tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71656765843653820902024-03-12T17:37:12.855-07:00EMS ChoveshEMS in the US and IsraelEMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-6990110637317439892013-09-29T15:55:00.001-07:002013-09-29T15:55:14.366-07:00Do you manage effectively?This is a question that continues to plague me, and I believe others feel the same way; How does one go about being a "good manager"?<br />
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Leadership seems to be an overall umbrella that covers the "good manager", but I am looking for a more in-depth answer. What is leadership? How does this make a manager good at his/her job? Lets parse this out a bit.<br />
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Leadership is a broad term, it is one that embodies multiple facets of a person's personality. A true leader is one who can inspire, promote, enhance and protect those around him/her. Inspire by making him/herself an example to follow (shirt tucked in, cleans up around the office, etc. etc.). Promote your team, that is make sure you give constructive criticism, but be liberal with the gratitude as well. Enhance each member of your team by offering opportunities to grow and have more responsibility. Finally, protect your team members from themselves and each other. Remember, there is no "I" in "Team", protect those around you by listening, engaging and, most importantly, encourage your team members to be innovative (don't destroy dreams, build on them). The best kind of manager/leader, is one who sets boundaries and gives directions, but allows for others to build the route.<br />
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<span class="bqQuoteLink" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nelsonmand393048.html" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="view quote">It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span class="bodybold" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nelson_mandela.html" style="color: #0000aa; text-decoration: none;" title="view author">Nelson Mandela</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span>EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-75470509497449663632012-10-03T22:00:00.001-07:002012-10-03T22:00:17.565-07:00Long Absence and ChangesIt has been quite some time since my last post. This is not for lack of wanting to, it is merely an issue of rediscovering what the blog is all about. I stopped posting mostly because I have been going through a difficult time with EMS. Working in EMS, in one way or another for the past five years, has led me through a roller coaster of ups, down, twists and turns. Alas, what job does not offer these topsy turvy times?<br />
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I have recently been inspired to write a little more frequently. My first inspiration came from Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase, my second from White Coat, Black Art. These are both fantastic podcasts if you are interested in hearing the thrills, laughs and silliness of flight attendant life or the inspiring and sobering tales of an ER doc in Canada. When dealing with life, often times it is worth sharing with others and I hope I can bring some of you a little deeper into the world of an EMT-Basic.<br />
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I have learned some amazing things over these several long months. I know how to be tougher (like a Sabra), wiser, conscientious, and yes...burned out. Being tough is part of the culture in EMS, fire etc. When they say that certain substances flow down hill, they are not kidding...EMS is the trough at the bottom of the hill; However, respect is not given, it is earned and I am working on the earning part harder than ever.<br />
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Internal toughness is one of the most challenging pieces to the puzzle of human nature. We all want to be tough, but what does that word even mean? I love the Hebrew word "Sabra" which means cactus. Sabra is often used to describe an Israeli with many past generations of ancestors in the country, a native Israeli more or less. What intrigues me about a Sabra is the connotation that Israelis are tough and prickly on the outside, but sweet and full of life on the inside. This word does not just apply to Israelis, it applies to EMS as well. The challenge with EMS Sabras lies in how easily a patient or hospital staff can reach the sweetness that lies inside of all of us who are partially closed off to the world at work, yet required to engage it in every way. Communicating with nurses starts, for me, with apprehension over whether or not my report will be good enough for the RN or if I make a mistake how I will be treated. I have learned to just go with the flow. Those who criticize and come down hard on you do it because, in most cases, they are insecure themselves or maybe they had an insecure MD give them a hard time and you present an easy target. The way I see it is this: you can let them tear you apart inside while giving them the sharp needles on the outside; you can show them embarrassment from the outside while staying strong internally or you can do both. The point is, remember that being tough is not about putting other people down, it is about holding yourself to a higher standard than those around you. Remember, this is only for now. Respect is another aspect of toughness that can be easily overlooked, but most of the issues with toughness through respect lie in how one presents him/herself to other people.<br />
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TO BE CONTINUED...EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-23392022154424168372012-01-07T07:59:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:04:30.232-08:00Keepin' it real on the road<b><u>Road Safety</u></b><br />
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We all think we practice it, we all think we are the best drivers in the world (at least those of us in EMS right?)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7LvvYLH95W8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
My company has just begun to install road safety devices similar to those in AMR ambulances. I guarantee, there are going to be a lot of high pitch tones for the first few months...the exciting thing is...we will be better drivers by the end of it (in and out of an ambulance).<br />
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How can one assess one's own driving safety? One needs to have an objective piece with proper parameters programmed into it to give an accurate account of good driving habits. Your partner in the seat next to you is not a good judge of driving. Individuals have different perspectives, but this black box by Zoll has one perspective that is repeated for every operator, creating a universal standard of driver safety.<br />
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While driving to a scene lights and sirens sounds, sometimes, like the best adrenaline rush you could have and gives you that feeling of being a superhero, just remember your state driving protocols and remember those who did not get so lucky.<br />
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #143454; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">WRAL.com</span><br />
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A paramedic was killed late Wednesday in an ambulance accident at Fort Bragg, authorities said Thursday.</div>
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The wreck occurred at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Plank and Turkey roads on post, said Tom McCollum, spokesman for Fort Bragg.</div>
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An ambulance from Womack Army Medical Center was responding to a mutual aid call from another military ambulance when the driver lost control and slammed into some nearby trees after overcorrecting, according to Emergency Chaplains, a group that ministers to first responders and emergency personnel."</div>
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By Craig Crosby<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Portland Press Herald<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Copyright 2007 Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />All Rights Reserved</div>
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TURNER, Maine — Allan Parsons' last act was helping someone in need.</div>
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Parsons, 46, a paramedic from Wilton, was treating a patient in the back of a Med-Care ambulance early Thursday when the vehicle collided with a pickup truck on Route 4 in Turner, according to Androscoggin County Sheriff Guy Desjardins.</div>
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Parsons was pronounced dead at the scene.</div>
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The unidentified patient was rushed to the hospital with two other people: Arlene Greenleaf, 68, of Bethel, who was driving the ambulance, and the driver of the pickup truck, Christopher Boutin, 29, of Turner.
