How do EMTs deal with suicidal adolescents?

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Sandiistaken123

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I ask because I am a 15 year old student, and have heard of a lot of girls in my grade going in an ambulance for suicidal ideation/attempts. What usually goes on if they are conscious and/or unharmed?
 
Sandiistaken123 said:
I ask because I am a 15 year old student, and have heard of a lot of girls in my grade going in an ambulance for suicidal ideation/attempts. What usually goes on if they are conscious and/or unharmed?
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They get assessed for any medical issues, transported to the emergency department and referred to behavioral health.

afsp.org

My Experience Going to the Emergency Room

While inpatient hospitalization can be scary, it’s also life-saving. I have been in this type of treatment several times after going to the ER and being evaluated. Each time has been different, but each time I learned something valuable.
afsp.org
 
Sandiistaken123 said:
I ask because I am a 15 year old student, and have heard of a lot of girls in my grade going in an ambulance for suicidal ideation/attempts. What usually goes on if they are conscious and/or unharmed?
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I think you need to concentrate on being a 15 year old and not on adult life right now.
 
Sandiistaken123 said:
I ask because I am a 15 year old student, and have heard of a lot of girls in my grade going in an ambulance for suicidal ideation/attempts. What usually goes on if they are conscious and/or unharmed?
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Do any of the girls ever discuss those experiences?
 
That’s an interesting segue: is the EMS system an appropriate method for dealing with teenage problems? Not so much the legitimate medical issues of a person, but why do we need to send a dedicated emergency vehicle and crew to transport Little Susie Sadness to a “pediatric” psych center when a minivan and driver, cops, etc could do the same thing?
 
RocketMedic said:
That’s an interesting segue: is the EMS system an appropriate method for dealing with teenage problems? Not so much the legitimate medical issues of a person, but why do we need to send a dedicated emergency vehicle and crew to transport Little Susie Sadness to a “pediatric” psych center when a minivan and driver, cops, etc could do the same thing?
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What are you thinking as the major factor between pediatric and adult psychiatric emergencies?
 
CCCSD said:
That they are psych issues, not an EMS responsibility nor LE.
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Sorry, I meant differentiating factors. Missed a word when I typed it
 
RocketMedic said:
That’s an interesting segue: is the EMS system an appropriate method for dealing with teenage problems? Not so much the legitimate medical issues of a person, but why do we need to send a dedicated emergency vehicle and crew to transport Little Susie Sadness to a “pediatric” psych center when a minivan and driver, cops, etc could do the same thing?
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Well, if it isn't an EMS transport issue, it certainly isn't a police one.

That said, there is a difference between the initially contacted individual with the ability to harm him or herself and that same person who has been medically determined not to have a metabolic/organic reason for their presenting issue. The former is absolutely a person that qualifies for EMS transport (as opposed to non-skilled). After the ER visit, that patient still needs safe, controlled transport to an emergency psych facility. We use to call that the wheelchair car, not an ambulance or police car.
 
Sandiistaken123 said:
Ahh, you're probably right. But I want to get into EMT schooling as soon as I am 16
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Why? You can’t work as an EMT. Finish HS first, that’s a bit more important than trying to be a hero to your friends.
 
Sandiistaken123 said:
ehhh, maybe so. But It's a good thing to put on my resume
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As someone who is in high school while being in EMT school, while it has a *coolness* factor, I'd highly recommend you wait until around senior year, when you CAN have more slack in your grades.
If you intend to go to university, your sophomore and junior grades are CRUCIAL.

Senior year 1st semester, I had all A grades besides 1 B+ in a class, when I started the actual EMT portion of my program, my grades dropped to 1 A-, 2 A, 2 B, and 1 B-.
Also, my classes end at around 8:30-10PM, and I get home, eat, shower, and do my primary school work. Often times I slept at around 3-4AM. I became kinda known to my classmates for falling asleep in class.

Also I doubt that an ambulance service would take a 16yo in high school compared to someone who is 18 and had more experience in the world.
Edit- NREMT also requires you to be 18.

Enjoy your high school life while you can, and worry about being an EMT either after high school or during senior year.
(Also being at a close age to your classmates in EMT school make it much more fun)

If you have any questions about being in high school and being in EMT school feel free to message me.
 
CCCSD said:
Why? You can’t work as an EMT. Finish HS first, that’s a bit more important than trying to be a hero to your friends.
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You absolutely can work as an EMT at 16 in Pennsylvania. (Not a great idea, but it’s happening all across the state)
 
NomadicMedic said:
You absolutely can work as an EMT at 16 in Pennsylvania. (Not a great idea, but it’s happening all across the state)
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Full time employment, driving, etc? I don’t think so. Children running calls they shouldn’t.
 
NomadicMedic said:
You absolutely can work as an EMT at 16 in Pennsylvania. (Not a great idea, but it’s happening all across the state)
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I wouldn't want to be the one paying the agency insurance bills.
 
Connecticut also does EMT certification at 16. There the famous/infamous high school run squad serving a town—

Post 53 - Emergency Medical Services of Darien, CT

Since 1970, Darien EMS-Post 53 has provided the town of Darien, Connecticut with high-quality emergency medical services.
post53.org post53.org
 
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