First time as a third rider..

You can't really be openly judgemental and work in EMS. Sure you may think certain things about patients but you keep it to yourself and treat everyone with courtesy, respect and dignity.
 
All you really did with that transport was put everyone in the truck and around it at an unacceptable level of risk...heck, Kerlex her to the cot if you're BLS only and ride it out.

I heart midazolam, BTW.
 
Rocketmedic40 said:
All you really did with that transport was put everyone in the truck and around it at an unacceptable level of risk...heck, Kerlex her to the cot if you're BLS only and ride it out.

I heart midazolam, BTW.
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MA doesn't allow the use of any benzos to sedate agitated people. I'm curious as to where you rode? I work in that area.
 
Veneficus said:
Sadly, the attitude displayed here is not unique to nurses. All manner of healthcare providers suffer from it.

The root cause is not really understanding what healthcare is an who needs it. Many get into healthcare with the idea everyone they will be helping is a socially desirable citizen who does their best to take care of themselves with the resources and knowledge of an educated western populous.

The reality is that people who need the most healthcare and the most often, are basically the underclasses of society. The bright side to it is that these people benefit the most from it.

I started my career in a middle class suburb, with a decent call volume and a patient population that was largely people who had a very good standard of living, even if they were alcoholic, burried in debt, etc.

But, seeking "real action" I later sought out rough neighborhoods and poor neighborhoods. (I hate the word ghetto, especially since I understand where that word comes from and what it really means)

After my first day I was hooked.(now more than a decade ago) I wouldn't dream of going to work in a middle or upper class institution again. The socially undesirable is my favorite patient population. With all of their problems, noncompliance, and behavioral/environmental factors.

I have found the career providers who work this environment are the most skilled, dedicated, and passionate. They are the hardcore/real deal. I am honored to be in their company. In my time though, I have seen many providers think this is what they wanted. They come with great intentions, looking up to those who work there. Wanting to be one. But few make it. Most don't last 6 months. Those forced to be there (residents, providers desperate for any job, etc) generally act like you describe and leave as soon as they are able, never to return. These groups make up the majority.

Not everyone can do it. Even fewer can make a career there. The ones who do form a very tight group within the already tight group of emergency and acute care. I know a few who have worked such places for 40+ years and everywhere I go in the world, those who are part of the group find an instant comraderie and even kinship.

Try not to judge the ones who can't do it too harshly. Not everyone can or wants to. It doesn't make them bad people.

You will likely only ever meet a few of the people who work in such an environment who espouse the virtues you are looking for. You will know their names, you will often find they are mentors and highly respected by all. (but even they are not immune from bad days.)

Be the provider you hope to be. But don't judge too quickly. You are still new. Anyone can be successful early or handle a few critical patients. 5 years, 10 years, 20 years later is another matter entirely.
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Side note: Some of the wisest words and best advice I've ever heard! :)
 
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MassEMT-B said:
MA doesn't allow the use of any benzos to sedate agitated people. I'm curious as to where you rode? I work in that area.
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Any reason why not? I was under the impression that benzodiazepines are commonly used by physicians in an antipsychotic/benzo cocktail for sedation (for provider and patient safety).

Robb said:
Epi - they use call volume as an excuse.

"We need to get there so we can go available for the next call"
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Talk about a weak excuse... :(
 
EpiEMS said:
Any reason why not? I was under the impression that benzodiazepines are commonly used by physicians in an antipsychotic/benzo cocktail for sedation (for provider and patient safety).



Talk about a weak excuse... :(
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No idea why chemical restraint is not allowed under statewide protocols, I have heard incidentally that some services have waivers to do so but I cannot confirm.
 
Tigger said:
No idea why chemical restraint is not allowed under statewide protocols, I have heard incidentally that some services have waivers to do so but I cannot confirm.
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Strikes me as odd. Then again, what do I know, my protocols don't even allow BGL...

I was looking around at some nearby states' protocols -- RI allows chemical sedation, NH allows it (NH protocols even mention Haldol, which I was unaware of prehospital use). Hmm...
 
EpiEMS said:
Strikes me as odd. Then again, what do I know, my protocols don't even allow BGL...

I was looking around at some nearby states' protocols -- RI allows chemical sedation, NH allows it (NH protocols even mention Haldol, which I was unaware of prehospital use). Hmm...
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Haldol isn't common, but not unheard of either.

Along with Versed and Valium for chemical sedation, we also carry Zyprexa.

Backing up a little: So the EMT drove emergent for a psych because he feared for his coworker? Also, they were with the patient for 45 minutes prior to PD arrival? Or am I reading that wrong? Did PD ride into the hospital in the back?
 
EpiEMS said:
Strikes me as odd. Then again, what do I know, my protocols don't even allow BGL...

I was looking around at some nearby states' protocols -- RI allows chemical sedation, NH allows it (NH protocols even mention Haldol, which I was unaware of prehospital use). Hmm...
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We use haldol. It's not common around here, not sure about other places.
 
We've got it here.
 
Good luck and listen and learn if you get a good crew they will teach you alot
 
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