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The crash occurred at the intersection of Potato Road and Route 4 a little after 3 a.m., Desjardins said.</div>
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Greenleaf and Parsons, who were based in Mexico, were taking a patient from Rumford to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston when Boutin pulled his full-size Chevy pickup out in front of the ambulance, police say.</div>
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"A witness stated the ambulance's emergency lights were on and the pickup truck was crossing Route 4 from Potato Road to Lone Pine Road when the accident occurred," Desjardins said.</div>
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Greenleaf was removed from the ambulance with an extricating device. Boutin was ejected from the truck during the crash, Desjardins said.</div>
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Greenleaf was listed in fair condition at Central Maine Medical Center after undergoing surgery, Milligan said.</div>
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Officials at the hospital confirmed Thursday that Boutin was a patient there but declined to give his condition. Initial reports indicated he suffered multiple injuries, including head trauma, Desjardins said.</div>
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He had no information on the patient who was riding in the ambulance.</div>
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It was the kind of crash that could have claimed more lives, Desjardins said.</div>
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"It was a violent collision," he said.</div>
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(stories courtesy of ems1.com)</div>
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</div>EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-77369486059625181782012-01-04T20:12:00.000-08:002012-01-07T07:44:39.916-08:00CocoonI have begun, recently, to practice a new technique with my stretcher at work. Keep in mind, this is just a small way of keeping me occupied when I am bored; however, the cocoon is a fantastic idea, especially in the winter or when dealing with an obese patient.<br />
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Here is how it works:<br />
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1) Take a sheet and tuck it in on the stretcher pad<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoLmycX1jmS5nB5IwdKpDqjF5A6WgnuPv9JH7OX0NIPC7t3NqUQzNtGB_xdR4eRZNSQtUaEk_eLAEeGePmmopg3tWBDj59f9PlYbSA3p5hTsVKb7iNd6VumeOqYH4Gamf0lzr82wBmr8/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoLmycX1jmS5nB5IwdKpDqjF5A6WgnuPv9JH7OX0NIPC7t3NqUQzNtGB_xdR4eRZNSQtUaEk_eLAEeGePmmopg3tWBDj59f9PlYbSA3p5hTsVKb7iNd6VumeOqYH4Gamf0lzr82wBmr8/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
2) Completely unfold a heavy blanket on the stretcher<br />
3) Completely unfold another sheet on top of the heavy blanket<br />
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4) Grab both the blanket and sheet and fold a little on the top and bottom of the stretcher (this keeps the stretcher and sheets looking neat and fresh)<br />
5) Take one side of the blanket (right or left) and fold to the other side of the stretcher, then fold back to the opposite edge of the stretcher. Finally, with the sheet/blanket looking like an S, take the end of the fold that is closest to the middle of the stretcher and fold it towards the same edge you just folded to prior to this move.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M7XR0JP-_pSVRtLg5tmTPzZWzyNawfyg2CI3UAzUlmpFlF3tj34nUNr-XfOjlp5xul87STDwNgyrIYZ3fjue5VC26pkfLZL6VCyJ41hNdVrfupUEv-E5INPfd2bkc6SUnSRSXJwSKpA/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M7XR0JP-_pSVRtLg5tmTPzZWzyNawfyg2CI3UAzUlmpFlF3tj34nUNr-XfOjlp5xul87STDwNgyrIYZ3fjue5VC26pkfLZL6VCyJ41hNdVrfupUEv-E5INPfd2bkc6SUnSRSXJwSKpA/s320/IMG_0636.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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6) Repeat...<br />
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<br />EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-53502159949616791862012-01-03T06:10:00.001-08:002012-01-03T06:11:03.627-08:00Magen David Adom<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE_zFPcMAaA&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE_zFPcMAaA&feature=related</a>
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<br />EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-57387759407620561952012-01-03T05:22:00.000-08:002012-01-03T05:22:58.525-08:00אמתAs I pull into the base this morning, the sun is just beginning to shine it's first rays of light onto the earth, the still frigid air meets my nostrils, and a sigh reaches my throat. It is the start of my normal 10 hour shift of providing transport and emergency care to people all along the I-95 beltway and Metro-Boston. As I hop into the 55 this morning, the same musty, cleaning solution smell that exists in all of the ambulances thrusts itself at me. Soon, the engine is sputtering and roaring to life like a sleeping beast just rudely awakened.<br />
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Lights...check Equipment...check Computer...check<br />
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Sitting in the back of the ambulance, nothing jumps out at me anymore. I know where all of my equipment is, the quantity required by my check off sheet, and where to grab or discard extras. This is my office. Most people I know come to work, sit at a desk, have a desktop or laptop computer already prepared to be set up and ready for the day. Maybe they have stacks of paper, possibly reports they have to complete by the end of the day. A swivel chair, a desk, a calendar, maybe even a fun picture or post card dangles from a safety pin.<br />
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I look around my office. Tools crammed into every nook and cranny the truck has to offer. My desk is my lap. My desk lamp, the rear dome or Action Area light. My computer is a Tough Book. My reports come, sometimes, at a dizzying pace (I never know how many will be completed by the end of the day). My chair is a tech seat or bench seat. Diesel fume dust coats these seats and anything else it can cover in the back.<br />
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The radio crackles to life and then silences, another ambulance on its way for a transfer. My partner arrives and soon after, the phone rings. We have our first call of the day. The garage door opens with the crisp outside air rushing over me, the ambulance once again sputters and roars to life. The garage door closes and off we go.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-65138499015422000292011-07-05T18:27:00.000-07:002011-07-05T18:27:49.135-07:00Really?I am at work tonight and I overheard another EMT saying to another group of EMTs, "what other job in the world allows for a non-college educated person to make a steady salary and have multiple days off?" He was saying this to explain why this job is so great. Tell me something, how many people say this about their jobs seriously? More importantly, how sad is it that this is what makes this job great?EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-83029240053098248552011-07-05T18:25:00.000-07:002011-07-05T18:25:31.747-07:00Teamwork Part IIMy last post on <a href="http://chovesh.blogspot.com/2011/06/teamwork.html">Teamwork</a> was designed to give an idea of how two people working towards a common goal can come together to help an individual in need. That is what being an EMT is all about. Good physicians and nurses confer with their fellow healthcare professionals in order to complete the puzzle of a patient's illness and provide the proper care.<br />
