"You're not an EMT here"....

usafvet509

usafvet509

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Anyone else hear that? 2nd job as a CMA (certified medication aide), just called my supervisor about a resident with respiratory issues, and just got told that. Correct me if I'm wrong, but my MO state license means I'm an EMT in the state. Anyone else with this issue? Thoughts, experiences? Thanks, y'all
 
My understanding* is that you're employable as an EMT, but can not function as one unless operating under a medical director. So if you are not under a medical director, you are not acting as an EMT- wether you have a card or not.

*I'm from TX, and I'm not a lawyer. Your state may vary.
 
STXmedic said:
My understanding* is that you're employable as an EMT, but can not function as one unless operating under a medical director. So if you are not under a medical director, you are not acting as an EMT- wether you have a card or not.

*I'm from TX, and I'm not a lawyer. Your state may vary.
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Thank you @STXmedic, I didn't feel like typing it all out haha.
 
I had a resident who pretty much lives on 2Lpm complain of feeling like she had pneumonia. She was satting low 90's (1,2) on those 2Lpm. I checked lung sounds (very diminished in lower lobes), then called my manager. I told her what was going on, and she curtly informed me, "you're not an EMT here." I am licensed and employed as an EMT-B in this county. At that point, I was only calling to tell her we had a resident with resp issues. After that lovely little chat, I did all I could do, seeing as I'm merely a CMA at this RCF. Propped her up in bed, and checked her more frequently. I get what she meant, I just don't care for the way it was said.
 
usafvet509 said:
I had a resident who pretty much lives on 2Lpm complain of feeling like she had pneumonia. She was satting low 90's (1,2) on those 2Lpm. I checked lung sounds (very diminished in lower lobes), then called my manager. I told her what was going on, and she curtly informed me, "you're not an EMT here." I am licensed and employed as an EMT-B in this county. At that point, I was only calling to tell her we had a resident with resp issues. After that lovely little chat, I did all I could do, seeing as I'm merely a CMA at this RCF. Propped her up in bed, and checked her more frequently. I get what she meant, I just don't care for the way it was said.
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Some people just haven't been blessed with the diplomatic touch... To that end, your manager is correct. You're employed as a med aide, not an EMT. While you did an assessment and relayed your findings, you probably could have/would have had a better outcome for yourself had you simply passed on the complaint. Their response would have been the same and you probably wouldn't have been talked to in that manner.
 
I guess I'm still fresh enough to want to help everybody. I figured I got a chance to work on my assessment skills, and I found something. Idk why that had to be an annoyance on my manager's part, though. Holy Hell, how dare he try to be somebody?! Lol
 
Generally people that live on oxygen have sats in the low 90s... Diminished doesn't mean pneumonia either, more than likely just the COPD they are living with, which is the reason they are on oxygen in the first place.

As far as the whole EMT thing, know your role and stay in your lane. The manager was right, even if it came off a little harsh. Also, you are not licensed, you are certified. Big difference.
 
@Chewy20, actually, I AM licensed. I hold NREMT, and a MO state green card (license). I also am employed as an EMT-B in that county
 
Well the NREMT is not a license for anything. It's a certification you get for passing a test. Indeed though, MO is one the few states that licenses (not certifies) its EMS providers.

And your boss is correct, despite apparently lacking people skills.
 
usafvet509 said:
@Chewy20, actually, I AM licensed. I hold NREMT, and a MO state green card (license). I also am employed as an EMT-B in that county
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Still, you need a medical director to practice under. Which you do not when you are not at your EMT job.
 
Interesting discussion as compared to the Good Samaritan thread also going on in this forum.
 
I used to work at a facility that hired me as a Medication Technician "for my experience and knowledge gained in EMT school" however they stress that we were not employed as emts and do not have a medical director.

Without a medical director you have no standing orders, and are a lay responder with more adept assessment skills. That's it.

* I'm in CA. Consult your local lawyer. But this is generally how it works.
 
NPO said:
I used to work at a facility that hired me as a Medication Technician "for my experience and knowledge gained in EMT school" however they stress that we were not employed as emts and do not have a medical director.

Without a medical director you have no standing orders, and are a lay responder with more adept assessment skills. That's it.

* I'm in CA. Consult your local lawyer. But this is generally how it works.
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Which is what I was using, the more adept assessment skills. I auscultated lung sounds and everything. In retrospect, I was mostly irritated at my boss' attitude and tone. I was providing good care for a resident with a legit issue, and I had to put up with her sh***y attitude
 
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