Recent content by Granola EMT

Of course it hurts... Thats why it's not nice. There is a difference between "fishing for the vein" (okay sometimes) ( not conscious/really need it/think its there) and digging around in someone's arm/hand/whatever, with a needle hoping to find something blindly....

Fishing is okay sometimes, I guess... I would rather feel it and not see it, then see it, and not feel it. At least you know there is something in there... Has anyone tried the hot pack thing?

Thanks! good feedback! Im normally very proficient, but you always want to be better I guess. Some people just don't pack good veins I guess... Funny, after posting this last night, we went on a code and the guy had been down approx 10 min W/O CPR. No veins... I tried an AC... Nothing... So we...

We just started training for the Autovent. I found a lot of good information here! Not sure when we will put them into service yet, though...

So I've been an Advanced for about 8 months now, and I feel like I should be getting some of the harder IV's. I know it's a combo of technique, skill, and luck, but Im wondering if anyone has tips/tricks that work to help get the harder IV's . Mostly dehydrated pt's with nothing in the veins, I...

Thats one thing I was thinking about. I have seen a few medics (with no prior experience) Call it quits etc. before they even finish their first year.

I've heard/read that EMS has a high burnout rate. 5 years I think is the max.? I for one work with a lot of 10+ year medics. I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows how a career in EMS ranks in the nation. As apposed to police, lawyers etc. I for one consider it the coolest/best job I've ever had...

There is a good reason that AREA FIMILIARAZATION is a part of ANY FTO phase. The streets in one city of the county I work in are the worst ever and mistakes happen a lot, but with a little knowledge of the area a lot of bad mistakes can and should be avoided. That is very unfortunate that the...

I think this can be one of the most over-looked aspects of the job, however it can be a chance to really make someones day! One thing I have learned is, DONT be afraid to upgrade to emergent on non emergency transports with updates like " hip pain, low SPO2, low pulse, ect." Im not saying to...

It is definitely great for Basics to have the "know how" to assist ALS providers, but I'll leave the should they/should they nots alone... There are other means of airway control, and I almost always use an OPA, even before an ETT. I would consider it an ALS skill though, but I have been taught...