Preparing for Clinicals

[Chall09]

Dear experienced and knowledgeable EMT's,

My EMT-B program is starting their clinicals soon and I'd like to know how I can get the most out of the experience.

I'm still a fetus when it comes to this field and my class has just scratched the surface on many of the aspects on what an emt does.

I kind of grew up in the ER hospital. My Dad was a physician and I came with him to work on a regular basis. I was just a kid then, however, and knew nothing of all the drama and dynamics of what was happening before me.

I'm starting to get a slight handle on vital signs. I need alot of practice with taking blood pressure and pulse; for the most part I'm pretty confident.

I'll probably bring a small note pad with a cheat sheet on vitals and what they could possibly allude to.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

-Chall09

 

[ah2388]

be proactive with tasks the crew is assigned..you have a short time to build whatever relationship you can with the people youre working with. This will come in handy if you get a run. Other stuff sounds fine

good luck and let us know how it goes

 

[Hollywood]

Ask the crew any question you might have and do everything they'll let you. (Within your SOP)

 

[ah2388]

Ask the crew any question you might have and do everything they'll let you. (Within your SOP)

that last part is rly important, thats why im going to re-suggest doing as much as possible to build a relationship with the people youre working with. That being said, some crews arent as receptive as others to having students around, dont take it personally. I will say that most crews Ive worked with have been excited about having a student around and as long as you respect them theyll respect you.

 

[Dominion]

Offer to jump in whenever you can, if you have to sit back for a couple runs to see how things go. Jump in and get the medics vitals every time, practice on EVERY patient. Even if it's a stubbed toe, get a full set of vitals including pupils and lung sounds. Ask your preceptor after every run how things went. If you're with a medic ask them to show you how to apply chest leads, how to work the glucometer, how to use the pulse ox and why you shouldn't rely on it's readings, ask how to use their monitors. Put the patient on O2.

At the start of EVERY clinical, get on the ambulance and learn where everything is, so if your preceptor asks for something you know where to get it.

Buy a BLS quick reference guide (I recommend the infomed version, it has a yellow covere and is for BLS and ILS). See if you can borrow their protocols book. When you finish a run, find that protocol and read about it. Whenever you hear something you've never heard of, ask about it or write it down and google it later.

Offer to do chores around station, don't do everything for them but do the dishes or sweep or just pick a chore they do and do it for them. They will appreciate it. Don't bug your preceptor the ENTIRE time you're there, sometimes your preceptor needs to have some time to themselves also.

Lastly, don't screw around. Show interest, if they have TV's and such try not to sit in front of them the entire time you're there. Study some, and don't be a jerk off. Don't steal supplies etc.

 

[Shishkabob]

On the rig, find out what bags the medic likes to take in on certain calls, and carry it in for them.

In the hospital, find a doc, nurse, or tech who is friendly and is willing to teach, then just shadow them during the shift.

And if you're lucky, you may find a few docs who let you do things out of your scope and are willing to teach you a LOT.

 

[bunkie]

I just went through mine, but we weren't allowed to do it until after we had been tested on Patient Assessment. I was paired with a former EMT, married to a medic so it made my experience a blast. If you don't know something, admit you don't. Thats the most critical piece of advice I can offer. Ask questions and don't be afraid to do so. Don't be afraid to get in there and ask if you can do something, chances are they'll almost always give you something to do. Even if its just practice on lung sounds or pulses. Take every advantage and make it a good experience.