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I'm still surprised how many RNs dont seem to know the difference between an EMT and Paramedic, even in the ER. Some seem to think Paramedic is just another name for EMT and we all just flip a coin to decide who does ALS or BLS that shift.

You should know how to figure how long the O2 in your tank will last, but you don't necessarily have to use the formula given to figure it out. I can make it easier. Know how much o2 is in your tank when full, say you have a portable D cylinder that holds 340 Liters. If you are running 12 LPM on...

I doubt it would make much difference if ER nurses did ride alongs. Some of them were EMTs or Medics(or still are) and are already familiar with EMS, and its not like it makes much difference how they go about things in the ER. This reminds me of a patient I brought into the ER recently...

What should BLS add? As far as EMT training they should add A&P as a prerequisite. It doesn't have to be some advanced A&P class, but a simple one semester essentials of A&P should suffice. This would eliminate a lot of yahoos who go to EMT school because it sounds cool and they get to drive...

I dont know about suburban, but with rural EMS that is definitely the case where I'm from. People in remote areas tend to be tougher and dont want to bother anyone, or be bothered, so if they are calling EMS its usually pretty serious, and this is compounded by the fact you have longer transport...

Depends on a few different factors. How long is the EMT course? Longer it is the easier it is generally, because you have more time to study and practice. Also you said you work in a nursing home, are you an LPN or RN? If so the class should be fairly easy as far as tests are concerned. Even...

I did a couple different jobs outside of EMS even after I got my EMT license. Worked as a heavy equipment mechanic and a welder. The reason I got into EMS was to get out of that kind of work, but I still did it for a while afterwards because full time EMT jobs that pay a living wage are so rare...

I'm just finishing up my second semester of A&P, and even though I find most of it interesting, it has not been an easy ride. The first semester seemed like a hazing exercise meant to weed people out of healthcare. Most of the students in the class were going into a BSN program, and more than a...

From what I've both observed and heard, experienced EMTs tend to do slightly better initially, especially during clinicals, but that this advantage fades and almost completely disappears after a while, and experienced EMTs often fail at a higher rate than people who went straight to Medic...

Theres no logical reason why EMS providers should wear metal badges of the kind police wear, aside from the fact I guess it might make some people feel special. Same goes for Fire in my opinion. Leave the badges to cops.

I never knew you could transfer the GI Bill to family members. This must be the post 9/11 GI bill? The more I hear about the post 9/11 GI bill the more I realize the GI bill that came before it was a total joke, some guys paid more into the friggin thing than they got out of it despite...

I'm curious if most Paramedic programs allow someone to test out at the AEMT level if for some reason they cant complete Paramedic or fail late in the training, or maybe because they just want to upgrade to AEMT while still continuing through Paramedic school. I assume most Paramedic schools...

The crappy pay is a legitimate gripe, but I dont understand people who continually complain about the work itself. My guess is these are people who've never worked a significant length of time in other fields. Go stand on a factory floor for 10 hours a day 5 days a week, or bust your...

Yes someone has to do their first stick sometime, but a Nursing and Medic student has considerably more training and knowledge of human anatomy and a little bit of proven competence when they attempt that first stick than your typical EMT student when he/she begins clinicals. As for non...

I feel bad for these patients that have to get stuck by a Basic student who has zero patient care or EMS experience and the bare minimum of training starting IVs. And for what reason? Can Basics even start IVs in the field wherever the heck Rutherford is(im assuming NJ)? Hopefully they give...

Why would an EMT basic student be starting IVs?

EMS and especially Fire is full of uptight A holes on a power trip. Dealing with these people is one of the less appealing aspects of EMS. You occasionally run into a military or police reject who lives out his hero fantasies in EMS. Having said that, without some training you probably arent...

I took a phlebotomy class at the community class because it was relatively cheap. 90% of what I learned has no real value unless I work as a phlebotomist or a medical assistant, and in order to be eligible to test for my phlebotomy certification I have to do an externship because I only have 25...