Ambulance observation: need advice.

Myakuzan

Myakuzan

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I hope this is the right place to post this, (this is my first post, so I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place).

I'm only three classes into my EMT-B academy, and this coming thursday I have my first four hour ambulance observation, and my clinical after that. I'm very nervous about them both, seeing as I have very little to go on.

If anyone that's done this could give me any advice or tips on what to expect, look out for, or even a vague idea of what may be expected of me during observation I would appreciate it SO much, like I said I'm very nervous so anything will help!

Thanks.
 
Myakuzan said:
I hope this is the right place to post this, (this is my first post, so I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place).

I'm only three classes into my EMT-B academy, and this coming thursday I have my first four hour ambulance observation, and my clinical after that. I'm very nervous about them both, seeing as I have very little to go on.

If anyone that's done this could give me any advice or tips on what to expect, look out for, or even a vague idea of what may be expected of me during observation I would appreciate it SO much, like I said I'm very nervous so anything will help!

Thanks.
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Wow, that is unusual to place someone so soon for clinicals since in theory you have not been able to really learn very much. As well, four hours is not long enough to seriously be considered exposure. I would presume that these are observation clinicals and to be truthfully honest, probably will be told to just keep quiet and watch. Ask questions afterwards and assist and offer to clean up afterwards.

R/r 911
 
As soon as you meet the crew you will be riding with and introduce yourself, have them tell you what they expect from you. Make sure they are aware of how far along in the EMT class you are.

Good luck.
 
I would tend to agree... 3 classes in and already starting observation hours. Anyway, meet the crew, make sure that they know where you are in your class... and ask them what they expect of you. Mostly, watch and listen. Pay attention to the flow of events as they do them. As you continue on in your class, you'll see how that fits into things. Hopefully, you'll get some more ride and clinical time to further see how things all fit.
 
I am just starting my 3rd semester of school in Ontario, Canada (2yr./4 semester program) I started observations the last few weeks of 2nd semester, which was only about a month ago. I can feel your pain, as I was very nervous, but at least I had a bit more schooling under my belt. My suggestion would be to introduce yourself to as many people as possible during your shift. Be polite and courteous. Familiarize yourself with the equipment and their location in the ambulance. Ask the crew if it is OK to open bags, cabinets, etc. or if you are lucky, they will help/show you. Never sit around doing nothing. Clean up around the base/ambulance when you are idle. You may want a job/refernce from that ambulance service one day... Show them a strong work ethic. You could also bring a text book, or school notes to review during downtime, to kill time after you have done your housekeeping tasks. Express interest in the field, ask lots of questions, but at the appropriate time! Take notes when possible when you see something new, or are being informed about new equipment/procedures. I hope this helps. I know how nerve racking your first ride-out can be. Thankfully, the people who work for the ambulance service I ride with are very helpfull and informative. Most EMS personell can remeber what it is like to be a student, and will go the extra mile to make the situation positive. GOOD LUCK!!!
 
I can give you some advice on your ER clinicals. I have students at all levels shadow me where I work and I really love watching people during their first ER rotation. Show up on time and be dressed as you were directed to in your class handout. You would not believe what some folks have shown up dressed in for their clinicals at my ER. We don't provide scrubs anymore so you would be out of luck. Most schools have rules and guidelines regarding clinical rotations,know them and follow them.

This is your chance to lay your hands on as many patients as you can in the time allowed. Don't be shy this is probably where you will discover if you really want in on this glorious profession. If your lucky enough to be doing your clinicals in a level one inner city ER like mine you will see it all and the experience will be a rewarding one. You will most likely be following a tech around(its a very well kept secret that techs and unit secretaries keep the ER together) so they will most likely be doing many tasks at one time don't think your being ignored. After you learn the ER layout and what is expected of you get after it. Be first in the room for any thing that interests you, remember your a guest and are welcome to move freely from patient to patient at any time. If your not wanted someone will let you know but thats very rare. If there is a peds section jump on it,this may be your only chance to get some hand on time with the little ones. My main job is peds and I can tell you can learn alot even in a short time. Practice your skills vitals,lung sounds and assessments. This is more about you learning to be comfortable dealing with sick and injured patients of all kinds and less about being a provider. This is your practice time and it will go fast so make the most of it. I must also mention that we expect a certain level of maturity on your part and if you need to leave the room for some 'quiet' time by all means do so. If you have any other questions let me or one of the other ER techs on the board know, have fun and let us know how it goes
 
it seems really early to be doing truck time but. like the others said,ask questions, help out, ask them what they want you to do. and read your books when you have down time and ask to pointers. no one likes a student that keeps the chairs warm and dosnt do anything. and make sure your uniform is clean and what the school told you to wear so extra pins or belts and stuff.
 
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