Recent content by Kidquick

I went straight into paramedic school and got a job halfway through the year as an EMT for a private service. I did well in class but tended to struggle on my rides and clinicals due to my lack of hands-on experience. I ended up hitting the field as a medic with a lot to learn still. That was...

AMR recently took over our transports from RM and for the most part it's been a world of difference. To the folks at RM's credit though, the full-timers got switched to 24 hour shifts a few years ago and it was basically the beginning of the end... It's too busy here for that nonsense.

Trusted an automatic BP cuff...

Yes, this. I also struggled with IV's when I was new, and after studying the technique of co-workers with skills my success rate shot up to 90%+. Even going in flush with skin can guarantee a flash if you're aim is correct, especially if your ride is a little bumpy. And when it comes to...

Get yourself on a busy truck. No amount of classroom hours can compare to getting out on the streets and running calls.

Like others have mentioned, I wouldn't have considered pacing this patient due to his hemodynamic stability. Despite the runs of 3rd degree block a HR of 56 is something I'm not much concerned with, although I would keep a close eye on the monitor during transport and run a couple more 12-leads...

Some quick ones off the top of my head from the last few months: - 20 y/o male who "ate too much." - A girl who stubbed her little toe while dancing in her living room - 10 y/o scratched by a cat

Although I pride myself on my 'verbal judo', I'll keep a 1000cc bag of NS within arm's reach if I get a certain feeling about a patient. I've never had to resort to it, but you can knock someone upside-down with one if you get enough of a wind-up.

Where I work PD is trained to remove them, unless they are in the face, neck, or breast, then we transport.

Mine stopped at 78. The last question was a large paragraph scenario with a full set of vitals, age, history, presentation, a lot of unnecessary filler. I think it was trying to throw me off one small detail buried in the middle of it: rales bilaterally. The answer was Nitro. I passed. B)

My thoughts are that this is a patient that needs immediate TCP. Is a 12-lead going to change my course of treatment? If they are not having chest pain then probably not. I'd get some benzos onboard and pace enroute the ER...this patient needs a pacemaker.

I've heard not-so-good things about Island City, but my information is from third parties. I worked for Lansing-Mason Ambulance for a little over a year - good group of people and you will learn a ton, especially if you plan on going to medic school. I did a ride there when I was in LCC's...