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A base contact for permission to do the treatment? Or a simple entry note saying that "hey, this is what we have, this is what we did, we'll be at your facility in 5."

I'm sorry, but any system that requires their medics to ask permission to start an IV has some serious issues.

I still routinely do it fairly often as much as it pains me to admit it. I almost always catch it immediately, but every now and then...

Makes sense. Do some shadow/observation/work time with both EMS and RNs and see what you like more! You could also always do a medic to RN bridge, though that wouldn't be my first choice it wouldn't be a bad way to do it!

I forgot to add, yes it is absolutely worth it. Being an RN in a Level 1 ICU has its issues, but it's one of the greatest jobs in the world.

It's easily doable, but personally I would suggest changing it up a bit to the following: EMT-B -> RN -> ER/TRAUMA/ICU/CC RN -> Paramedic. The order may sound strange, but that is the way I did it (full disclosure, RN is still my full time job. Currently, only working in EMS as a medic...

I truly think that there should be more ICU time required throughout the program for paramedic. My medic program only required about 16 hours (8 in ICU, 8 in CVICU). In fact, I would rather see more time in ICU and less time in the ER for medic students. ER time is great, but there is just so...

This. If that doesn't work, call the hospital, tell them you're an EMT-B student, and ask to do a "shadow day."

I hope all is going well with your grandfather! I don't do CCU/CVICU, but I do know they do some excellent work there. ICU is a fascinating area. You'll seriously learn more in a busy ICU about illness in one day than you'll learn in an entire week in the ER or on the ambulance.

Try to ask if you can schedule some time in the ICU as well. You'll learn a whole new definition of "sick."

It usually depends on how long ago and how frequent the use is. If it was more than 5 years ago and only occasionally, it's fine. If it was more recently, it probably won't be a deal-breaker but they MIGHT be a little less forgiving. I don't think it will be a major issue. Be honest. Good...

Thanks for the response. Would discomfort/pain be one of the reason that it would be ALS? In other words, how does pain management play into these calls? I have zero interest in working for KCMO for a variety of reasons, but I'm curious how the system handles some things.

I'm legitimately curious. Can you walk me through how a call would go for a patient who broke their ankle, and is hemodynamically stable? I'm talking about just a brief overview, including treatment before medcon, talking to medcon, after medcon, etc.

As it is in most places it seems. Do you do EMS stuff in the academy though (besides CPR/FR)? Or is it strictly fire training?

Sounds like a question for the link below since it is fire-related and not EMS related. You'll probably get more information! https://forums.firehouse.com

If there's any question about which to use, go with the tourniquet.

It's amazing and what I use. Definitely a step up from the Cardiology III (which lasted me years until the tubing cracked).

Because you could work for KING COUNTY! You would be a god to all other lowly EMS providers. You could even place central lines in the field, and you wouldn't have to worry about such trivialities as "sterility."

O2 is important like you said, but only in the right amount. An SpO2 of 93/94% in almost all patients (cardiac, respiratory, etc) is generally acceptable. An SpO2 of 100% might sound great, but the problem is the PaO2 might be higher. Go with the research on this one. Hope that helps!

See if you can do some observation time in your local academic ICU before you start medic school. Then do more observation time in the ICU once you start. In addition, focus on A&P. Everything is based off of it, so have a good understanding of how the body works. Some math might be helpful...