Ideal number for a code

[ffemt8978]

A comment in another thread got me thinking about this. If you could control how many people assisted you working a full code, how many would you choose? They can be any level of EMT's, but I'm curiious as to how you would break them down.

For me, the ideal number is four:
1. doing compressions,
2. using the BVM and O2
3. to intubate/IV access/Defibrillate,
4. and one for data recording/communications.

(I'm restricting my answer to the level of service provided by my agency, and hope you do too.)

 

[MMiz]

I also believe the ideal number is four. My company also believes the ideal number is four.

An ALS call is dispatched with a minimum of 3 Paramedics (One ALS rig and a Paramedic First Responder), but may be dispatched with four (One ALS and one BLS rig).

I've never worked a cardiac call, so I can't break it down the same way, but what you described is what I've heard happens in the field.

 

[PArescueEMT]

I say 3. 1 to pump, 1 to blow, and 1 to drive. I follow the KISS method.

 

[cbdemt]

Originally posted by ffemt8978@Jan 10 2005, 01:43 AM
A comment in another thread got me thinking about this. If you could control how many people assisted you working a full code, how many would you choose? They can be any level of EMT's, but I'm curiious as to how you would break them down.

For me, the ideal number is four:
1. doing compressions,
2. using the BVM and O2
3. to intubate/IV access/Defibrillate,
4. and one for data recording/communications.

(I'm restricting my answer to the level of service provided by my agency, and hope you do too.)

I agree, but just add a driver.

 

[coloradoemt]

Originally posted by cbdemt@Jan 10 2005, 08:26 AM

I agree, but just add a driver.

Yes this is in fact very important!! :lol:

 

[Wingnut]

My first code was 2 months ago and we had our usual, a medic and EMT (all our ambulances here are ALS) the medic pushed drugs, did EKG & shock, the EMT drove, I did compressions, and one of the FF's onscene rode with us and did BVM. It went very smoothly. There were probably 7 or 8 people on scene and frankly it was too much...

 

[rescuecpt]

From my experience, I like 4 in the back, but 3 can work just as well if you combine persons 3 & 4.

1. Pump (EMT)
2. Blow (EMT)
3. Tube & Drugs (ALS)
4. IV & Monitor (ALS)

So far, that has worked the best for me. That way, when I prepare to tube or start an IV, I have both my hands free to do that.

 

[emtbuff]

The last code that I ran we had 3 EMTs 1 First Responder/ Driver and 1 that was a driver trainee.

We cordinated our Block to the hospital by:
1:Bagging (EMT)
2:Compressions (EMT)
3:Hooking up Defib (EMT)
4: Was the Driver and Called in report by what the EMT's were telling (First Responder)

So I like to have at least 3 in back and 1 up front.

 

[Jon]

Originally posted by emtbuff@Jan 10 2005, 03:29 PM
The last code that I ran we had 3 EMTs 1 First Responder/ Driver and 1 that was a driver trainee.

We cordinated our Block to the hospital by:
1:Bagging (EMT)
2:Compressions (EMT)
3:Hooking up Defib (EMT)
4: Was the Driver and Called in report by what the EMT's were telling (First Responder)

So I like to have at least 3 in back and 1 up front.

I think that 3 people is the MINIMUM possible to work a code - one to pump, one to Blow, one to drive. - ALS is one of the 2 in the back - get everything done onscene. Even better, put the patent on the autovent for transport and the the ALS dosen't have to pump, too.


Ideally you should have 4 big guys on an engine Co to carry the patient to the bus from the third floor / basement - I've been part of one of these arguments before - it is nice to have the extra manpower, but 15 or 20 folks sanding around with thumbs in *** is a bad thing.

Jon

 

[Luno]

it is nice to have the extra manpower, but 15 or 20 folks sanding around with thumbs in *** is a bad thing.

Wait, I thought that was how firefighters justify their salary/pension...... hehehe, professional bystanders.

 

[rescuecpt]

Originally posted by Luno@Jan 11 2005, 01:09 AM

it is nice to have the extra manpower, but 15 or 20 folks sanding around with thumbs in *** is a bad thing.

Wait, I thought that was how firefighters justify their salary/pension...... hehehe, professional bystanders.

Yeah, until your girly arse is trapped in a fiery house and they come drag your sorry squealing self out...

 

[cbdemt]

Originally posted by rescuecpt+Jan 11 2005, 10:31 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rescuecpt @ Jan 11 2005, 10:31 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Luno@Jan 11 2005, 01:09 AM

it is nice to have the extra manpower, but 15 or 20 folks sanding around with thumbs in *** is a bad thing.

Wait, I thought that was how firefighters justify their salary/pension...... hehehe, professional bystanders.

Yeah, until your girly arse is trapped in a fiery house and they come drag your sorry squealing self out... [/b][/quote]
Ooh daaaaamn!!!! :lol:

 

[coloradoemt]

Originally posted by cbdemt+Jan 11 2005, 10:43 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (cbdemt @ Jan 11 2005, 10:43 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by rescuecpt@Jan 11 2005, 10:31 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-Luno

@Jan 11 2005, 01:09 AM

it is nice to have the extra manpower, but 15 or 20 folks sanding around with thumbs in *** is a bad thing.

Wait, I thought that was how firefighters justify their salary/pension...... hehehe, professional bystanders.

Yeah, until your girly arse is trapped in a fiery house and they come drag your sorry squealing self out...

Ooh daaaaamn!!!! :lol: [/b][/quote]
That had to hurt!! :lol: Well maybe sting a bit...

 

[Luno]

Ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh, somebody take the whip away from the little blond FF before she hurts herself <_< but it's not that I have a problem running away from fire, I just have a problem running towards it from a safe position. nahnahnahnahnah naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

 

[rescuecpt]

Just like people who hide in the closet because it's "safe".

 

[PArescueEMT]

Hey luke... a donut roll is NOT a new teat at Dunkin' Donuts. You may want to tread lightly with the firefighter bashing b4 we make you the trapped victem in the burn tower.

We'll save you! :lol:

 

[Luno]

Erika, don't make me kick this door open, and come out of the closet, oh, wait, hey, you tricked me.

PA Dunkin' donuts? I am most definately not a cop, but I can see how smoke effects logic..... Actually, I'm kind of a risk junky, so I may take you up on that one, I've always wanted to see a flash over, or whatever they're called, but I don't see myself making a career out of it. Besides, I get to the point where I just don't get the thrill anymore, so I have to look for it somewhere else.

 

[cbdemt]

Originally posted by Luno@Jan 11 2005, 11:20 PM
...I've always wanted to see a flash over, or whatever they're called...

The first one you see will be your last!

 

[rescuecpt]

Originally posted by PArescueEMT@Jan 11 2005, 10:20 PM
Hey luke... a donut roll is NOT a new teat at Dunkin' Donuts.

I didn't know they sold TEATS at Dunkin Donuts!!!

 

[rescuecpt]

Originally posted by cbdemt+Jan 12 2005, 09:27 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (cbdemt @ Jan 12 2005, 09:27 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Luno@Jan 11 2005, 11:20 PM
...I've always wanted to see a flash over, or whatever they're called...

The first one you see will be your last! [/b][/quote]
I've been in a flashover. Pretty neat. I'm not afraid to admit it was damn scary too... "crispy fried firefighters", a phrase one of my academy instructors always said, was running through my mind...

I've seen medical flashovers too. NOT GOOD... one minute lungs clear bi-lat, next minute rales in all four lobes with expiratory wheezes. Oops.