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Post by njcomputerchick on Aug 11, 2003 20:07:01 GMT -5
Gator,
Tell us (when you get a chance) what its like and feels like to do your job...
Tell us some stories with good outcomes and saves...we LOVE that good save stories (makes it all worth while).
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Post by Stinger on Aug 11, 2003 20:16:16 GMT -5
Tell us the importance of an AED and why local communities should invest in one?  |
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Post by Gator on Aug 12, 2003 14:45:10 GMT -5
Gator, Tell us (when you get a chance) what its like and feels like to do your job... Tell us some stories with good outcomes and saves...we LOVE that good save stories (makes it all worth while). Well, this one is easier said than done. In EMS (as well as the rest of the medical profession) we are bound by the Healthcare Information Portability and Accountability Act, otherwise known as HIPAA(pronounced hippa) It's basically a state & federal privacy law. Luckily, I'm the local guru on it. So, if I post an experience that seems incomplete (specifics unique to that patient) you know why. |
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Post by Gator on Aug 12, 2003 15:41:10 GMT -5
Tell us the importance of an AED and why local communities should invest in one? An AED is the sliced bread of Emergency Medicine. It is THE best treatment for 2 types of cardiac rythms-Pulseless V tach and V fib. Wouldnt know em if you saw em? EXACTLY! That's why the AED is choice for those of you who cant read rythms on a monitor, it does it for you! All AEDs come with picture/text instructions, and some even TALK you through it. CPR is great, and is still a vital component in working a code, but, in most circumstances, will only serve as a 'back-up generator' until the Paramedics show up, or an AED is used, due to the fact that CPR covers the mechanical aspect and not the electrical. If an AED is not availible, a peri-cardial thump is an option, but should only be used with the proper training and as a last result. Call or visit your local Red Cross for class/training schedules |
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Post by Leah on Aug 13, 2003 13:39:34 GMT -5
You guys are very impressive. Good job! ;D
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Post by Gator on Mar 14, 2004 15:11:44 GMT -5
Partner-That word takes on new meaning in the world of emergency services, especially in EMS. Recently, I experienced some difficult personal times. Many times in my life I've had to deal with situations on my own, never having, or better yet, never trusting anyone with my inner self. When you ride the box with someone shift after shift, you find that there is little you can hide. The relationship that develops in a successful partnership is often likened to a marraige without the sex,male/male,female/female,or male/female. It can sometimes be more mentally intimate than that.
When you are involved in the physical fight for a human life, only having that one person to rely on, and when you are not successful, as is too often the case, only the two of you knows what keeps the other from sleep. Only the two of you were there,fighting, so many times.
Once again, when I needed her, my partner was there for me. Although I often raz her, sometimes using crude humor, she has my respect............and that is not something people get easily.
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Post by Gator on May 14, 2004 13:33:48 GMT -5
One hellofa storm last night. Thought we were gonna go swimmin'. Although we did make some calls, it was relatively quiet. 3 things to remember in rain;
1- Unseen water puddles that develop on roads can snatch a car off the road at high speeds. Slow down and keep a firm grip on the wheel.
2- Brakes get wet when going through high water, so they wont have the stopping power you're used to. Slow down and begin stopping sooner.
3- In the 1st few minutes of a heavy rain, and for up to an hour in light rain, oil deposits separate from the road and form a deadly surface, which will cause your car to hydro-plane.The faster you go, the more likely this will happen, slow down. If you do hydro-plane, DO NOT make sudden movement with the wheel! You will only increase the possibility of a fatality. If nothing else, gently guide the car toward the side of the road. Most major roads now have "rumble" strips, to alert drivers of veering off road. These strips can also provide the necessary friction you need to regain control, but ONLY if you hit it gradually, not head on.
Bottom line, in incliment weather, less speed means more control and a safer voyage. So, please, for yourself, your loved ones, and for the unseen child in the car ahead/behind/beside you, SLOW DOWN!
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Post by Gator on May 31, 2004 9:57:13 GMT -5
Today being Memorial Day, I'd like to remind everyone about the dangers often faced this day every year. Today, someone will eat too much, drink too much, and attempt to drive too far. Today, someone wont be coming home. Today, a knock on the door, a phone ringing, will forever be remembered as the moment we knew the terrible news.
This story cant become less frequent if more people would observe their human limitations. If you're the designated driver, be sure to refrain from alcohol at least 8 hours prior to drivng. Take a nap before hitting the road. Dont eat a heavy meal before getting behind the wheel. If you're reaction time is off while driving, even by a second, it could mean your life and the lives of all around you. It doesnt even have to be you crossing the line. Often times, others will initiate hazardous conditions, it is up to you to be ready to react.
If you do find yourself getting tired, PULL OVER!! Stop at a well lit truck stop, get some of that good strong coffee, cold water, or juice. If nothing else, walk around, cirrculate blood, increase your heart rate, wake up. If all else fails, find a well lit area, like near the front of a open gas station, waffle house, etc, and sleep at least 30 min.
I dont mind working, but let's try and keep my workload down, ok? Buckle up, and keep it under the speed limit.
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Post by Gator on Jul 31, 2004 8:32:33 GMT -5
BTW, I passed the skills test for National Registry Paramedic.God help us all The average 1st round pass is between 30-40 percent.*3 cheers for Bayou Boy* I should know the written test results in a few weeks.
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Post by Gator on Aug 23, 2004 11:58:38 GMT -5
Back to school! Just a friendly reminder to everyone while you speed through your busy day. SLOW DOWN, especially in school zones! Children are too engrossed in their conversations, lost in thought, and too busy worrying what dad's gonna say when he sees the C they got in math. It's up to you to pay attention, even out of school zones as many children walk to and from school. Remember, 20mph MEANS 20mph!
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