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Recently I ran a call that I feel is fit to be used as an example in teamwork. I was working with a fairly new employee at my company out of a base that I am not very familiar with. This is a recipe for a bad shift as I have had a recent streak of partners who are new to the job and are therefore in the stage of feeling invincible and/or full of themselves; simply put, they do not like to listen, take criticism, or work as a team. This was a lucky situation for me, I ended up with a partner with some past experience with another company taking 911 calls. We immediately hit it off and by the time of our first call, we were already working well together. He knew the northern half of our response area, I knew the southern. Our first call went off without a hitch; we communicated well and got the patient packaged, transported, and safe at home without any problems, besides a malfunctioning radio. Our second call was for a cold response to a facility in the southern part of our response area and proved to be an interesting case.<br />
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Like I have said before, communication is key, if you can look at your partner and know his/her next move, you can function well as a team. If you can talk to your partner and confer on decisions, the patient is going to get the best care. Two heads are always better than one. <br />
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We get a cold response for a male with lower abdominal pain. On arrival, the nurse hands us a packet of information on the patient. We ask the nurse what is going on with the patient, the nurse seems to know very little about the situation other than he has had pain for 5 days and now it is getting worse. The patient is ambulatory in his room; we convince him to sit on his bed while I grab vitals and my partner starts an assessment. We find the upper right quadrant of his abdomen is distended with rigidity.<br />
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On the way over to the facility, my partner and I were discussing how we would go about handling the scene (who would do what, what we would be looking for, and what we might expect). This is another aspect of teamwork; bouncing ideas off your partner is NOT a bad thing!<br />
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After we find the patient's abdomen is distended and rigid we decide without more than a glance that we are going HOT to the ER, especially with the patient presenting with a fever. Long story short, we got to the hospital and found that the patient, among other issues, had an SPO2 stat of 91% (despite not reporting shortness of breath or difficulty breathing). The next day, I checked on the patient, he had been admitted, that is all they would/could tell me. I hope he did alright, but I know that if he is doing better, it is in large part due to the teamwork that my partner and I had and our quick decision making and assessment abilities.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-59324212880530525782011-06-17T08:44:00.000-07:002011-06-17T08:44:36.473-07:00TeamworkThis is a word that is seldom used in EMS, yet it is also an expectation. The AHA, in it's recent changes to CPR, made mention of utilization of teamwork in it's curriculum. This is mentioned as if this never existed in CPR, let alone pre-hospital care and this is not particularly surprising. In EMT school we are taught to work individually, whether it be in class or testing. Each of us must pass without the assistance of a "partner" on exams and in class. Unfortunately, this is not conducive to real-world EMS.<br />
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Here are some reasons why I disagree with the individualistic mentality placed on EMS providers:<br />
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1. Individualism breeds competition and while competition in theory is not a bad thing, it does not help EMT's function better. Remember, our common goals are to make sure our patients get the proper care they need either during a routine transport or during an emergency.<br />
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2. Communications lacks! A large part of our job is communication, whether it be through radios, to our patients, or to our partners, this is an area of our job that is fundamental.<br />
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3. Patient Care is another area affected. Four hands are better than two, just as two heads are better than one. The more information you can get, the more life saving procedures can be performed, and the least amount of time sitting around without a clue...the BETTER!<br />
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There are other areas that are affected by our individualized education; however, these three categories are extremely important to our job. So how can we fix this?<br />
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1. More education. By changing the way we approach educating new and old EMT's, we can begin creating an environment of community and teamwork within the industry. This means learning as a team, practicing as a team, and testing as a team. This does not eliminate individual testing, but puts less emphasis on that individual mind set.<br />
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2. Emphasis on communicating on all levels. I recently had a partner who was near silent in the ambulance and while this is not necessarily a bad thing, it is when he/she could talk without issue with patients in a compassionate tone while responding to me in a harsh and dismissive tone. I do not take kindly to this. You or your partner may be having a tough day, but leave it at the door. You are a team. Without one of you, the team would cease to function.<br />
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3. Patient care can be looked at from a variety of angles; however, I like to look at how EMT's handle the patients once they are placed in the back of an ambulance. In my company, what generally happens is the Tech goes in back with the patient while the Driver goes to the front seat immediately to start the truck and get going. I want to propose another strategy. I would like to propose to EMT's, not only in my company, but elsewhere, to hop in the back with your partner and grab a set of vitals or help with some of the treatment before you run to put the pedal to the metal.<br />
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All of these basic tactics, while relatively small in the grand scheme of things, contribute to improving the way we function in an ambulance.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-56808107991580045502011-06-12T09:04:00.000-07:002011-06-12T09:04:15.416-07:00Creating an EMS Bachelor DegreeThe EMS Bachelor Degree, it is something I have been pondering for a while now. The value of a college education is boundless. I have heard people say why bother, a bachelor degree is just a piece of paper, it doesn't do anything for us. WRONG! I can't say that my entire college career was fun, exciting, or important to me; however, what I can say is this, my college degree gave me the intellectual capacity and experience to think critically, analyze decisions, and understand how to effectively research. What it didn't teach me was how to be a good EMT. There is a lot that goes into being an EMT, far more than we think and it couldn't hurt to fit it all into a four year degree program, or even a two year accelerated program. Here are just a sample of subjects that could be covered by an EMT bachelors program:<br />
