Recent content by BillThompson

Yes, because those are remotely similar. People should be proud of their accomplishments. If a person putting a few letters behind their name is really that much of a problem for you I think the issue may lie with you and not the letters.

If that's what you choose to make of it, then that's on you. But, patient contact is more than just starting IVs, etc. An EMS skillset involves taking vitals, visual/verbal/physical assessment, and simple patient interaction. These patients go in the back of an ambulance because that is the help...

Yes, part of the problem is when people start thinking that "transports" are not part of EMS. Transport services still provide essential services for some, in both non-emergent and emergent situations. You are practicing an EMS skillset, and are an EMS professional. When you start thinking they...

Every time. I earned it, it's a source of pride, and there's no reason not to be proud of what I have accomplished and the title I have earned.

Nah, they don't do that now, and I';m fairly certain that ever since they started tubing they have been doing it based on their own judgment. Thanks for the info though, I was pretty sure the needing doctors in the field to intubate thing was wrong.

Was watching something with the wife the other day from Chicago in the mid-1990s and they made reference to needing a doctor to intubate a patient in the field. When exactly did medics start intubating in the field in the Chicago area, cause honestly I feel like they were already doing it in the...

To be honest, it depends on how you handle yourself. I work on a one-on-one BLS/ALS rig, and when it's my call I'm the one in charge. I'll ask the nurses questions, and if they don't want to answer I keep asking until they do answer. I'll never fall in line with the private taxi mentality...

I live in the area, work for a 911 service and a private ambulance in the area. There are a few 911 services in the area that hire, but RFD proper only does hiring's every few years and they have a pretty extensive list. That leaves you with services in the surrounding areas that are mainly paid...

Work for two squads; work set 24s on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and Friday.

Internationally yes, but are they bigger in the States yet?

Falck, and Superior in the Midwest, though they are dwarfed by both R/M and AMR. Always thought Care was decent sized, but I'm not sure.

1) $11 an hour. 2) Yes, though the written test is a small 20 question affair and the practical is actually just a physical lifting test. 3) Nope, though it depends on what system/station you end up in. There are some system/stations that are Medic/Basic. I believe the Rockford station is the...

In terms of pay and benefits, as well as available/flexible hours, the answer is Superior hands down. They pay the most of any private, offer lots of chances for OT, have a decent insurance package, have flexible scheduling options from full time all the way down to PRN. Plus, no more ties as of...

Factually incorrect. I've passed a fit test and had a perfect mask seal with a mustache, goatee, even a small beard. In no way does an EMS worker being unshaven make a comment on someone's professionalism.

Hadn't thought of this, should have though as there were three old Chicago Fire Department ambulances in the parade that were clearly bought and refurbished by a private citizen. This is definitely a possibility. I hadn't thought of the town of Marseilles, which is in the area and did use to...