Do not ever bring the stretcher up more than one or two steps.

One more thing, whenever you have any kind of issue that could potentially fall back on you, make sure you advise the proper people on a taped line. For example, they want you to drive a vehicle that you report to be unsafe. Running a call when you advise missing equipment. When they give you a call when you walk in the door and don't give you time to check your vehicle. For that last one, a radio or phone advisory (not nextel) stating "document unchecked vehicle" will cover you if something's missing, and throws the onus back to the prior crew or the agency.
 
Edit:

Ok... always remember to disconnect the O2 from the ambulance before removing the patient.

omg i almost forgot that the other day at work. But we can translate this into "dont forget to unplug the shoreline before you peel out" also
 
This is like the "Murphy's Laws of EMS" we had a couple years ago.


...Always take two slices of bread and a paper towel with a meal on duty, you might get rang (toned) out. (I finished a couple dinners on the tailboard that way). Two slices of pizza equals that.
...Never assume an obtunded or non-English patient said/means "Yes" or No". Ask again but requiring a negative or specific response. ("DO you hurt?" "No". "Where do you hurt?" "No".) :unsure:
...Don't ever release the catch AND the frame of the ambulance litter without giving it a little shake while still supporting the weight.
...Don't ever start action on your co-worker's direction before the sentence is over. (Lot of difference between "Pull the release catch ..." and "Pull the release catch, when I say 'three' ":ph34r:).
 
Never pass up an opportunity to pee.

Always make an opportunity to pee before your long distance transport.

Sent from LuLu using Tapatalk
 
One more thing, whenever you have any kind of issue that could potentially fall back on you, make sure you advise the proper people on a taped line. For example, they want you to drive a vehicle that you report to be unsafe. Running a call when you advise missing equipment. When they give you a call when you walk in the door and don't give you time to check your vehicle. For that last one, a radio or phone advisory (not nextel) stating "document unchecked vehicle" will cover you if something's missing, and throws the onus back to the prior crew or the agency.

Always follow up with an email when you have an official conversation with a boss. Paper trail, very important.
 
Always follow up with an email when you have an official conversation with a boss. Paper trail, very important.

Dealing with that from my previous provider as of now. I didn't print a hard copy of my email that I no longer have access to, so that's going to bite me in the rear if I look for a new job...
 
All patients lie.

*mumbles* stupid :censored::censored::censored::censored::censored:...
 
Never pass up an opportunity to pee.

Winner! I know this rule and I still did it today...

NEVER give ANY medication without asking for allergies. (okay, that was kind of a gimmie)

NEVER assume that your can correctly inform you of their medical history.
I.E. Have you ever had any heart problems? "No!" Until they tell you about their stents when you ask about surgeries.
 
NEVER give ANY medication without asking for allergies. (okay, that was kind of a gimmie)
Errrr, I've done this often. Midaz for seizures and psychotic breaks, naloxone to opiate overdoses, fentanyl, etomidate and rocc or suxs for unconscious RSIs, ACLS drugs to every cardiac arrest I've ever run, calcium for hyperkalemia...the list is long. Not really a good "never".
 
Dealing with that from my previous provider as of now. I didn't print a hard copy of my email that I no longer have access to, so that's going to bite me in the rear if I look for a new job...

Just a thought, my agency's IT department saves email records for 7 years from the work email accounts. Might be worth a shot to ask?
 
Just a thought, my agency's IT department saves email records for 7 years from the work email accounts. Might be worth a shot to ask?

Not if they refuse to let you get the email as to 'prove' their side.
 
Not if they refuse to let you get the email as to 'prove' their side.

Yea, I thought about that after I posted it and was too lazy to edit :unsure:

I mean worst case scenario if it did come back to bite you, you could look to the legal system for a court order but thats an extreme.

Adding on to the never pass up an opportunity to pee. Never pass up an opportunity to snag a cup of coffee. Adding on to that, never come to work without a travel cup, it keeps the heat in ;)

All of the above only apply if your a coffee drinker haha
 
Never decide now is a good time to take a stinky load, when you are the only Ambulance Available in the City
 
Always be polite to the dispatcher...

Always remember that "Our Lady of Assumption" is the mother of all fcuk-ups...

Never forget that you haven't seen it all... yet
 
NEVER cut the umbilical cord of the baby you just delivered until AFTER you've placed one clamp, squeezed blood out of the umbilicus, and then clamped again an inch or so away.

If you forget that, just get in to the habit of slicing the umbilical cord pointed toward your partner.
 
If you forget that, just get in to the habit of slicing the umbilical cord pointed toward your partner.
I'm more likely to remember this part... :p
 
NEVER believe the code status (Full Code/DNR) of a Pt as provided to you by a nurse at the sending facility. Always check the paperwork yourself!!
 
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