EMS Fanatic
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Hey guys and gals of emt life what do you think the most important thing to remember being an emt? How long have you been an emt and why did you become an emt?
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I disagree. Start out doing things the right way/textbook way/to the letter of your protocols, but as you gain experience, you may find that you have certain was of doing things that aren't "standard" but still gets the job accomplished. One of the people who I have learned the most from over my career is the oldest and most jaded nurse in the ED. He has a different way of doing just about everything that isn't necessarily approved, and yet, he is very effective and VERY knowledgeable. I, just as anyone else, have to remember to take everything with a grain of salt as some things are right and some are wrong. Also, certain things that he may get away with (due to age and experience) someone else might not.1.If you think it's stupid, don't do it.
2.There is absolutely no need for anything other than a radio or pager on your belt.
3.Listen to advice given to you by those more experienced. Those who do things "thier own way" are doing things the wrong way
4. Rarely, it may be necessary to break a protocol or rule for the greater good, such as to make a gravely sick patient, or thier family, more comfortable. Use discretion, (rule 1) and accept the concequences of your actions.
I was referring to a new emt with little/ no experience who acts as if they are an experienced provider and does whatever they want in the field. For example, a while back we responded to call for a cyclist who hit a fallen garbage can and fell ind injured his leg. He had some bleeding, but could be easily stopped with a pressure dressing. We had a new EMT (his first day) who kept on insisting that a tourniquet should be applied. He attempted to do something his own way, something that is wrong and would be bad patient care. I guess I should have worded that differently, as it comes off as I am implying that experienced providers who have developed thier own effective patient care are wrong, when I meant to say that inexperienced emts who do whatever are wrong.I disagree. Start out doing things the right way/textbook way/to the letter of your protocols, but as you gain experience, you may find that you have certain was of doing things that aren't "standard" but still gets the job accomplished. One of the people who I have learned the most from over my career is the oldest and most jaded nurse in the ED. He has a different way of doing just about everything that isn't necessarily approved, and yet, he is very effective and VERY knowledgeable. I, just as anyone else, have to remember to take everything with a grain of salt as some things are right and some are wrong. Also, certain things that he may get away with (due to age and experience) someone else might not.