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Physics, Biology, History, English, Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Foreign Language.<br />
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Physics, while helping to provide EMTs with a better understanding of driving techniques (which should be taught in a specialized driving school) would be helpful for an education in MVA related injuries and other blunt or penetrating trauma related injuries.<br />
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Biology would be taught similar to current pre-med programs with studies in programs such as anatomy and basic cell biology.<br />
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Chemistry and Mathematics would provide EMTs with the knowledge needed to understand medication dosages and reactions in the human body.<br />
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History would give the EMT a background in the field of Emergency Medicine to provide a link to our storied past.<br />
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English could be a helpful tool in learning how to effectively write run reports.<br />
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Finally, each student would have to choose a foreign language.<br />
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All of these programs would provide an EMT with a well rounded education in Emergency medicine including a choice in foreign language which would undoubtedly be of much use in communities across America.<br />
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These are just suggestions, but put to good use, these programs of study could be of great benefit to the creation of an Emergency Medicine Bachelors Degree. If anyone has further suggestions or ideas, feel free to comment!EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-79507139002808553642011-04-14T07:37:00.000-07:002011-04-14T07:37:14.526-07:00CPR...why do we care?I have been teaching CPR classes for almost a year now and one thing never ceases to amaze me. I find that a large portion of the people I teach just do not seem to care. Why you ask? Because they do not get how important it is for community and personal health. The challenge I have comes in passing an individual who has taken the course, passed the written and has performed decently on the practical, but I wouldn't trust with my own life. How can I give them a card that says they can treat others when I would rather have someone without any training treat me over them? It is a difficult question and one that I ask myself every class. I think I am a pretty tough CPR instructor. I do not pass you if I think you are not going to perform well in the field and I certainly do not go over the answers with people during the test. If someone has a question or the class is stumped on a few questions, sure, I am more than happy to help and explain the answer if need be, but I am hard pressed to stand in front of the class and have everyone answer. I would rather see on an individual basis how people perform. I think I get the most exacerbated sighs when I say, "ok everyone, take a 10 minute break, then we are going to practice doing all the steps over again", but why is this different than any other class? I want my class to have as much hands-on training as possible and if that means pushing them to perform practicals over and over again, then yes, I am going to push you. I do not let the video do the instructing, it gives a good background to help answer questions on a test, but I do not want my class to just get 100% on the written, I want them getting 100% on the practical.<br />
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I have given my perspective on my classes, but I have not truly answered my question, why don't people care about CPR? Well, they do, it is just that they need to be motivated. There will always be a student who is taking the class because they feel they have to or are "forced" to and will take it out on you; However, there is also a large portion of people who want nothing more than to be a driving force for community health in society and if you make the course interesting, hands-on, and fast paced, they are going to enjoy every ounce of that class. My new resolution for the year is to not just teach CPR, but to TEACH CPR, that means pushing my students to bring 150% to each class in exchange for my putting in 200%. I will stay after for remediation, I will go over questions as long as you need to pass, but I will not pass you if you are not comfortable performing CPR. This is not just any skill, this is a life saving skill and we should treat it as such not only as instructors, but as students. My best to all those who work hard at this job, and to those who are feeing run down or unmotivated to teach, here is my advice...you bring 200% to each class and I assure you, the majority of your students are going to give the same or at least 150% back. Believe in your students and they will trust you as an instructor.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-63973841240570629532011-01-24T07:11:00.000-08:002011-01-24T07:11:41.063-08:00Finally Back...It's been quite some time since I have written on this blog for good reason...my life has been crazy! Between keeping up with school and a new internship, moving to a different city, and trying to get my life in order so when I graduate in 3 months I am not running around like a chicken with its head cut off.<br />
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Needless to say, my last winter break, besides being by far one of the best I have had, was busy, but exciting. I have also finished my very short historiography/research paper on EMS. I have opted not to post it on the blog because of its length (18-19 pages). However, I believe I achieved an A of some sort on the paper, so I am happy with it. I also think it covered a great deal of topics in such a short document. It still needs to be worked on if it will ever be considered for publishing, but hopefully it will, at least for now, provide people with a brief idea as to what EMS is all about.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-88325745611713873282010-12-15T07:11:00.000-08:002010-12-15T07:11:04.477-08:00Life and DeathIts been quite some time since the last time I posted on here, and this is mostly due to a recent death in my family that was very close. I have seen many people die this year, more than usual. In fact, this year has been the worst year for deaths since 2007 when I lost my grandfather, and two close friends who were much too young. This year, while the deaths have not all been close to home, I have seen many of my friends suffering with the loss of family members, friends, and relatives, mainly from cancer. It just goes to show that life is short and unpredictable and that you need to live life to the fullest. I know that after this year's experience, my goal will be to talk to my patients even more than I do now. Especially the ones that know that the trip with me will probably be their last. Holding a hand or two, offering comforting words, maybe a laugh or two. It was hard seeing my family member towards the end, but one thing that comforted me was that he felt "ok" with things. He had sold his stocks, made sure that his life insurance was in order, and closed any deals that were left unattended. He said to me that towards the end, things don't seem as crazy, you kind of look forward to death just so it can be all over. Of course, he hoped for a cure or some miracle, but sometimes there are just things we can't do. It took only three weeks for my uncle to pass away, he wasn't old, he wasn't young, but I certainly never expected to be at his funeral at this point in his or my life. It took three weeks from the time of his diagnosis to his untimely death, a period of time that has been very hard for my family, but, as I said earlier in the post, this is why we all need to take the time away from work, away from the stresses of life, and spend time with our families, friends, loved ones, and/or pets and live our lives to the fullest.<br />
