Search results

Our basics can do quite a bit, including narcan, but I'd hardly consider Texas the standard for how most states operate. Considering there are still basics that can't check a blood sugar, and considering a large number of services are private IFTs that don't allow anything but vitals, plus...

Not saying it's right or wrong, just pointing out you comparing one uncommon skill to another uncommon skill.

I'd venture to say most basics can't give narcan.

You're not going to get any experience working as a wheelchair van driver. A BLS inter facility service is better than nothing, but those are typically just dialysis transports and return from hospitals, thus not much thinking- only practice taking vitals. Again, better than nothing though.

If it's standard to have your IV cert to get a decent job, go get your IV cert. Especially considering you'll be a brand new EMT, i.e. nothing else to bring to the table. I've seen countless students have the same problem with IVs. The only way they get over it is by doing it. So if it's just a...

The true bottoming out post NTG in RVI isn't as frequent as you'd think. I'll have to look for the last study I read, but I believe the incidence was around 10-15%. Considering true RVIs with hemodynamic instability are uncommon in the first place, it's probably pretty safe for BLS providers...

How is that working for you? In my personal experience, sub-dissociative doses of ketamine tend to be anxiety-provoking most of the times I've given it. They'll stop complaining about the pain, but will get visibly anxious, occasionally diaphoretic, and tachycardic (that seems more pronounced...

Bring whatever you have with you on a daily basis outside of work, plus a pen. I did start carrying a small pocket flashlight too since we typically don't have one on the box.

Sounds like the same test I had

Actually, I wish there was a maximum limit for testing for EMT/Paramedic. This: is ridiculous. If you can't pass after 3 attempts, this field likely isn't for you. And there's nothing wrong with that. You've figured out medicine wasn't your strength, so now you can go see if you're strong in...

Not to make you more anxious, but an accelerated program will likely be more difficult. Our EMTs go through a 4 week EMT program (plus 1 week of rotations). While our 1st time pass rate is quite high, they spend almost the entire 4 weeks studying, with a chapter test daily to every other day...

I thought this was more recent, apparently it was a couple weeks ago, but regardless: This, to me, is what sounded cookbook. See this, do that, no exceptions. Since you failed to specify what falls inside your idea of treating pain, and these conversations tend to always go that direction, I...

I'm pretty damn liberal with pain meds, but there's some common sense and clinical judgement that goes into medicine too. You know, not just "see this, do that" cookbook medicine how you described earlier. Every chest pain doesn't get nitro. Every asthmatic doesn't get Mag. And every utterance...

You have to sit through a program. Luckily the EMT program shouldn't be too difficult since you already have the knowledge.

Podcasts, books (some good ones listed here) and Online video education/FOAMed stuff will help you stay current on knowledge. But unfortunately I wouldn't hold my breath on being polished without actual experience.

None. Corpsman don't come out with any civilian certifications. Lo siento.

A few of our EDs down here were trying that concept also. I've heard they've all started tapering away from it already. Similar idea of not getting rid of anybody, but won't be hiring any additional.

I need to stay awake. Meth is easy to score down here, but I don't want the meth teeth. I need a good coke dealer. Anybody got any references?

Trash it. Though odds are you will never be pulling one anyway (assuming you ever even see one)

I think depending on the complaint, BLS can get one too. Though they usually just let us show up.