"Don't read the book"

eprex

eprex

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Someone actually said this to me the other day regarding the EMT-B course.

I am of course going to read the book. It seems evident to me that the best application of a skill comes from solid conceptualization of why you're carrying out that task in the first place.

Can anyone expound upon this? Should I read the book for the gist? Should I spend more time on application videos than memorizing every detail?
 
Ok, I admit it, I just lol'd.

If you think the EMT B book is going to give you a solid conceptualization of anything I have some great oceanfeont property in South Sudan for sale.
 
EMT texts are often poorly written misguiding literature at a 4th grade reading level.

If you really want to excel but remain at a basic EMS level, pick up a well reviewed paramedic text. I'm sure many on this forum would give or sell you one pretty cheap.

The Brady emergency care book with 10 pages on A&P and 500 pages on carrying devices and scene safety is beyond laughable.
 
Read the book for school. It's structured to help you with the NREMT exam material. Do this through the end of medic school.

Then take those books, set them on fire, and drag them behind your car....
 
usalsfyre said:
Read the book for school. It's structured to help you with the NREMT exam material. Do this through the end of medic school.

Then take those books, set them on fire, and drag them behind your car....
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This.
 
Aidey said:
Ok, I admit it, I just lol'd.

If you think the EMT B book is going to give you a solid conceptualization of anything I have some great oceanfeont property in South Sudan for sale.
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You're missing the big picture, which is probably why you bought that property in South Sudan;).
 
NYMedic828 said:
EMT texts are often poorly written misguiding literature at a 4th grade reading level.

If you really want to excel but remain at a basic EMS level, pick up a well reviewed paramedic text. I'm sure many on this forum would give or sell you one pretty cheap.

The Brady emergency care book with 10 pages on A&P and 500 pages on carrying devices and scene safety is beyond laughable.
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I have noticed through reading the first few chapters that I'd probably be able to answer most questions without even reading the book but I'm trying to do this endeavor 'right'. I just got out of college so I'm still comfortable with time management and studying.

There's a paramedic book sitting around my HQ that I'll supplement with.
 
NYMedic828 said:
The Brady emergency care book with 10 pages on A&P and 500 pages on carrying devices and scene safety is beyond laughable.
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And the A&P sections are written at pretty much a high school level.
 
Our text was fairly indepth for a basic level book. That said it doesn't really apply to real world.

I think what they meant though was don't read ahead. Reading ahead will confuse you especially early on in the class when you may confuse test questions and what not. The text book is designed to go in order.

Real knowledge comes from experience, mentors and advanced classes. The basic text is just enough knowledge to make you dangerous.
 
Go ahead and read the book for school, realizing that there is a lot to be learned after training that isn't in there. Just remember that if you are on a scene and not sure what action to take , going by the book will keep you out of trouble. Its a combination of book learnng and steet smarts alot of the time. I've found that to be true in the nursing profession as well, you learn alot in school that sometimes doesn't apply in the practice world. But if you go by the standards, you protect yourself.
 
Maybe your friend thinks the class is being graded on a curve? In the same vein as evading the bear: you don' have to outrun him, just have to outrun at least one other classmate.
Kidding.
 
jleverin said:
Go ahead and read the book for school, realizing that there is a lot to be learned after training that isn't in there. Just remember that if you are on a scene and not sure what action to take , going by the book will keep you out of trouble. Its a combination of book learnng and steet smarts alot of the time. I've found that to be true in the nursing profession as well, you learn alot in school that sometimes doesn't apply in the practice world. But if you go by the standards, you protect yourself.
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No, the book wont keep you out of trouble. Your local Protocols will keep you out of trouble.

Not every Basic can do Glucometry, or assist with nitro or epi for example.

The book is only to NREMT standards and will get you through the NREMT test. Once hired, knowing your protocols and standard of care is what will keep you out of hot water.
 
As others have said, I would definitely suggest reading the textbook, even if it is not very well written. Chances are all of your tests in the class are going to be based on the book and it is probably written to help you pass the NREMT.

Beyond that, I prefer to read books aimed for the Medical Student crowd. Sure some of the chapters may leave you feel like this, but they generally provide a better understanding of how and why things work, instead of just shoving algorithms down your throat like most pre-hospital emergency care books do.

NYMedic828 said:
The Brady emergency care book with 10 pages on A&P and 500 pages on carrying devices and scene safety is beyond laughable.
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I used that book for my EMT-B class and it was terrible. The sad part was that about 70% of my class failed the test over the A&P part.
 
I read the book and took notes in class (ala paid good attention). I didn't typically find it necessary to really study for the tests except to memorize vital sign ranges and things of that nature. I had the highest grade in my class (not that they print your grade on the certificate) but if I can do it, you can too.
 
JDub said:
Beyond that, I prefer to read books aimed for the Medical Student crowd. Sure some of the chapters may leave you feel like this, but they generally provide a better understanding of how and why things work, instead of just shoving algorithms down your throat like most pre-hospital emergency care books do.
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Ironically I don't own any books so far for any of the M1 medical classes I am taking in grad school. It is advised you don't buy the required texts.

I agree with a general consensus so far. You need to read the book. It may not seem particularly useful in the field, but you need to build from somewhere and your "experience" and everything is going to be hollow as you don't really understand it.
 
It depends on the book. I liked to scan the book before lecture and the take notes during the lecture because the notes were the same as the chapter. Then I went online and used the online portion that was provided to us. It had quizzes and crosswords and all that good stuff. I wouldn't say the book was essential, but it would have been hard without it.
 
Tigger said:
I read the book and took notes in class (ala paid good attention). I didn't typically find it necessary to really study for the tests except to memorize vital sign ranges and things of that nature. I had the highest grade in my class (not that they print your grade on the certificate) but if I can do it, you can too.
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Did the exact same as you with the same result. Definately the best advice once could give - pay attention. Don't be afraid to ask questions either. There were several questions that I wanted to ask only to have another student raise their hand and ask the same exact question. If you are confused, chances are someone else is too.
 
I am a book guy.

I buy the required texts ad I read them...

All of them...

At least once...

My sig says it all.

"I learn for life, not to impress a school master."

I agree an EMT-B text is not the best book to learn patient care, but you must decide if your goal is to barely pass or to be the best at patient care.

You may pass the class without a book. (any class) but you may find that is the minimum you need.
 
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