ED volunteer Good or bad??

[LE-EMT]

Ok since my time is so limited especially lately because I went out and well basically screwed myself over in reference to the EMT Class I was supposed to start in June and probably ( i did say probably) won't beable to start another one until August. I have been doing a little research in my new found free time. So this is the question I pose to all you senior folk. (and I do mean senior as experienced not OLD )(even though they generally coincide). There is a volunteer program at my local hospital that apparently allows people to help in the ED. Its 3 am so I haven't had a chance to call and find out exactly what or when I could help out. But what would you all see as Pro's and Con's here.
Many of you have come to the conclusion that since I am looking for fast paced acadamy style schooling that I will eventually become a liablity in the EMS field. So I see this as a chance to learn free of charge and potentially as much and as often as I like.
Your ideas???? thanks

 

[BossyCow]

Good or bad are not the only choices here. As you may gather from reading other posts, there's a huge amouint of gray area in pretty much everything we do. There are some excellent ED volunteer positions that can give you some experience in dealing with the public when they are sick, hurt, scared, drugged up, psyched out and looking for some relief. It can also give you some insight into how the ED works in your area, because they are all different in their practices and approaches.

There are some other things to consider. How does the staff look at the ED volunteer. Our local hospital is a union shop. The presence of a volunteer (ie. someone doing work for free instead of assiging those hours to a paid employee who is only 5 hours a week short of qualifying for benefits) can be met with attitudes varying from mild contempt to out and out hostility.

Also, what are you expectations going in and what does the hospital expect from you? I knew one volunteer who went into the ED expecting to get a ton of hands on, nitty-gritty trauma experience and spent her time running to Central Services for supplies and filing paperwork. Make sure that you are clear on what kind of work you will be doing.

If you are waiting to start an EMT class and willing to work for free in the ER, might I suggest that you also look into some classes that will help you with your future in EMS. Basic Biology, A&P, Medical Terminology, a technical, or report writing English class, These will give you a background that will really help you further down the line, expecially if you choose to further your credentials in EMS past EMT-B

 

[LE-EMT]

Thank you so much that was alot of help. It will definitely give me insight going into it all on what to ask and what to expect. thank you

 

[Jon]

The local ED has a volunteer program. Their tasks DO NOT involve patient care... but they do assist the staff by transporting stable patients to/from radiology, as well as helping with transfers to the floors. They are also around to get blankets for patients, make beds, and help get food for patients when needed. As a rule, they are useful and take some of the burden off the ED techs.

If you see yourself working in an ED in the future, it might be a good job for you.