Even knowing the risks of the job I would have a hard time giving it up. I like my 911 job, but I would miss the opportunity to take care of critically ill patients with a high degree of autonomy. I think I would be just as happy pursuing Nursing and eventually advanced practice / CRNA , but...
I have a lot of anxiety during downtime - always have. I assumed it would go away but it hasn't. It dissapears when we get a call - no matter what it is . I manage it by training with sims and studying , trying to excercise more often in the week and busying myself with chores and admin stuff. I...
This seems kind of judgemental to me. Plenty of folks engage in activities that increase their risk of illness. I would also imagine that people do indeed care when regular people have heart attacks on planes.
In any event, I see no reason to offer any kind of discount or additional...
I'd be curious to read this. I do advocate that all providers uss textbooks made for resp therapists and MDs/ critical care rns and are also are given quality education , clicnial time and testing. I think paramedics in particular should show that we are not second class providers through...
I never use the kiwi grip. I find that I have the most control over the bougie when it's not pre loaded. I always have someone (EMT , fire fighter , whatever ) who can take a moment to guide the ett when needed.
I just use the bougie 100 percent of the time. I figure if I treat every airway like its going to be difficult I'll be ahead of the game when it really is.
If you are competent, educated and prepared you should be able to calmly transition to a new blade or approach if there is a need for it. I think the problems arise when providers start missing , panicking and just grabbing devices or new blades without a plan. I think the best example of this...
Most providers I know rarely use a straight blade on an adult. I generally use a Mac 4 w/ a bougie on every intubation that I don't choose to use VL (other than peds of course.)
I would suggest just keeping in touch and making sure they know you are available to chat if need be.
Generally speaking , most first responders I know do not continue to experience nightmares or other issues from routine emergency care. I am not saying it is bad or that one should be ashamed...
It really depends how agitated they are and for what reason(s). I can't remember any especially negative experiences with having health care providers as patients. Often they will ask a lot of questions, but I would too! As always , all patients can refuse care or a specific therapy. I just...
So an associated question - does your program make full use of methods to minimize on scene time for RSI? I have made use of Sydney HEMS material to try and advocate formal checklists , drilling where to place equipment, bougie every time (unless VL is used) etc. On a team by team basis some of...
I am only keeping up with the Paramedic because of the link posted and have not heard anything on the rest of the crew. I got the impression they were significantly less injured? ,The last post was positive considering the severity of his injuries. His wife is showing such amazing strength.
And especially for all the folks new to flight here , please remember this job isn't worth your life! I'm not saying at all that anything was done incorrectly in this case, I don't know the details. There is of course inherent risk in the job. But just in general : ask questions, express...
That was incredibly moving to read , all I can think about is my wife coming to my bedside. I can't even imagine what they are going through. Please stay safe everyone. .
What is your current thinking (personal or program wide) on intubation in flight?
I have been discussing this issue with my regular partners. While we have no program wide policy - it is common to avoid intubation in flight if possible. This seems reasonable for many interfacility transfers -...
It seems like many rural states have options for Paramedics to become equal or primary providers. I know Lifeflight of Maine has the same scope of practice for both Nurses and Paramedics, I believe the same is true of DHART in NH.
I also work in a program that officially has an expanded scope...