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Permalink Reply by Adam Reading on February 7, 2011 at 4:52pm

Keith,
i admire you seeking input as to what constitutes a GOOD paramedic. In my years in EMS, I've found the best paramedics are clinically well-rounded (all the merit badge courses) and are not complacent to routine calls. A person calls 9-1-1 when they have admitted they are no longer in control of a situation. It is THEIR perspective as to the urgency of their situation, not our impression. Approaching every patient with the mindset that that person is the most important person in someone's life is a critical perspective to hold on to. There is a time to hold a patient's hand, and there's a time to accept the fact that we are putting ourselves in the crosshairs to experience the worse that life can offer. An old friend of mine who was a pastor to our FD reminded me one time that we are privileged to serve the public and to have the inherent trust that goes along with that responsibility.
Study hard, stay physically fit and NEVER stop learning.

Best wishes in your career. The things you learn in class (and in the field) will pay off when you least expect it. You are on a trajectory to save the life of a person you've yet to meet.

Again, best wishes.
Adam

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Permalink Reply by Gareth on February 19, 2011 at 2:26pm

As the other guys have said I guess all goes to helping you be good at what you do. I find it important to remember that not everyone is cut out to do the job, but those that are (and stay in the job) make the best.

Everyone is different, and different ppl will tell you different things, but providing you've got a good head on you and you know your stuff, you're well on your way to being as good as you can be.

Tip of the day : Just cause someone's got more years in than most, it doesn't mean they always know what they're doing ! Equally... I tend not to trust EMS personnel that carry more equipment on their belt that there is on the bus ;-)

And on another thought, I personally have found a number of "new starters" that are very bright, quick, clever and seem to be able quote clinic protocols from memory word for word... But there's a few of them that seem to be missing out on "life skills" such how to talk to patients. Sadly that's something that's hard to teach someone, but equally it's one of the most important skills you need for this job.

Good luck for the future.

Gareth UK

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