polisciaggie
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How about the placement of central lines and pericardiocentesis? Those were taught in my paramedic program. I also wrote my share of scholarly papers, learned how to read and interpret a research paper and my program heavily stressed critical thinking. At no point were we ever considered "substitute ER physicians". Anyone who believes that is a goal of a paramedic program is naive or just a fool.
Unless it has changed since I went through, we were not taught how to place central lines (management of them, yes) or perform pericardiocentesis. Nor did I ever have to write scholarly papers 15 pages in length.
Now there were are a lot of "case studies" in a question and answer format that were around 15 pages each, but you never have to write 15 full pages. My writing assignments for my Bachelors degree were much more intensive.
That being said I still feel that PERCOM is among the top medic programs, at least in Texas. Also, I never heard "physician substitute" being used. Considering the lead Paramedic instructor is an attorney, I highly doubt he would ever say such a thing.