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I think Dr. Sidney Friedman from M*A*S*H put it best when he said:<br />
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"<span class="messageBody">You know, I told you people something a long time ago, and it's just as pertinent today as it was then. Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice - pull down your pants and slide on the ice."</span>EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-59881478232600712262010-11-09T09:36:00.000-08:002010-11-09T09:36:09.287-08:00Peer AdvisingWhen I was a freshman in college, I was given a peer adviser, whose job it was to check in one me throughout the year and help with class selection/advice. So, why not apply this to my campus EMS squad? The way this would work is by having probationary members paired up with senior members who run the calls. Each week the advisee and adviser meet to discuss the probationary member's progress on calls, address questions the new member may have, and to assess how best to help the new member continue to improve. This would enhance our quality of care exponentially. Just imagine, new members and old members exchanging knowledge on issues and learning from each other. The probationary members would feel more confident and our senior members could increase teamwork on scenes, feeling confident in the probationary member's skills and knowledge base.<br />
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My goals for my EMS squad are to create a higher quality of care for our patients, make better EMTs/FRs, increase teamwork on scenes, and instill a sense of accomplishment and pride in what we do. This is just one way.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-85376057318351634722010-11-02T08:49:00.000-07:002010-11-02T08:49:15.831-07:00Get out there and VOTE!This past weekend, I went with a group of 57 students from my school to Washington, DC for the Rally to Restore Sanity. We left at 11pm on Friday and got to DC at 7am Saturday, by 8am the Mall was filled. The final numbers on attendance was somewhere in the ballpark of 215,000. With that said, the rally was incredible with Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart using humor to present an very serious issue in this country. In the spirit of what was said at the rally and its overall message of "we may disagree, but lets at least try to work together", GET OUT THERE AND VOTE! Its a right and we should use it to steer this country in the right direction, Republican or Democrat. Enjoy the polls people!EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-8527297176598561082010-11-01T21:07:00.000-07:002010-11-01T21:07:37.379-07:00EMS: An Urban Study (The Idea)I promised an update so here it is...I have just barely scratched the surface in my research. College= long, arduous hours of continuous, unrelenting assignments from multiple professors who do not communicate, nor understand the concept that we could possibly be taking more than one class. With that aside, the premise of the paper follows the development of EMS (as I noted in my earlier post) and with this, the corresponding development of urban hospitals and the affect of military research in emergency care in the field on the urban setting. My case study will be, most likely, a focus San Francisco EMS.<br />
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So, that's basically it for now. Things will start to move more once mid-November hits and finals inch closer and closer (it's like Halloween all over again! Yikes!), that is when the professors usually give us a little bit more leeway with our daily assignments to focus on the multitude of papers/finals/projects, etc. that will be assigned on top of those daily assignments. In any case, stay tuned.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-78648513419244705912010-10-29T15:15:00.001-07:002010-10-29T15:15:47.687-07:00Talking to a five year old about EMS...what to say?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>HE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Hypothetical situation…you are asked to speak at a school to a group of approximately five year old kids about EMS for public safety awareness week (or whatever you want to call it). You are standing in front of about 15 kids expecting you to tell them some crazy cool stuff about driving ambulances with lights and sirens…so what do you say? You could start by telling them that, in all honesty, (especially if you are working for a private Ambulance Company) we do not use the sirens and lights all that often. In fact, kids we transport grandma or grandpa from point A-B and take discharges from hospitals home, etc. You could tell them that our job as an EMT is a thankless one, involving long, sleepless hours with little compensation. You could tell them about all those times you were harassed by patients, spit on, attacked, yelled/screamed at, treated like an idiot…You could tell them all these things and more. I like to think differently. I am one of those crazy optimistic people who think things can only get better. I happen to have a wonderful girlfriend who thinks the same way and she happens to be a pretty awesome teacher for young kids in pre-K education. She as proved to be an inspiration, with little pay or thanks for her job, she keeps a smile on her face even in the most tough of situations. Her positive attitude and passion for this age group has propelled me to think that maybe being an EMT is not all that bad, especially when every kid wants to be in a cool looking vehicle with lights and sirens (and guess what…I live that dream everyday!). I believe Sir Ernest Shackleton put it just right when he said, “Men and women wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” This is a hard job with constant danger and no recognition; however, there is success and with that success happiness knowing that what you have done has impacted someone’s life regardless of whether or not it was a routine transport to or from dialysis. We make an impact on all of our patients and they make an impact on us. In this job you are constantly learning, constantly meeting new people, constantly being put into situations that are challenging and dangerous. We are the few, the proud, the EMT. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>So, what do you say to the five year olds looking up at you with great expectations? You tell them the truth…this is a hard job and driving an ambulance can be fun, but I get to help people every day and that is what makes it worth every minute of my time I invest in this job. I get to help grandma and grandpa cross the street, I get to bring joy to people who may rarely have contact with the outside world, I get to save people who, without me, could get hurt and have no one to help them. I am not a superhero, I am not a hero in general, I am just a regular guy who wakes up every morning, makes a cup of coffee and goes to work. What I am, is an EMT, and this is my life. I have no secret identity, I do not hide from the world until needed…no…I stand proud to serve my community in rain, sleet, hail, blizzard, you name it, and for all that I do not expect thanks, nor medals, nor compensation, I do not stand at the top of a building with a big S on my shirt nor a picture of a bat…no…I <span> </span>have served my community, I have possibly saved lives, possibly made someone happy for a brief moment, but my sense