Recent content by tao

I would not have c-spined this patient. I know of many EMTs who would just to cover their rumps, though.

Non-visualized airways are okay for Basics, but something as complex as ETT should be left to medics. However, if I recall correctly, ETT is technically part of the NREMT-B curriculum. Heaven only knows why.

For all of you who say that you aren't going to clean anyone up, shame on you, you are not a healthcare professional. If my loved one were in the back of your ambulance and you refused to clean them, I would have your job. As some have said, it's a case-by-case basis. Can the patient turn...

I would be more worried if you found it easy.

Some of the nursing homes I've run could score a movie deal-- "The Three Stooges Provide Patient Care" or something rather. :P

Messes after codes are inexcusable. If my loved one had just been resuscitated and hauled to the ER, the last thing I want to do is clean up trash that may or may not be covered in bodily fluids. In the unlikely event that you can't clean up your own code mess, the least you could do is...

A brand new medic would start at about $28K in my area. But medics also don't have to worry about being murdered on the way to work like Detroit, and typically run two 911 calls in a 24 hour period. Hence the $13.80 an hour. To Sibera I go!

What sort of education is required in Germany to be involved in EMS? Do you require a college education like other European systems or is it military-style technician training like the US? (Though most medics around here have a two-year degree)

You'll probably get more experience with a VFD. Be sure to choose an FD where EMS Is important to them, some really don't care. Fortunately, EMS is very important to my local VFD. Unfortunately, their ambulance only goes out maybe twice a year, usually for auto vs. pedestrian, and ALS...

EMT-B's in my area aren't allowed to administer charcoal. I's and up can, but they also have more pharmacology training. As for me, I don't think I've ever used it. No thanks. Just looking at the stuff makes me gag. :P

I do not recommend challenging CNA as an EMT. Most of the skills such as incontinent care and I/O are fairly common sense, but things such as Foley care require a bit more practice. Also, while placing a patient on a bedpan may be common sense most of the time, what do you do if that patient...

This. You don't need to justify your moral integrity to this stranger. Give a short, firm answer and go from there. People will drop any "card" they have if they feel their personal sense of justice has been violated.

Long story short, trendelenburg is generally not useful as a treatment for shock. You aren't missing out on not being allowed to use it. My local protocols don't allow it either, and if they did, I would probably contact med control to bypass it. The best BLS treatment for shock is call ALS.