EMT's and Paramedics in the ER

[MedicBound]

So I've tried to search for this but I really can't find anything about it. I'm just wondering what you guys think about EMT's and Paramedics working in the ER? And what about CC Paramedics working in the ICU?

Oh and if there are any good existing threads about this please let me know!

 

[alphatrauma]

I searched "ER Tech" and came up with 20 hits... the most recent of which is in the EMS Talk Forum on the 2nd page.

I'm feeling generous today, so I'll even supply you with the link.

ER tech search results

 

[Level1pedstech]

I can give you a techs view of the situation and feel free to search my past posts. In our level one ED the majority of the techs are or were basics or medics. There are a few who got in by being CNA's but they are the minority.

When I started working in the ER 6 years ago I had a very specific plan which included medic school. The experience I gained working in the ER was going to be a big help in getting me prepared,not to mention all the networking that goes on. The two fire departments I was with at the time were both small and call volumes were low. I wanted to get as much experience as I could and the ER offered more patient contacts in one shift than I was getting in a month in the field.

When ER managers look for new techs many like to see EMTs preferably with some 911 field experience. I have spoken to both our adult and peds ED managers and they both agree that the critical thinking skills that most EMT's posses come in handy when things get crazy. You have to remember that ER RN's and Doc's while educated and knowledgeable don't always have the critical thinking skills when they first enter the department but they do develop it over time. If your in a teaching hospital like ours you may see many new RN's and Doc's that benefit greatly from our knowledge and our ability to manage more than one patient at a time. All of our RN's are also in agreement with the critical thinking theory and appreciate when a tech can stay two steps ahead of them when we have a unit full of high acuity patients. Bottom line EMT's whether basic,intermediate or paramedic make great techs.

I did think of one area that some people have trouble with when they are working in the ER and that is staying within their scope of practice. Just because you do it in the field does not mean your able to do it in the ER. You need to know and respect the boundaries and stay within the scope of practice the hospital has set for the specific position.On the other hand you often times will find yourself doing things you would never do in the field even at the medic level. What you do will depend on how much trust you have gained.