EMS vs Cigarettes?

[Nameless]

Salutations.

I am somewhat new to both this forum and EMT studies. I have about a month before I start my EMT-B class, and I am excited for it. But that slightly aside, I, being a future brand new emergency medical responder, have many questions about the position.

To shorten this: I have asthma. I canNOT breathe cigarette smoke. I absolutely don't know how to handle breathing it. I start panicking and I can't breathe. Now, a famil member had a thought today: When I become an EMT, sometimes I may find myself going into someone's house, and they may be smoking. Now, I can't very well tell the person to bugger off in the event said scenario above happens due to the fact that that is their home (and they're probably a tad stressed, on top of that) so I feel I'd be at somewhat of a dilemma here.

My questions for this: In anyone's personal experiences, have you happened across many situations like this? Am I the only one who cannot physically or mentally handle being around a lit cigarette? Would this somehow cut deeply into my chances of holding an EMS career?

 

[DesertMedic66]

What if you get a call inside of a casino? You can't tell everyone to put out their cigarettes and you can't not respond because of it.

 

[Aidey]

If it is mostly a psychological thing you need to get over it pretty darn quick, because yes. You will be exposed to cigarette smoke and fire smoke and all sorts of other stuff.

If your asthma is that bad, it may be a good idea to look at a career path that will guarantee you can get a job in a controlled environment.

If you insist on becoming an EMT and you can't get over the psychological aspect, and your asthma is that bad, you will likely be forced to only work interfacility transports forever.

 

[medicdan]

Salutations.

I am somewhat new to both this forum and EMT studies. I have about a month before I start my EMT-B class, and I am excited for it. But that slightly aside, I, being a future brand new emergency medical responder, have many questions about the position.

To shorten this: I have asthma. I canNOT breathe cigarette smoke. I absolutely don't know how to handle breathing it. I start panicking and I can't breathe. Now, a famil member had a thought today: When I become an EMT, sometimes I may find myself going into someone's house, and they may be smoking. Now, I can't very well tell the person to bugger off in the event said scenario above happens due to the fact that that is their home (and they're probably a tad stressed, on top of that) so I feel I'd be at somewhat of a dilemma here.

My questions for this: In anyone's personal experiences, have you happened across many situations like this? Am I the only one who cannot physically or mentally handle being around a lit cigarette? Would this somehow cut deeply into my chances of holding an EMS career?

I have more trouble with partners smoking than patients... Does your rescue inhaler work for these episodes, if so, then carry it...

 

[Chris07]

I have more trouble with partners smoking

True, smoking partners are far more common than actively smoking patients in my relatively limited experience.

 

[STXmedic]

I go into bars and cigarette-filled homes on a daily basis. And if you think cigarette smoke is rough, you're about to be exposed to a world of all new smells that make you want to gag and choke up. My advice:

1: Carry your inhaler.

2: Get used to it.

Either you'll get over it, or you'll have one too many asthma or panic attacks and find yourself a new job. Best of luck

 

[46Young]

I'm highly allergic to cats. I use a N95 mask, and I'm fine. Try the N95 with the smoke and see what happens

 

[abckidsmom]

What they all said. You'll get used to it, or try a mask. In homes, I politely ask them to put the cigarette out. They almost always do so without a problem. I can usually spot those problem people before I ask, and just skip asking them.

 

[Vahlen]

I find it highly unlikely that your asthma is as sensitive as you describe it, more likely this is a psychological reaction. You basically have 2 options, get over your "fear" of cigarette smoke or find a new career because you are going to be in those types of environments a lot.

 

[Arovetli]

I hate cig. smoke, and in a home environment usually ask the smoker if they mind to put it out or step out seeing as we carry oxygen. It usually works. Just be nice and ask.

 

[Sandog]

I go into bars and cigarette-filled homes on a daily basis.

Does Texas still allow smoking in bars? When I was in San Antonio it was banned.

Anyways, to the OP, ciggy smoke smell will be the least of your worries in EMS. One day in a nursing home and you will know what I mean.

 

[Nameless]

Thank you, everyone, for so much input! This is helpful. I have no idea what it's going to be like on a daily basis working as an EMT in any area that I can find, but as a general means of experience, these points are good. I will look into my possible psychological issues with cigarette smoke as a side means. In the mean time, I do like that N95 idea! For, say, we do in fact go into a casino or a smokey area. And yes, I will definitely carry an inhaler or two around! (Psychological-or-not issue aside, I do have asthma and a vast list of allergies, so that would not hurt one bit!)

 

[STXmedic]

Does Texas still allow smoking in bars? When I was in San Antonio it was banned.

Inside the city limits its banned indoors unless they have a separate AC system for the smoking room. In the unincorporated areas of SA and around, it's still legal

 

[Nelg]

Know it's a little old, but had to reply.

I don't like cig smoke, but it's kind of hard not to be around as I work in a casino enviroment that allows it. My response to it? Get used to it, and/or go outside for fresh air.