Just another rookie here...

[papyrusman2000]

Ok so I'm pretty much not the first guy to do this...

...but here it goes.

In the next few weeks I will be starting as an EMT-B. Besides from all of the things I experinced in my ill-set ride alongs and clinicals (which I thoroughly enjoyed and absolutely woke me up from the monotonous classwork and nightly wastes of time in the "Class room environment"), what advice can you offer a 19 year old goofey white kid getting ready to start his first REAL job?

I mean, do other Medics and EMTs expect you to know the whole rotation and routine as soon as you get hired? If I f@ck-up on a PCR (or run report... whichever is more accepted), will I immediately be labeled as such: a f@ck-up.
OR are most EMS employees/employers reasonable human beings and will possibly cut me a bit of slack based on their memories and experiences as the newbie.

Granted I completely understand what dealing with new guys must be like. They start out as a burden, and they generally either excel-or-go-to-hell.

But I must say in all honesty this is what I WANT to do and I DON'T want to be the station's/unit's d0uche bag.

Any advice?

 

[Clibby]

Most people out there understand that your new and need to learn the ropes. When I started, my medic asked me if I was okay doing things on the way to the call. I am not a squimish person and so we both learned quickly that I wasn't bothered by things I saw. Everyone is different though and you may need to take your time. They will probobly have a little fun with you at first, but thats just because your the new guy. As long as you know your stuff, you will be fine. Everyone was a new guy at some point.

Nobody is going to expect that you know how to set up a 12 lead or spike a bag or how to splint every injury that you encounter (though you should have a creative enough mind to figure something out), but you absolutely should know how to strap someone to a backboard, set up and administer O2, basically your essential EMT-B skills. I reccomend that on your first day you go through absolutely everything in the truck and make sure you know how it all works; if you don't, ask. If you are inquisitive, ask about how to make yourself more useful, and don't need to be taught the same thing 10 times, you will be fine.

 

[KEVD18]

you're going to be expected to be proficient in everything you were taught in class from the very first call onward. not an expert. not unwaveringly perfect. proficient. this means loading, lifting, carrying, immobilization, resuscitation, med administration. all aspects of bls patient care. you'll learn the fine tuning as you gain experience but you have to be proficient.

you should know how to write a report. sure, maybe some questions regarding agency specific stuff(whats this code mean, what specific format is required by this company etc) but in general you shouldnt have to be told what goes in a report.

you will be expected to be adult and professional. you will be expected to be prepared for your shift. this means dont ask me to borrow my pen, bring your own. if you own a scope, bring it. if not, make sure you know where the scope provided by the company is located. for that matter, memorize the truck inventory and location just as soon as is physically possible. show up 30min early, grab a checklist and get acquainted with the truck. dont forget the first in bag.

bottom line is nobody expects the rookie to walk in and hit it like a seasoned veteran, but we do expect you to know how to do your job.

 

[emt19723]

you're going to be expected to be proficient in everything you were taught in class from the very first call onward. Not an expert. Not unwaveringly perfect. Proficient. This means loading, lifting, carrying, immobilization, resuscitation, med administration. All aspects of bls patient care. You'll learn the fine tuning as you gain experience but you have to be proficient.

You should know how to write a report. Sure, maybe some questions regarding agency specific stuff(whats this code mean, what specific format is required by this company etc) but in general you shouldnt have to be told what goes in a report.

You will be expected to be adult and professional. You will be expected to be prepared for your shift. This means dont ask me to borrow my pen, bring your own. If you own a scope, bring it. If not, make sure you know where the scope provided by the company is located. For that matter, memorize the truck inventory and location just as soon as is physically possible. Show up 30min early, grab a checklist and get acquainted with the truck. Dont forget the first in bag.

Bottom line is nobody expects the rookie to walk in and hit it like a seasoned veteran, but we do expect you to know how to do your job.

bingo!!!!!