of accomplishment is making it home at the end of the day knowing I did all these great things while also getting the opportunity to see and spend time with the ones I love. So for all you kids out there, or those who are kids at heart, remember, as tough as our job may be, as little thanks as we may get, we do an important job and we are heroes, or, at least to those kids we are. </span></div>EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-3894801519968291362010-10-29T15:05:00.000-07:002010-10-29T15:05:21.492-07:00EMS Round Table DiscussionYesterday, I went to observe a mock call session at another college with a fellow EMT from my squad. Needless to say, the mock call session was incredibly well done with details ranging from bystanders who were given specific details of what to say and what not to say on-scene (simulating the fact that some bystanders know more than others which further helps the responding EMT identify who would have more information on a scene), to fake blood and clothes for the EMTs to cut off the patient (Awesome!). This whole session got me thinking about how to effectively train/educate the EMTs/FRs at my school and I came up with an idea. Mind you, this idea came to me during a US Foreign Policy class round table discussion and made it very hard for me to concentrate for the rest of the class. The idea popped into my head because I observed how my professor set up our class discussion and our class in general. At the beginning of the week, my professor provides the class with a lecture outlining the particulars of the weeks topic (this week he lectured about Operation Ajax and the rise of fundamentalist Iran). Then, during the week, the class does the assigned readings and on Friday we all come together to discuss, in a round table setting, our thoughts on the readings and the topic. It works amazingly well and makes me very excited to go to his classes. <br />
So, I combined what I observed in the mock calls at the other school and what I like so much about my foreign policy class and came up with this idea of practical with discussion, or, as I like to call it, the EMS round table discussion. We would offer a series of mock call sessions for our EMTs/FRs to practice physically arriving, assessing, and packaging on-scene (getting our EMTs/FRs comfortable with on-scene protocols and on-scene communication with patient, team members, and supporting units). On top of this series of mock call sessions, we would also provide a round table discussion on calls. The class would be arranged in a round table discussion format so as to facilitate equal and responsive dialogue. The class would be given a call with all the details for them to see on a white board/computer screen (no hidden vitals or anything like that, I want them to see everything about the patient). Then the class would discuss how they would approach this scene. The discussion would involve what safety precautions would need to be in place (i.e. Police, Fire, Hazmat, etc.) and what precautions the individual responders would need to take (i.e. Gloves, masks, etc.). The discussion would go on like this; presenting issues of what tools should be on-scene and what we could use for improvisation if those tools are not available. Questions of how the patient should be addressed, who should be performing what duties on scene, how should we be allocating resources, etc. etc. In this format, the class members can not only discuss and develop new ideas to approaching scenes, but also challenge each other on ways to handle a scene. <br />
By integrating a series of mock calls and round table discussions, the EMTs/FRs are getting both training and education. The mock calls act as a training/educating forum with responders practicing their skills on-scene (training), then discussing what could be done better or differently (education). This is what happened at the other college. The round tables act as, primarily, an educational tool, with EMTs/FRs discussing multiple facets of handling calls (the reason why this would not have a training component is due to the fact that I believe that training revolves around more hands on skills and repetition of those skills as opposed to discussion and learning what those skills mean in relation to training, which I define as education). <br />
Think of this idea in terms of potty training. At a young age, our parents put us on the toilet and expected us to practice the skill of using this strange device when we needed to use the bathroom. The training portion of this is the physical act of our parents placing us on the toilet and having us practice flushing, etc. This is training because we are being taught a skill and we practice it over and over again, but we aren’t told why we are doing this. That is where education comes in. Our parents do not just plop us on the toilet without explanation (or at least, good parents do not just do this) and expect us to know why we are doing this. Our parents explain that the toilet is important for hygiene, social acceptance, and public sanitation (this might be complicated for a young child to truly comprehend, but at least they know where it all goes right?) In any case, the training involves us repeating the steps of our bathroom follies and education is the reinforcement of that training with the understanding of WHY we do this, WHEN we do this, and HOW we do this. <br />
So, like in potty training, we need to provide the training portion of the education of an EMT/FR and the educational portion. By providing EMTs/FRs with excitement in what their doing and an explanation as to why they are doing what they are doing, you can get a better quality EMT/FR. So, with all this said, I hope to implement this scheme of alternating between having a mock call session one week and having a round table discussion the next, giving our EMTs/FRs confidence on scene and an expanding knowledge of what all this crazy EMS stuff means.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-81621188121227989842010-10-26T21:44:00.000-07:002010-10-26T21:44:49.474-07:00EMS: An Urban StudyDear Readers,<br />
<br />
Over the next several weeks, I hope to share with you more than just insights on my personal views of EMS. For next few weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I will be neck deep in research studying the development of Urban EMS for my US Urban History final research paper. During this time, I hope to share, in several installments, my findings. So, with that, keep your eyes open for some cool stuff!EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-22181492945481469702010-10-25T20:31:00.000-07:002010-10-25T20:31:59.351-07:00EpiphanyWorking on a college campus is, dare I say it, an adventure. From ETOH calls to severe trauma, our little squad has seen quite a number of incidents. We have responded to emergencies on and off campus, providing first response to MVAs and other injuries on the main street just off campus. And how cool is it now that we have a squad that has nearly doubled in size in a matter of a week? Most of these fresh first responders are surprisingly eager to learn more and as the weeks go on, more and more are interested in taking our EMT-Basic class. I remember when I was helping to teach the CPR class, that most of these same first responders did not raise a hand when asked about advancing to EMT certification. What does that say about the squad? We are getting better, we are attracting better people, and we are moving towards a higher quality of care. We are now, for the first time in our university EMS's history, getting a vehicle, nothing fancy and without emergency lights, but its a start. This way, we can get backboards and essential equipment to a scene faster and without sacrificing man power to do so. I firmly believe that our fellow students will begin realizing, if they haven't already, that there has been a positive, and noticeable, change in the way we handle emergency situations on campus. This change in confidence does not come from uniforms, being an all EMT service, or anything of that sort. We are a first responder group that has consistently proven ourselves on challenging scenes with one to multiple patients. We have earned the respect of the ambulance service that transports for us and we have earned the respect from those in the city around us. We have gained the confidence because we know we are good and we know we can do better. <br />
