knowledge then factor in the possible legal result if YOU screw up, MDs do then who will support YOU the employeer, ACoP ? ? Are you prepared to take on THIS type of responsibility ? Now add to that the latest divestiture from PAC by ACoP council (you think this was decided by the membership .... NOT) this was a lawyers advice, now that not only can the council unilaterally ignore and overthrow the motion from the floor from the self governing ? membership. I did a good look around and that of the 100 voter's in attendance out of a possible 7000, well maybe 10 of us did not direct have financial investment in one way or another. I will not be attending ever again as hypocrisy is not in my make up. TO THOSE THAT BELIEVE THAT ACOP IS SOMEHOW A GOOD THING please reconsider. After looking at this for over 25 years IMHO now is the MAJOR deciding factor in the downfall of ACoP was dictating that a simple FA level should be included in a Professional organization FOLLY as this has become through numbers the common denominator now, maybe if someone would like to put a motion on the floor that EMRs be removed from ACoP and mandatory registry after all its just advanced first aid isn't it ?... I would love to see that item "discussed" in an open forum, no one I know has the balls for that gutsy a move. Its clearly identified now by many "medics" that the investment of time in AcoP was simply a waste of effort and that yet another Association must be established to accomplish anything other than a policing body that "yes" now perpetuates just the medic mill "standards". If I could just get to that that exam bank and with evidence based medicine destroy 30 % of the myth perpetuating exam questions. There is huge fragmentation in educational requirements alone nationally, thanks to ACoP reinventing the CBO, quietly refusing to work with PAC to update a national profile, all it would have taken was a phone call but someones nose were out of joint cause they didn't get invited to play in the baseball game .. good grief. CMA has attempted to standardize but this remains one of our biggest downfalls as it establishes a basic minimum only (standard of care)moreover administrative only and the provincial territorialism observed is slowing any possible development to advance this profession in any way way, just WHO loses are the Canadian taxpayers bottom line. A serious lack of any foresight cause we are just ambulance drivers anyways (but that IS the 4 year government planning in action)Why has the entry standards relaxed to challenge in BC again this is a government dictated scenario the true reality with BCAS hiring policy .. well don't Bogart that Joint is all I have to say, but jump in now, even though Tofino would be a great place to retire ... THAT would be FOLLY! Now Just look to siff's comments once the ACP level is achieved ... GONE, can anyone blame s/he ? As a marketable commodity in a private system I will too be following that lead, my personal beliefs as an idealist have been smashed to tiny bits in delivery of public health these days and the very thing that we (past tense) the Canadian Culture of caring for our own, well with immigrants from all over the world capitalizing on the Canadian system, hey does that sound like a red neck philosophy OR is it preservation of Canadian Culture and Nationalism .. you decide. The hiring freeze with all health care workers in AB with this "Drukett" ie Over Paid Drunk Man now pulling the strings of all of the Health Care Future is now assuring that other countries will have some of the best brains and best trained from Canadian funded schools ... again just who loses again is the Canadian taxpayer, replacing the retiring RNs with immigrant and foreign trained HCW ... its the Canadian way I guess send Canadian Trained packing. Heck just look to the graduating class of RNs from the UofA interviewed on TV last night, Global TV, 80% will be seeking work else ware, and THEN the withdrawal of incentive funding [placement in rural AB] for the Family Practice Mds this years graduating Class too, IMHO some heads should roll, it just doesn't get more retarded. Ok back on thread ... this EMS thing is not the only thing at stake here, the supposed excuse of a down turn of economy is the excuse ONLY. You know rock_shoes that this is a government move to bust unions bottom line and Campbell doesn't give a rats ass who will suffer, perhaps he has stopped drinking while driving but is oblivious that his very own family may be now at risk, so sure declare EMS under ESO but try respecting those that actually provide the care ... bottom line this BC "ruling" will be counter productive and is a clear demonstration to the taxpayers that something is SERIOUSLY G-DAMN sideways, let the first defense of Public Health care (EMS) fall and the house of cards will be next. Gorden Campbell you FAIL! in solidarity <end rant>

I have found this method to be very effective to acquire medications Ok seriously: The fact remains that because health care workers (generally speaking) have better access and enough background to know what is the good stuff. As for THC the US culture (well accept for AK) has been inundated with false advertising that make your babies walk backwards, and reefer madness is a reality .. when there are a number of medicinal properties that are overlooked and beneficial ... now not saying that smoking a fatty while at work is a good idea .. because it does bring out the stoopid factor. Now that said 3 things I have NEVER heard while working. 1- Hey man, I had a rough day at the office and came home smoked a joint and then ... beat the crap out of my old lady ... <insert a 26 of bourbon for different explanation> 2- I have never responded to a OD Mary Jane. 3- I have never been at a roll over and ejection (when a bag of green was found on scene) and ETOH was NOT involved. The Cheech and Chong thing comes to mind: Hey man that light just turned RED ... no worries man ... We are Parked ! cheers

You have got to be kidding ... To be dictated by a Judge and be forced to work .... this is craziness, how do they think that somehow imposing slavery will solve any issues with this job action or better serve the very people that they claim to protect with this crack pipe ruling ... what are the judges smoking out there ? Guys in BC stand your ground cause if you don't the rest of us will have the very same shit and it will happen across the country ... I guess next will they putting medics in jail for refusing OT where did the concept of safety go ? I am going to puke ... now essential services EMS are criminals because they want equal pay for equal work ? Taking it only a baby step further, so if the Police refuse OT will they put them in cells too ??? One has to wonder why we are fighting in Afghanistan and why our forefathers fought in WW1 WW2 or Korea ... this is a travesty and shameful

OFF TOPIC .... again.

