ALS.... Forgetting the Basics

[Dustdevil]

I verbalise my BSI and my EMT-B partner doesn't ever notice that I don't really put it on.

[spenac]

I verbalise my BSI and my EMT-B partner doesn't ever notice that I don't really put it on.

That theres funny, I don't care who you are.

[Asysin2leads]

A couple of other things you have to remember. In an MCI, the approach to the patients is slightly changed. The overall scene and the coordinating the appropriate resources becomes the top priority for the first due unit, rather than individual patient care. If one ALS provider starts relaying information while the other starts START triage, rather than going through individual patient assessments, they are doing the right thing.

The other thing is that if these competitions are anything like I've seen, you are usually given patient information prior to starting, such as "Patient X is a 44 y/o male who is breathing adequately and has an impaled object through the chest," so often times it is unneccessary to do because you already know.

Lastly, everything in ALS is just an extension of the ABC's. Intubation is done to correct and airway problem or a breathing problem, an EKG is done to find and correct a circulatory problem, etc. Unless they were giving an anti emetic to a patient in respiratory distress or something.

[emt322632]

ABC is just a mnemonic used to get you through the initial phase of learning what to do. The practical sheets given out for you to run through are just for your state.

Everything is different when you hit the street. After running the street for a while, things become second nature and you really don't need to sit there and think about what you are going to do.

If you don't see an ALS provider talking about ABCs, it doesn't mean they aren't evaluating them.

If you see an ALS provider not providing ventilations to an apneic patient...then it's time to worry.