<br />
Moral of the story: Training/Education, building trust, and building teamwork are ingredients in creating an amazing efficient, positive, and motivated group. <br />
<br />
We volunteer thousands of hours per year in service to our school and we do so without one complaint. This is to all the EMT-Basics and First Responders that make up one of the best EMS squads on a college campus.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-38477838132856009322010-10-19T07:14:00.000-07:002010-10-19T07:14:35.406-07:00The Campus EMT/First ResponderI have been doing a lot of thinking recently regarding my position on my school's EMS squad. My official title is Training Liaison/Assistant although unofficially I am the Training Officer. My role is unofficial for a number of reasons that I would rather not delve into at this time, but this situation has raised an interesting point for me. One of the reasons I was told that the Training Officer position cannot be official at this time is that there is no one to replace me, that I am apparently the most qualified person for the job. Now, I pride myself on being able to teach people on my squad because teaching is not an easy job, it is thankless and takes a lot of effort and not every person can do it. Its a skill, a passion, and a desire. I see these traits in many people I work with on the squad. I see people capable and willing to educate new members. So why not make it an official position to train/educate people for our squad? Our goal is to go from a First Responder squad to an EMT squad and that takes a lot of hard work and requires a well trained, well educated, highly motivated group of volunteers and that is exactly what we should be working for. By offering regular classes on subjects ranging from vital signs to full out assessments and trainings where students are put to the test with rigorous practicals individual members will become increasingly comfortable with their skills and being placed in tough situations. <br />
<br />
At the end of the day, this is a position that should be considered for all squads. Training/Education is no easy thing and it is hardly something one would want to throw out the window as not being important enough. Even if the trainings and classes are repetitive the most important part is that people feel more comfortable when they have seen themselves succeed repeatedly and once one has the basics down, it is easier to move on. So my answer to whether or not the Training Officer position should become permanent is simple...YES! and there are people who can do it and do it well.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-70548928329804888092010-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:002010-10-08T09:00:04.380-07:00Doesn't it feel good?I was thinking over some of the calls I have had this year and was wondering exactly what is it that drives me to want to be in this field of work. To be honest, I still can't answer the question fully; however, what I have found is that being absent from EMS made the heart grow fonder. Over the course of my 6 month stay in Israel, I thought and did more with EMS than I thought possible. I began blogging about EMS, I began researching about EMS, I listened to podcasts about EMS, I practically lived and breathed EMS without actually stepping foot inside an ambulance (unless you count my brief stint with MDA). Coming back to the US, I have continued this obsession and am now on track to being a CPR instructor, getting my EMD, becoming a WEMT, and am now planning on Paramedic school. I am teaching, on a regular basis, new recruits to my College EMS squad, helping them feel comfortable on scene and being that go to guy that people can go to with even the weirdest of questions. Moral of the story: I am hooked and I love EMS. This is not love because of the money (or lack thereof) that exists in EMS, nor is because of the benefits (also questionable) in EMS; rather, my love for EMS stems from helping people. Seeing the smiles on the faces of patients whom I have helped, getting satisfaction from knowing that even my brief interaction with a patient has brightened their day, and lastly, feeling pride in what it is that I do on a daily basis. Yes, there are those days where work is frustrating and patients make you want to scream, but that doesn't matter in the long run. In the grand scheme of things, the good patients that make you feel worth something inside are what really count. Even for those bad patients, yes even them, we have done something for them whether they realize it or not, so feel pride in what you do each day, wake up with a smile, and do the best job you can do.EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-69364490346090056952010-08-30T10:36:00.000-07:002010-08-30T10:36:29.765-07:00Education and TrainingEducation and Training...what is the difference you ask?<br />
<br />
The definition of education is: <br />
<div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">process</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">imparting</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">acquiring</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">general</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">knowledge,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">developing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">powers</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">reasoning</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">judgment,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">generally</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">preparing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">oneself</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">others</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">intellectually</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">mature</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">life. </span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">The definition of training is: </span></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'"></span> </span></span><div class="dndata"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">education,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">instruction,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">discipline</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">thing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">being</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">trained:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">He's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">training</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Olympics.