RocketMedic
Californian, Lost in Texas
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This has been a rough year for EMS. Between Eaglemed's constant crashes, the steady rain of falling helicopters, South Carolina's drunks plowing into scenes, ambulance wrecks and the usual risks, way too many of us are getting killed or injured for stupid reasons. This thread is to share amongst ourselves and anyone else our Best Safety Practices, with an eye towards improving them. Way too many EMTs and Paramedics are blissfully ignorant or actively disdainful of safety, and that needs to change.
Personally, I always buckle in, generally in the captain's chair. If I need meds, I have an IV bag hanging in easy reach and meds laid out on the desk to my right. Its easy to reach over, push through the port and flush the line without moving around. The monitor is clipped to the front or side of the cot and is to my front. Vent is to my left (captains) or right (squad bench). If we can set our patient up properly on scene, we dont generally need to move around in the back. I also use my patient if possible for things like cannula readjustment or SpO2 finger sensor replacement.
When I get a new partner, I lay the rules out- no texting and driving, ever, and they will drive to policy. I have been called an ***, Ive been called a prick, and Ive been berated at length by some of them defending "I only do it at stoplights", etc. If I notice it, it is a direct order from me to stop. A second time is a call to the supervisor. One of these...stellar EMTs is in my Guard unit and tried to make me accept it "you do realize that a paramedic is not the EMT's boss" and "you're just inexperienced and you should have spent time as a Basic" , but if you are driving with me, I am the law, regardless of their personal beliefs. Safe, appropriate driving is not a skill, it is a standard.
Also, I generally reverify drugs I dont use on a daily basis or in odd circumstances with my field guide.
Personally, I always buckle in, generally in the captain's chair. If I need meds, I have an IV bag hanging in easy reach and meds laid out on the desk to my right. Its easy to reach over, push through the port and flush the line without moving around. The monitor is clipped to the front or side of the cot and is to my front. Vent is to my left (captains) or right (squad bench). If we can set our patient up properly on scene, we dont generally need to move around in the back. I also use my patient if possible for things like cannula readjustment or SpO2 finger sensor replacement.
When I get a new partner, I lay the rules out- no texting and driving, ever, and they will drive to policy. I have been called an ***, Ive been called a prick, and Ive been berated at length by some of them defending "I only do it at stoplights", etc. If I notice it, it is a direct order from me to stop. A second time is a call to the supervisor. One of these...stellar EMTs is in my Guard unit and tried to make me accept it "you do realize that a paramedic is not the EMT's boss" and "you're just inexperienced and you should have spent time as a Basic" , but if you are driving with me, I am the law, regardless of their personal beliefs. Safe, appropriate driving is not a skill, it is a standard.
Also, I generally reverify drugs I dont use on a daily basis or in odd circumstances with my field guide.
