Should I bother with an Intermediate class?

[Summit]

I have an opportunity to take a EMT-I course... I'm tempted because I can take it for $650 and it fits my schedule and learning style (accelerated immersive learning 1 semester) and the teacher is good (he taught my EMTB ).

However, none of the organizations I work for have I protocols. There are a few agencies in the surrounding areas that do, some of whom I'd consider part time as an I (I wouldn't pay as much as my current job)... so it might be a lot of work only for cerebral gain.

On the other hand, the college that offers the accelerated I course has designed it and their P curriculum such that taking the I semester counts as the first semester of their 3 semester Paramedic AAS program (I already have all the prereqs). Thus I could take the I and then do P in two semesters.

Of course, I could just skip the I program and take an accelerated P program (more expensive) from one of the paramedic schools in Denver... it would be more expensive but I could be done in a 8-12 months...

Or I could take the I program and finish my nursing prereqs (5 credit hours) and apply to the ADN degree program starting in f08. Or I could skip the I program do that. (eventually BSN probably a RN->P bridge and probably nurse practitioner in the end).

Or I could go back and try to get my BS and then go to PA school or med school (I have 112 credit hours, but all in 100 and 200 level courses and since I didn't take enough of the *right* humanities, I'm 12 credits to even get an AS).

Or I could do nothing for now and keep enjoying my awesome work schedule...

Well that went on and rambled through so many options... I only ask here because quite a few of you know me reasonably well (but everyone please chime in).

So... should I take that Intermediate class?

 

[Ridryder911]

Wow! So many options...

Well, let's decipher it down. Will you be able to really utilize that EMT/I and progress with it in that timely manner? Or would it be better to just to go ahead and attend an EMT/P course and be done with everything?!

Summit, I have known you for a while. You have a good head on your shoulders, and IMHO wasting valuable time. You have a lot to offer to EMS and to patient care. My suggestion is to really talk to a good guidance counselor to see what courses may be transferable. You may be surprised on what "life experiences" and those with similar subjects can be added. As well, by far not knocking down the NP program (obviously) you will have to have had your BSN, and at the least 2-4 yrs experience as a RN before the majority of the programs will even consider your application for another 2-3 yr post graduate program (p.s. they are supporting to have a Doctrate level in 2012).

If EMS is really what you want to do, my suggestion is quit playing around, get the real deal, once and for all. You would make an awesome Paramedic, and can complete some of your college work, while being one. I don't think you would have any problem taking a 300 -400 level course, here and there in between. Your pay will help make up the difference for school as well, you might even convince your area to go full ALS with you, instead of the in-between level. If I recall, you have the ability to work in the clinic/ER area, at least at the Paramedic level you will able to do more in-depth care as well.

Now about taking time off, I realize you are probably in the dead zone by now, but you need to get your butt in school and get out! At least at the Paramedic level. You can decide meanwhile, what your next goal can be. As well, you can discuss specifics on exactly what your next site might be...

Good luck!
R/r 911

 

[Rattletrap]

I know what it is like to run as an EMT-I with no protocols. It is Tough to sit there with a patient and watch them suffer knowing you have the skills, and the state says you can do something about it, and your lack of protocols has your hands tied. Even worse yet your agency will bill the patient for an ALS unit that in reality was BLS because of protocols.

Something to think about.

:sad:

 

[BossyCow]

Our agency is BLS and has no protocols for EMT-I but we have a great MPD who wrote up what the Intermediates are allowed to do. I'm currently waiting for the next Intermediate class to begin. It isn't taught in my county but my county MPD will sign off on it for me because I've worked with him long enough for him to trust, not just my education but the common sense that rules my application of what I've learned.

The problem we have with ILS is no ongoing CME for your recert. We have to challenge the test every 3 years. I'm going for it anyway because if I can't pass the test after 3 years of doing the job, I probably shouldn't be recerted!

 

[emt9577]

I know what it is like to run as an EMT-I with no protocols. It is Tough to sit there with a patient and watch them suffer knowing you have the skills, and the state says you can do something about it, and your lack of protocols has your hands tied. Even worse yet your agency will bill the patient for an ALS unit that in reality was BLS because of protocols.

Something to think about.




:sad:

At my agency we run into the same type of situations. The basics are extrmely limited as to what they can do, even though the state/region protocal allows they. Our medical director is very trict on what he allows our crews to do. For example ohio region 5 protocal allows basics to itubate, check blood sugar etc. Those are all prohibited by company protocol, because somehow the md was able to ammend the protocol for the company. Our Intermediates are not allowed to push any meds, or even itubate, per the company med director. His theory behind that is "thats what we have paramedics for". Well I do understad that thats what we have medics for, but what do you do when all four of your medics are out of town toting taters, and the bls/intermediate truck has to work a code? Where all they are allowed is their AED, Oral Adjunct, BVM, 02, and if there is an intermediate on board a hep lock? At our company there is no reason to become an I, except the 50 cent an hour raise.

 

[emtkelley]

I would cut to the chase and go for your Paramedic.

My husband was an I for several years and is just now getting back to school for his Paramedic. I am in a similiar boat although I have been a basic wayyyyy too long!

Seize the day...or chance.....and go for it. You might not get another oportunity. Good luck!