</span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">They look similar; however, difference between these two ideas is greater than you think. I wish to argue that education is far more beneficial for EMTs due to the fact that education is longer lasting and more comprehensive than training. According to the Office of Emergency Medical Services in Massachusetts, an EMT training course is approximately 110-150 hours with classroom and clinicals included. That means that an EMT is spending about 100 hours in a classroom learning about the many cases and situations they may run into during their career and 10-50 hours actually seeing and doing the job before being let out on the road. Now this is all well and good and the practical time is essential in any learning situation, but the problem here lies in the numbers. How can one say that they are fully qualified to save lives after a mere 110-150 hour course? The average college student takes triple and then some hours more of classroom time and, on top of classroom time, involve themselves in their future occupations through summer long or year long internships. Even with this much time and energy sacrificed on the part of the student to break into that career, they are still not fully considered prepared for their career until they achieve their masters degree, and, in some professions, a doctorate. For police officers, there is a requirement to have a degree in criminal justice and then the police academy for further education and training in tactics and fire arms among others. For professional firefighters, the general practice is to go to the fire academy or another college to receive a degree in fire science and, in addition, further education and training for hands on work in the department. </span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">Here is the key to making a good EMT, education and training coupled together in a four year bachelor degree program that offers EMTs classroom time and hands on training time. This would replicate education and training received by police officers and firefighters, as well as open opportunities for EMTs to advance themselves in their careers. Classroom time would be dedicated to the study of the human body, similar to classes taken by pre-med students with the added value of in-hospital observation time and ambulance ride time functioning as a year round internship, possibly offered to students during or after their second year of schooling. In the academic year 07-08, </span></span></span>1,563,000 people completed their bachelor's degrees<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">, 32% higher than the previous year, 625,000 people completed their masters degrees, 45% higher than the previous academic year according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This proves that more individuals are seeking higher education in their professions. Barring a degree in Emergency Management, there is no degree available for someone seeking to just be an EMT-Basic. Paramedics receive an associates degree that counts for approximately 60 college credits or the equivalent of 2 years of college education, but what if that associates degree could become a bachelors and then a masters especially for an EMT-Basic? </span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">A bachelors and masters degree program for EMTs would be a major step in taking the "trade" of EMS and making it a legitimate profession. Instead of being an Emergency Medical Technician, one can instead be called a Medic I or Medic II determined on level of education. A bachelors degree could essentially allow one to become the equivalent of an EMT-Basic or Medic I and a masters could allow one to become the equivalent of a Paramedic or Medic II. Its a possibility, though not necessarily the best one. The concept here is not to determine a new name for the EMT, rather, the idea is to change the way we think about EMTs. The dedicated men and women who bravely and selflessly serve the public in this industry deserve to achieve a good education and more opportunities. This means a positive change in patient care and a better quality of care that always seems to be a discussion piece when examining EMS. </span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>Education and Training together can provide the EMT with the tools and knowledge necessary to be trusted with a greater variety of emergencies and allow the EMT to perform more skills. EMTs are not just glorified taxi drivers and ambulances are not just glorified taxis, EMTs are men and women dedicated to the safety and well being of the public and ambulances are their offices with the tools necessary for saving lives, lets give these men and women the education they deserve and the tools they need to continue performing this challenging and rewarding job.<br />
<div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="dndata"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"> </span> </span></span></div></div>EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-90764831472968004742010-06-09T09:03:00.000-07:002010-06-09T09:03:58.964-07:00Another Day with MDAIf anybody is reading my blog about my experience in Israel, you already know what I did today on my shift and need no explanation. This is also not the place where I discuss calls, I merely try and compare and contrast the US and Israeli EMS systems and offer my own input on things as I think of them.<br />
<br />
Here are some differences I have noticed so far:<br />
<br />
1. The chovshim and paramedics have the ability to leave a patient if they deny care even if they have als<br />
2. Chovshim do not administer meds in Israel unlike in the US where we can administer seven as an EMT<br />
3. MDA workers are not always out in the trucks, between calls they hang out at the base. In the US when I worked with the fire department this was true as well, but with my private ambulance I am sometimes sitting in the ambulance for 12 hours straight with a few calls in between to stretch my legs.<br />
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These are only a few observations...though I have to say, I really enjoy the rotating medic chair in the back of the Israeli ambulances...EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7165676584365382090.post-4763897095595451282010-06-08T00:56:00.000-07:002010-06-08T00:56:52.282-07:00When EMS and religion clashThere are definitely those times that arise in the field of EMS where religion plays into a situation. In Israel, this can be seen in the case of Haredim vs. Female Paramedics (and of course other instances as well). In Jewish tradition and text it is always stated that an individual's health comes before religious obligations. What does this mean? If you are dying of a heart attack you probably don't care whether or not a woman is working on you. <br />
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In a specific case that happened a little over a month ago, a female paramedic and her two other partners were dispatched to a to a synagogue in Jerusalem's Givat Shaul neighborhood after a man fainted. Unfortunately, when she arrived she was immediately shoved out of the synagogue because women are forbidden to enter this holy site. This just flat out ticks me off. As medics, male or female, we should be able to have access to our patients despite any religious quarums, that means even if the shul is closed to women, if someone's life is at stake let her in. This isn't the first time an event like this has happened in Israel. Another case left the victim dead after a similar occurence of forbidding a female partner to enter the scene.<br />
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So, if you are a very religious person and see women as a problem in a religious facility, I urge you to look at your friend who is possibly dying or suffering greatly and I encourage you to ask yourself, is it really worth all this? If G-d sent you an angel and it was a woman, would you really turn her down?<br />
<br />
Think about it...EMT 882http://www.blogger.com/profile/00555423591465379086noreply@blogger.com0