Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Beth on October 20, 2007 at 9:54pm

The short list:
-never trust someone running for office during elections
-get to know the drivers of your crew
-try to get a steady crew to run duty with
-never stop listening and learning be the sponge take it all in

Permalink Reply by Mike Livingston on March 6, 2008 at 11:55pm

Short answer: Always check your inventory.

Long answer: Always check your inventory just in case you run a respiratory distress call on your first night out as a charge EMT and the wrench for your portable O2 cylinder turns out to be missing from the airway bag and the paramedic arriving on scene a minute after you do is your EMT instructor. Because that, hypothetically, could be embarrassing.

Also: Next time you're in middle school, take Spanish, not French, stupid. (This lesson may not apply to providers in Louisiana or Maine, but mon dieu, it woulda been good advice in the suburbs of D.C.)

Permalink Reply by Mandy Sedlak on March 28, 2008 at 3:13pm

As a new EMT: Mouth shut and ears open; Don't ever be afraid to ask a question, that is how you learn.

As an Experienced EMT: Try not to give the probies your bad habits (they pick them up by themselves); Give as much knowledge to the younger crowd if they are willing to listen.

1.) Patients Die! If its their time you can't do anything about it.
2.) Don't hide your feelings, if you need CISD ask for it.
3.) Learn to trust your fellow EMT's you never know who may be there when you need them the most.
4.) Learn to trust your FD and work well with them, they are a great asset as long as you work well together.

Permalink Reply by Patience Ryan on April 23, 2008 at 5:46am

I saw this post the other day and it's been on my mind ever since. I've not done a whole lot in the two years since I got EMT-B cert. however some things I have learned and have tried to pass on to others are the following:
1. just because the book said that" ..... presents like ....."doesn't mean that is how you'll find it in the field. Ex: not every sprained ankle is going to swell up or turn colors. A posterior dislocated shoulder doesn't look like the picture in the book of the anterior dislocation.
2. you have to know what equipment you have and where to find it. whether you have the car/bag you normally have or not.
3. if you're not sure or don't know something don't assume, ASK.

Permalink Reply by James on June 18, 2008 at 3:40pm

just casue the guy working with you has a higher cert. on his patch doesn't mean you shouldn't point out what you see. we're all here for the same reason, and everyone can use a second set of eyes sometimes

Permalink Reply by Chris Kelly on October 3, 2008 at 6:28pm

I have found that I tend to not trust a provider whose uniform looks like a girl scout outfit. A stack of certificates, a good provider, does not make. It's the skills that I, and the patient alike, wants to see.

Permalink Reply by Don Crooks on February 25, 2009 at 7:22pm

Never walk on hot coals without shoes! But seriously, when dealing with patients: Always make them feel like someone special, and this applies to pts. family as well, because, lets face it, they are the reason we are here. When your in the ambulance: Always wear your seat belt, I have had to say my final goodby's to a couple of good friends whose ambo was involved in an accident. When dealing with supervisors: refer to dealing with patients :) they are people too. When dealing with firefighters: Don't bother, it's impossible, unless you have ice cream. Tee Hee, just kidding. The moral of the story comes from the former chief of the Phoenix, Az Fire Dept, Alan Brunacini, "BE NICE". You will be amazed how far those two little words can get you.

Permalink Reply by Michael Spellmeier on May 26, 2009 at 11:49pm

Paramedics save lives; EMT`s do save Paramedics.
Never trust anyone in a domestic scene and you don`t have control.
All pts. eventually die, know that you did your best, and help them smile even for a short time, then if you have to talk to family let them know they smiled.
Always check your rig even if the partner says they did.
Don`t slack on paperwork get it done.
Always prepare