Practical Testing in EMT-B Class (Basic Airway, etc)

TrialAndError

TrialAndError

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Hi everyone,

I've been in the EMT-B program for almost a month now. Tomorrow our lab includes testing on the OPA, NPA, BVM, NRB, and I'm quite sure there will be some over Oxygen tank usage/maintenance.

We were told that we are supposed to walk through the above mentioned while simultaneously explaining what we're doing and why.

My current issue is that I'm pretty sick (but have been cleared to return to class tomorrow), so I'm wondering if any of you have any tips on how to simplify the above. Lack of knowledge in this area isn't the issue, it's more getting through the first practical testing in class without knowing what to expect.

Thank you in advance!!
 
Your tester will be sitting there with a pile of gear, no scenario, just set up the item. It's very straightforward. I'll take OPA as an example.

There's a head at the table and a bag of adjuncts. First talk about why you would shove a tube into someone, they are unconscious and you need to maintain a patent airway at all times and adjuncts do that. Then talk about why you would not, contraindications like he has a gag reflex. That satisfied, pick an adjunct and measure for proper size. While inserting into the dummy describe why you start upside down and then rotate into place. Seat the OPA properly.

Afterwards your instructor will probably say that your patient is gagging and will throw up. Pull the adjunct out and turn him sideways and say that suction is called for. End of exercise most likely.

That's it, low stress, don't rush. And talk about the steps a lot, many failures on tests come from someonefforgetting to say some step out loud.
 
Thank you for the response! Sounds pretty straightforward. I had some anxiety around the test since it's my first graded practical, but your advice was incredibly reassuring. I appreciate it.
 
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