Recent content by BearChicago

If the ambulance is in motion, ask your driver to let off the gas while you're getting the BP. I do this automatically if I see my partner trying to get a BP while we're moving. If you're running without lights/siren, get one at a stoplight. If you're running with lights/siren, you're not...

Our Chicago SMOs say to use pulse ox "if available" in certain situations. Most privates in town refuse sink money into them at the BLS level, and I'm not buying my own. Seems kind of stupid, because most EDs want a SPO2 on room air and on O2.

We use them in IL. Very handy. I'll do it as indicated, and on every almost every run going to the ED as well, because 99% of the time the hospital will ask for one.

Chicago has a BLS radio report for stable BLS patients with no special circumstances: Provider/Unit PT age/sex Complaint SMO being followed Destination/ETA Takes 15 seconds at best. Just call your med control and they'll relay. Or you can call the receiving facility directly. Region IX in the...

Hello everybody, I work for a private in Chicago on the BLS side. At my company, this huge lie has overtaken the entire BLS staff and any new hires who come in. That being, "it's a Chicago hospital; you don't have to call." Rather, if you're transporting a BLS run to a hospital within the...

Embrace the opportunity to sharpen up your skills. That's what helps me on days that drag. You may not be handling actual emergencies, but you have plenty of opportunities to fine-tune your medical assessment and documentation.

I think mine ended at 78 and I passed. I was sure I failed. That test has a way of magnifying what's hard so much that you forget about all of the questions you knew you answered correctly.

Hello all, I have question regarding the hiring practices of private ambulance services: What do private companies expect when looking for new hires? Will they accept newly-certified EMT-Bs right out of school, or do they look for more than that (volunteer experience, etc.)? I understand...

I'm Mike, and I'm starting EMT-B classes in just a few days. I decided on a career change because I've been out of work for almost a year now... I lost my job almost a year ago when the economy hit bottom and have managed a meager two [unsuccessful] interviews since, despite applying for...