I believe there IS a professional responsibility agreed but to a degree, the more heavily "taxed" the very individuals that are the providers of service, well I foresee that this will eventually lead to a cascade waterfall effect and losing those very experienced as Medic One from our industry. This in itself will lead to a lack of "administrative and medical" continuity, this was discussed with Paramedics of Canada .. just where do Medics go as there is a huge turn over in a 15 year cycle. (ps thats for EMS Solutions for his campfire chat) Point being the Alphabet courses .. Why Oh Why am I forced to take these over and over its not like I forget on a certian date, just how to work an arrest or treat a suspected AMI, especially when the standards do not change ... sheesh don't get me going. The couses are self perpetuating in fact. Now Hx it took 2 years to change the CPR regs from the initial release from EBM research ie ILCOR to actually be implemented on the streets .. WHY because it became dependent on the Printers to provide the books to AHF and CHF (the Canadian took actually 2 years) ... oh yes it was ! Want professional responsibility look to the "leaders" that dictate standards FIRST! I would have been fried in a court room if "as a professional" actually performed CPR 15:2 before the "law of the Heart Foundations" was put to stone tablets, sorry got on a rant there ... Why not pay us more it works that way in hospital, get a degree and one is worth more to the employer but just wondering where the stellar advancement(s) just are these days anyways, lots of whining on Website(s) but zip in action on the streets or even letters to the people in power, hell some want even more intervention/legislation and remove procedures and decrease scope of practice. Fact in ones face is we are NOT advancing the Profession,we simply can't its up to medical diectors as they dictate what we can and cannot do. IMHO the take over by government here AB has put everything on hold, even hiring its not the practitioner's that should be held accountable, its the restrictive legislators attempting to control wages and workers rights. Point in fact and if one is following The BC thing the Supreme Court of BC has just dictated that BC ambulance paramedics are now obligated to work OT .... can you say indentured slavery ? ... Just what if all of them stop paying their BCAS dues .. fine kettle of phish the BC government would be in I dare say. There comes a time that one must stand their ground otherwise one will get walked over. So the media is responsible for portraying this heroism image, I will give Quentin Tarantino a ring and put things right again. Yes there is always the tax route, then again very dependent on the taxation laws (it becomes a very broad picture) the cost of an accountant is not chicken feed either, thing is if ones employer is not willing to support then they will pay the consequences in the long run, so I dare suggest stop the individual "taxes" and have the EMS Operators anti-up. Kinda harsh there Vent SPOON FEEDING ? see the above paragraph. On hours worked ? sorry, I don't understand-are you saying that per hour a REMT-P in the US gets more than an RN or RT ? well just that ain't the facts here in lotus land. cheers I have no issue with my AB RRT regulatory body, seriously they provide member services far better to our Profession (its called an association too) than the Paramedic College (just government dictated cronies) ... they are advancing the RRT profession through legislation advancing us to the RT Practitioner Level ... as opposed to the other goofs that are not playing with a full box of crayons. cheers the RRT AGM is in 2 days and I will be there.

A very good thread, it states that this is a public poll and can be viewed ? I would like to add my -2 cents. Canadian National association P.A.C. 15 $ (a bargain) Alberta Provincial Registration: $385 this year and it goes up every year. ACLS (every 2 years) = $450 PALS/NALs (every 2 years) = $480 CPR (every 2 years) = $150 ITLS well a sticky subject with me after 30 years in the industry if they even hint I need another BS "paint by numbers course" I will snap and do some rapid insertions of large gauge caths into our EMR "President" I let my ACLS and PALs Instructor lapse because it was not cost effective to be CHF bitch. Oddly enough the Alberta College of Paramedics legislation only requires these courses every 4 years but CHF states every 2 years Now factor in travel and accommodations, if these courses are not available in my area. I attend the College's AGM for some Con-ed/ CME (4 lectures minimum) and at least attend at least one provincial and one international EMS event ie EMStock last year (travel and accommodations) ~ 2 G. Now as an RRT (I have duel registries) an additional 425.00 registration fees and attend at least 2 critical care conferences (most organised and provided for @ cost and or ACARTA sponsored) last one was $50 for the day and only a short drive too I just happened to be audited for Con Ed a minimum requirement of 48 credit hours in a 2 year period last year and My credits totaled 152 hours and basic minimum was 48 every 2 years, that in RT land. The Con Ed program for Paramedicine is simply retarded with a pointless "self assessment" in over 55 areas (every 3 years one MUST evaluate oneself in the entire program based on competency based objectives that established over 15 years ago) seriously a waste of time on this one as it takes longer to "enter" areas of competency: for example ACLS has 25 areas of competency, so that takes longer than actually taking the ACLS the course ... sheesh. Now we are being informed that with new legislation in Alberta that we will be personally be responsible for Mal Practice insurance TOO ... good grief. No one buys my boots or my nomex (for industry or flying) hell some Industrial Operators (loosers) don't even provide a bloody T shirt either. Now Lets add to that working in Industrial EMS: H2S (every 2 years) Construction Safety Ticket (every 5 years) IPR 16 (oilfield safety) Whimis and TDG and Fall Protection and Hi Angle Rope Rescue ... well now totaling this all up looks like I am working to support all these alphabet courses ONLY. Your right Medic One it's time to get a job like a WAL Mart Greeter or HACK, cause at the end of the day they have more in their pockets than WE do ! Top that off that we are considered an "ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICE" cheers

And after you get your 5 0 number you will also have to enter all the areas covered (about 25 areas of competency)for the ACLS alone. You got to love ACoP and their Con Ed splendor it takes more time to enter in CIMS than it takes to do the entire alphabet course. sheesh