Search results

I wasn't trying to say that there's an equivalence when each level of EMT certification has very different training and skills. Like a cardiologist, dermatologist and neurosurgeon are all physicians, Basics, Intermediates and Paramedics are all EMTs. But to Linuss' point, that's all...

Agreed.

No, but when the title actually is NREMT-[letter], what's funnier, the EMTs who feel put off or the medics who feel all of a sudden they're no longer EMTs?

Unless I grossly misunderstand, until the changes take effect, the proper title is NREMT-P. Isn't it?

Seriously? Is that what you really though I meant? What I meant was that there are those who are so jaded, cynical or uncaring that they don't have the interest, inclination or compassion to hold someone's hand if that's what called for. Don't you know any uncaring, burned out EMTs who...

I'm aware of what the future holds. But for the time being, I'm afraid medics still have to mingle with the likes of their fellow EMTs. I hear that in 2018, the Registry will be replacing the "medic" in Paramedic with "god."

Yes! Precisely. I wish all systems had the same latitudes to allow certain EMTs the ability to do things others with the same level of certification, but the ones around me aren't so progressive.

Whoops. Thanks for catching me on that. That last sentence should read: "It certainly is above and beyond for those who are jaded, cynical or UNcaring." I hope this doesn't turn into a discussion about the virtue of holding a patient's hand based on whether or not it's in our protocols...

I agree on all counts.

I think we're pretty close on this. My contention is that there have been some nasty historical precedents by people who have shown they can't be trusted to express sound judgement. That only serves -- in some systems -- to prevent others from being allowed to expand their capabilities within...

We agree. I think that's what I've been saying. Forgive me if I didn't convey it. That'll be our little secret. But I could have sworn that before your "P" is an "EMT." Last I checked the National Registry (the body that has certified you) says you're an Emergency Medical Technician -...

Too true. I think so many people undervalue the small, compassionate acts we can do for our patients or they think doing such things are beneath them because it's not EMS or medicine. It certainly is above and beyond for those who are jaded, cynical or caring. And for those of us who...

1. Good on you. We need more people like you. 2. Yes, but if your system is anything like mine, when you're working as an EMT, you're restricted to that scope of practice. If you pull out a nurse or doctor level of expertise, you're no longer acting as an EMT. 3. Agreed, but thinking...

I got a crazy idea... How 'bout everyone who has been griping about what I've been saying offer up a feasible solution that you can actually implement and see to fruition? You can't because people who aren't you control the structure of the emergency medical system, our levels of certification...

1. Doctors can make decisions that result in death and it's okay. Doing so is part of their job -- NOT ours. It's only not okay if they're reckless or negligent. This is because unlike any EMT, doctors engage in health care RESEARCH, trying new methods and techniques. Doctors try to find...

Personally, I wold welcome that. But to my earlier point, patients have died because EMTs made wrong calls; they misjudged and underestimated, or they tried to diagnose and failed. Look, we can banter back and forth all we like about what should be, but we're faced with what is. Would I...

It's not that I don't agree with the essence of what you're saying, it's just that none of us can deny that not all EMTs posses the aptitude or are trustworthy enough to make a proper judgement call. And yes, CLEARLY there ARE EMTs we shouldn't trust. Do you believe we should blindly trust ALL...

I'm not laughing. And since I already said you've convinced me, you're just belaboring the point now.

Holy crow... holding someone's hand is above and beyond??? How low are your standards that you think this simple act is somehow overachieving?

This really speaks to a larger and more frustrating part of EMS -- what to do with the patient who wants nothing more than a taxi ride. Let's face it... MOST of our calls aren't true emergencies. Yet we transport anyway. You say that most areas don't have the resources to transport everyone...