Practicing Fearless paramedicine

[medic82942003]

Back in the day I was in the Military- I was a search and rescue medic, ussually I was called in via helocopter when the patient was already circling the drain, now the military lets you do quite a bit more then civvy medics, but when I talked to the Flight surgeons- I would say, Since we have no radio comm with the ship- IE I cant talk to the Doctor, when am I allowed to do?

The Doc said do whatecver the pt needs, do what your comforable to do, oh and one more thing, Dont kill the patient. That included

chest tubes , mesentary bleeds, cut downs, the whole 9 yards. So I just had to know, where when and why. Thats my version

of Practicing fearless Paramedicine. I used to pray the Shepards prarer before every mission, dear god, please dont let me screw up>

[Just Plain Ruff]

I took this from Golf Digest and made it applicable to this discussion. Feel free to respond.

How to practice fearless EMS/Paramedicine

1. Measure risk versus reward

2. Think twice before performing that intervention

3. Bold medicine is risky - see number 2

4. Don't compound mistakes

5. A "benign" intervention does not mean less risky

6. Don't try skills you have not been trained in

7. Be true to yourself and your patients

8. Reduce risk by learning from past mistakes

9. Know the difference between risks and gambles

10. Don't let your partner tempt you.