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Permalink Reply by Jessica Travis on July 1, 2009 at 2:09am

anyone? someone? plz

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Permalink Reply by Nick Anderson on July 1, 2009 at 2:57am

I think the biggest thing to learn in EMS is figuring out the problem so you can help. We don't diagnose but you won't have a clue what to do unless you have an idea of what the problem is. My advice would be to listen to the crew and see what questions they ask and how their care changes based on the answers. One of the most difficult things for me was learning how to ask the patient questions to figure out what's going on.

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Permalink Reply by Allen on July 1, 2009 at 6:01am

Jess,
I think it is good that you are interested in helping and learning. EMS or the Hospital field is a great area to be in cause you really never know what the next call will bring. Do not be afraid to ask questions for 1. If you do get to ride along and are able to do PM assessment just remember that people look to you to help them. If you are not sure about something then let the Medics step in. If it is a major call, help them by getting all the PM information such as what happend, how long they have been in the state they are in, any alergies etc. That information is a big help on a fast call cause most of the time we do not have anyone that can get it then everyone is asking did you get this or that and we are like Crap now we have to go chase the infomation down.

In short, the more you ask the more you will learn. Ask the medics everything like Why is that drip rate slower on that pm than the one you had earlier. What does that med do? Observe everything cause there are so many different things we do for different reasons. Learn how to spike bags, the difference between Macro and Micro drip sets. Learn the different types of O2 delivery methods etc.

Like i said. I am glad you are into it and i hope you enjoy it as much as a lot of us do. There are good days and bad days but that is with any job you have.

Good luck and if i can help, just ask and i will do what i can.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Travis on July 2, 2009 at 10:32am

thanks guys..... i knew i needed to stay out of the way but i wasn't exactly sure how to help and still be out of the way

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Permalink Reply by Greg Ramsdell on July 2, 2009 at 11:19am

ask questions about the call while en route. assuming you're in the back of the rig, ask what you can prep for them or what equipment you should gather. look around, get a good knowledge of your surroundings inside the rig, inside the first-in bag. most bags are the same within the same company/department, but they do tend to change a bit between them. where are the splints, backboards, stairchairs, etc. it is vital know the where of everything before you begin to learn what, why, and how. every chance you have, get out of the rig and look in the compartments. when you're in the rig, and it's safe to do so, look around. depending on the level that you are riding with, they may be able to find items that are expired and let you open and explore them. the skill of spiking an iv bag while the medic is sticking a patient is often overlooked assistance, as well as getting the butterflies or whatever else they may use.
quietly ask questions on scene, you'll find out on each call whether or not you're in the way.
it also depends on with whom you are riding, some people just aren't approachable. in that case you may want to try to switch assignment.
oh, don't expect the big calls all the time. trouble breathing and general illness will probably rank in your top four of calls.
one last thing, being an explorer, you're young. there's a lot of garbage and bad things you'll be exposed to. if a scene is going to be too rough for you I would hope that your rigs Co will act appropriately and keep you away. if you start feeling awkward for any reason, let them know and excuse yourself. get info on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. it's real, and real dangerous.
injuries, death, and despair are much different in the theaters and in real life.
good luck

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Permalink Reply by Paul J. Storke, Jr. on July 6, 2009 at 10:26pm

I myself am a young ems provider and i find thats it best to talk to your crew before you go on a call and find out what they expect from you and that also goes along with what you are trained to do for instance i am an er running with emts so they try to teach mestuffbut also have to keep in mind my scope of pratice so if you get to know your crew you wolunt have any problems with getting in the way or asking questions good luck with running ems and if you have any questions feel free to send me a message.

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