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I was wondering what everyone thought about an ALS provider running an arrest with a LP 12 (or other monitor) in AED mode. Lazy? Ingenious? Something in between? Pros and Cons?

Happy Halloween everyone!! Hope everyone is having a safe one! Any spooky calls or funny Halloween "re-calls"?

I was talking with a couple of paramedic students recently, and was surprised to hear that they are now being taught to perform CPR at a 45 degree angle. When I asked why they were being taught to do this, I was told that it had something to do with preserving the airway. I've never heard of...

So I've been doing some thinking: I've been a medic for a commercial ambulance service for nearly two years now, and am enjoying learning the ropes and gaining experience. I realize (after watching people get hurt... struggle financially, etc..) that I probably won't be able to continue this...

I haven't posted in a while, but I've been stalking on a regular basis. :) I've noticed a lot of new people here recently, and lots of good discussion. I've been meaning to post this one for a while: Call to a memory residence for an 84 y/o male who had fallen. Pt is found on the floor /s...

I would like to find out what everyone's opinion is on the usefulness/sensitivity/specificity of obtaining orthostatic vital signs in the field. If you do use orthos, which conditions do you use them for and how do they affect your treatment plan?

When I do a transport from say, hospital to nursing home, it is not unusual to learn that the patient I will be transporting is "incontinent" while receiving the report from the RN. When I hear this, I will usually ask if they have a Depends or other type of undergarment on for the trip. Most...

I realize that protocols and equipment vary greatly from service to service when it comes to using CPAP. For those who use CPAP, I'd like to know what your own (personal or protocol) criteria for pulling the trigger and taking out the CPAP, as opposed to utilizing alternative means or simply...

Hey Guys! I had my first field delivery today... a healthy baby boy. :) It was a very easy delivery; mom did a great job and baby came out with a nice, loud wail. Just thought I'd share some happy news. This might sound a bit cheesy to some of our more experienced folks, but it was a special...

Got an interesting call today, and wanted some feedback from you guys. We received a Priority 2 call to an urgent care center for a 40 y/o male, possible STEMI. (Yes, we asked dispatch to repeat our response priority, too.) U/A, Pt was sitting up in bed, no visible distress, smile on his...

Our company is working hard to change the culture with regards to safety and lifting. Everyone is encouraged to ask for a lift assist when they need it, and to respect their own personal lifting limitations. (sigh) With all of the uniforms, gear and junk that we all have, I was wondering if...

Hi guys, I recently rode with an EMT that I had never worked with before. This EMT drove “angrily” everywhere we went. When I say "angrily", I am referring to almost road-rage quality driving: slamming on brakes, accelerating so fast that your neck snaps back, etc. He wasn't too bad when I...

We had an interesting discussion at work today that I'd like some feedback on. It involves the immobilization process and the correct application of the KED on a seated adult patient. There are two basic sides to the coin: 1. Many EMS folks will maintain the head and neck in the position...

I have always prided myself on being pretty good with EKG's, especially in the beginning- it has always fascinated me. Then, as I began to understand more information about the axis and different leads, I feel like I didn't know as much as I thought I did. It was quite a reality check. So I...

Question about intubation: I knew of a medic who, if he tubed the goose, would leave the ET tube in, and place a second ET tube, which (he claimed) would always go into the trachea. He would leave both tubes in, even as he rolled up into the ED, but would plug up the first tube. I haven't...

I didn't want to ask this question, but figured I have nothing to lose... :rolleyes: I consider myself to be pretty good at starting IV's... EXCEPT IV's in the hand. I have asked my preceptors and co-workers for feedback, and upon observing me, they have produced little in the way of...

Hey guys- I have a question that I'd love to get some feedback on... I worked with a preceptor who told me that he had a PT several years ago whom, after receiving Adenosine, went into asystole and never came out of it. The preceptor explained that the PT was throwing PVC's (>25/min) with an...