Recent content by Lola99

I've come to the conclusion through this thread that you're right. One year is probably good enough experience at a minimum, but I still don't believe you should jump straight into paramedic with no field experience as a basic first. \ One year is okay, I still think more than one would be...

I became an EMT February 2010 and am finishing my paramedic program in 4 weeks. If you know you want to go medic and are willing to put in the time and effort to pass, why bother with intermediate? I live in a small town and the closest program for me is a 90-minute drive. Just be sure that you...

I became certified as an EMT-B in February of 2010, but was still in high school at the time. Like you, I did well in class and testing. I worked a little as a basic doing mostly transfers that summer and also like you, went off to college. There were a few months where I didn't use my cert...

Yes, we assessed those patients, too. Yes, we discussed airways and had plenty of access to anesthesiologists before, during, and after the actual intubation should any questions arise outside of their instruction. We spent PLENTY of time with expecting mothers assessing, monitoring, and caring...

I agree that EMT class is oversimplified, but it is still the foundation. Basics effectively serve a purpose using the information and skills presented to them in EMT class. I don't agree that EMT class doesn't teach the basics of ALS knowledge, however. Maybe you'd like to elaborate on that...

Absolutely assessing my patients both in the hospital and on the ambulance during clinicals and performing the necessary interventions. In the ER, we did IV's, blood draws, 12-leads, meds, yes. We also had nurses to supervise. We would carry out everything they needed for a patient (within...

You're right. That is how it should be. No one said anything about thinking what basic interventions a patient may need vs. advanced ones. I know what you were trying to say. I think maybe you misunderstood what we were discussing. On scene, a medic should absolutely just see what needs done...

Right. I've done my paramedic clinical hours in those parts of the hospital, too. And they're great. Yes, you get experience during medic class. Yes, yes, yes. Again. I still believe it is beneficial to the student to be proficient (including field experience) in those assessments before their...

The least I've seen required (or recommended, I believe was how some worded it) to apply for a medic program is 1 year. The majority 2. Like I said, maybe it's my area. But I've never heard anyone preaching jumping from EMT straight to medic is better than getting field experience first. Once...

I'm glad you run circles around those medics. I know plenty of fantastic medics that believe that and can't believe anyone would argue it, honestly. Basics work all the 911 around here. For at least the 75mile radius I'm very familiar with. I am absolutely comfortable with being in charge and...

Was replying to a reply to Christopher. My bad. Forgot to click "quote".

Hmm.. Maybe that's an "in my area"-thing. It's something that's preached on around here. "You can't be a good medic without being a good basic first" Idea being that BLS should always come before ALS. Every patient doesn't need drugs and electricity. Sometimes simply opening an airway does...

I strongly disagree. Field experience is MUCH more than driving, radio, and cots. It's putting what you learned in class to the streets and learning how things are really done. I had both a fantastic EMT and paramedic program, but class doesn't cover everything. You can practice a million trauma...

I am 4 weeks from finishing the didactic portion of my paramedic program. I would absolutely suggest focusing on field experience. Textbooks and classes are a plus, but you can't replace field experience. I was an EMT for 3 years before my medic program and sometimes still wish I'd gotten more...

I think it needs to evolve with the times, yes. I'm very aware (though I'm a full-time college student and don't work much and when I do, usually non-emergent) that most calls don't really require an ambulance, but to those patients that do, they're very glad we're there. EMS needs to stay EMS...