First ridealong tomorrow.

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lifeguardwannabe

Forum Ride Along
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I'm excited as heck! Any tips or tricks I should keep in mind? This is my first ride-along as an explorer. I've had 3 months of weekly training on the rescue and engine as far as where everything goes, how to work the stretcher, what to grab when out at the rig ( backboard = backboard, collar, straps ), and basic whatnot.

Give me some wise words elder paramedics and EMTs!:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
Be polite and professional, stay calm, do as your told. Feel out the crew you are riding with, some will include you more, some will prefer you stay back and observe. Just go with the flow, learn as much as you can, and have fun.
 
Well, I will be riding with my paramedic instructor. The same one that has been training me on the rescue and everything. But, yes of course I will be polite and out of the way! I will be with two other medics that I'm not familiar with though.
 
But, yes of course I will be polite and out of the way!
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LOL You'd be surprised how many students get offended when people point out that they need to move or back off or that they can't do something. Just take a look at the opening post of the "Has anyone ever been refused an intubation during a clinical" thread to see what I'm talking about.
 
In my experience at the explorer lever people tend to be overeager. Not knocking your enthusiasm, just it's better to be slightly reserved and feel things out. Alot of medics and fire crews and the PD have worked together and know where they all fit in and have kind of a routine for things. Just try and feel the system out a little...
We're just cautioning you to remember you are a guest in someone else's house.
Oh and offering to buy lunch will land you on their good side :-)
 
Dont be afraid to help, but dont be overeager. When I did my clinicals I generally took vitals, loaded patients, and held c-spine. Ask the crew what they would like you to do on calls early on, and make sure you dont get in their way.
Good luck, I hope all goes well for you.
 
When a crew member says this is how you do it don't just say Oh I know that.

Just go along with it and ask questions to show them you are interested and want to get as much experience out of the ride along as you can.

During my EMT class I did 48 hours of field time with AMR. It was the best! I wish I could go back.
 
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Be particularly aware about "scene safety" protocols etc. An easy way to get on a medics bad side is to become a victim yourself. Now its a seperate patient to deal with!

I learned from experience... stepped out of the ambulance onto a roadway (mistake on my part for not knowing asking the medics about entering and exiting the truck into traffic) and just about got hit by a car. The meidc was understanding but also was agitated that I could have been his number 1 issue all of a sudden.

My other ride alongs since this have been a good time and stress free. Just make sure you know the rules, and if you dont know something, ASK!!
 
As above plus....

Doughnuts.
 
JVEL91 said:
When a crew member says this is how you do it don't just say Oh I know that.

Just go along with it and ask questions to show them you are interested and want to get as much experience out of the ride along as you can.

During my EMT class I did 48 hours of field time with AMR. It was the best! I wish I could go back.
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There are few phrases that I dislike more than "I know." If someone calls you out on something that you did not do correctly and then explains the proper technique, do not respond with "I know that." Clearly you did not know that, or you would have done it the right way the first time.
 
My last Paramedic Ride time I brought Doughnuts for the Shift, they didn't seem very appreciative....
 
I have my ride alongs scheduled for next week.
2 12 hr shifts. Dec 26 and 27 (8am- 8pm)

I am both excited and nervous. I have met with the Paramedic Lieutenant and will be with him the first day...the second day, I don't know who I'll be with.
 
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