Just One Piece of Advice

[Craig Alan Evans]

If you could only give one piece of advice about being a good EMT or medic what would it be?

 

[MSDeltaFlt]

If you could only give one piece of advice about being a good EMT or medic what would it be?

You, like all other homo sapians, were born with a brain. Relax and use it.

 

[Craig Alan Evans]

I like that one. I posted this on FB and got some really good responses from a wide variety of professions. I'm looking forward to hearing from this vast network of EMS professionals

 

[epipusher]

It is not our place to judge.

 

[Craig Alan Evans]

Not asking you to judge...just share your experience.

 

[abckidsmom]

Not asking you to judge...just share your experience.

I think he meant that as his one piece of advice. A valuable one too that could help prevent burnout. Without judging, you feel less superior and put upon when stupid people call for idiotic reasons and waste the resources of the system, not that I'm bitter.

 

[Craig Alan Evans]

I agree. Sorry I misunderstood. It is definitely not our place to judge. I run into this a lot with homeless patients. Meaning I have seen providers judge and nothing good comes from it.

 

[Flyhi]

"your worst decision is indecision" especially for the newer medics. The same instructor also used the tag line " Pt history is King while their Signs and Symptoms are Queen."
:blink:

 

[TatuICU]

Two words: Calm Down

 

[Squad51]

Calm down and breath. What's the worst thing that can happen? They can code. And do we know how to work a code? Only in our sleep. We're paramedics! Obviously our goal is to not let the pt get to that point, but if they do, we can manage it.

Just a thought but, I thought this was the ALS discussion? Shouldn't this be in the EMS Lounge?

 

[NomadicMedic]

"don't be a toolbag"

 

[crazycajun]

Always remember it is not our emergency it is theirs. Even though we may think it is a total BS call, they did call 911 for a reason and it is our job and duty to make them as comfortable as possible while understanding their need for medical attention.

 

[MasterIntubator]

Don't get full on greasy pizza..... that GI blockage pt will come, and code.

 

[Handsome Robb]

Just because you don't view it as an emergency doesn't mean it isn't an emergency to the patient and their family. In the end it's not your problem but stay calm, cool, collected and be respectful even if you think their stubbed toe is a load of crap after you just worked a pediatric code with mom screaming and crying in the background.

edit: don't complain about the pay. If you don't like it then do something about it, you knew what you were getting yourself into.

 

[Epi-do]

Never stop learning. Don't be boxed in by your certification level or scope of practice. Just because you choose to work at a certain level, that doesn't mean your education has to stop at that level as well. The more you learn, the more you will want to be able to do to help your patients, which in turn, will ultimately make you a better provider.

Also, remember learning takes multiple forms. It doesn't always have to be a classroom and books. Listen to you patients, treat them like human beings with feelings and fears, and hear what they have to say. You will be surprised what they can teach you as well.

 

[SoCal911]

Pay attention. Just today I had a patient with a chief of green bowel movement that the caregiver noticed and rang 911 - fire was about to send us bls and when I retook vitals I got 60/40 and Brady at p46 verified by the zoll cuff

 

[firetender]

There is no box.

 

[paramagician]

I like all this advice. I'd have to agree with the calm down's.

 

[DesertMedic66]

If/when you respond to a 911 call check your own pulse before the patient's.

Don't run around like a chicken with its head cut off.

And lastly focus on the whole scene and use common sense. I've had other EMTs who almost walked into the middle of traffic.

 

[mycrofft]

One piece?
Don't try to anticipate the scene, just make sure your unit and you are in their best shape before the run.