Stress of being a student

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RobertAlfanoNJEMT

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I still have to take my state test so I guess I'm still a student since I'm not certified, but when I see like a car accident or something I want to stop and help. I feel like I wouldn't be taken seriously though because I'm not certified and I wouldn't be wanted there by other EMS. And despite that there is no duty to act in NJ and I'm setting myself up for legal trouble which is what I'm sure you're all going to say, I feel some sort of moral obligation to help.. I mean that's why I'm becoming an EMT to help people. Is it inappropriate to stop though? How would you react if someone come up and said I'm an EMT student can I lend a hand?
 
RobertAlfanoNJEMT said:
I still have to take my state test so I guess I'm still a student since I'm not certified, but when I see like a car accident or something I want to stop and help. I feel like I wouldn't be taken seriously though because I'm not certified and I wouldn't be wanted there by other EMS. And despite that there is no duty to act in NJ and I'm setting myself up for legal trouble which is what I'm sure you're all going to say, I feel some sort of moral obligation to help.. I mean that's why I'm becoming an EMT to help people. Is it inappropriate to stop though? How would you react if someone come up and said I'm an EMT student can I lend a hand?
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Search through the threads here. You'll find even as a working paramedic you really won't be needed or "wanted" at an accident. Like typical healthcare nothing is a certainty, but there are norms.
 
Yes, help them. Generally, you should limit your off duty emergency first aid to the following:
-Calling 911
-CPR/ public access AED
-Hemorrhage control
Just don't do anything stupid or unnecessary and you should be in the clear.
 
redundantbassist said:
Yes, help them. Generally, you should limit your off duty emergency first aid to the following:
-Calling 911
-CPR/ public access AED
-Hemorrhage control
Just don't do anything stupid or unnecessary and you should be in the clear.
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Just curious on your thought process of help them here. How I read it, is OP wants to stop at accidents even after ems is on scene. Do you see this as beneficial for anyone? I know I wouldn't want an uninvolved motorist ems personell or not, stopping at a scene just to ask if we want some help.
 
squirrel15 said:
Just curious on your thought process of help them here. How I read it, is OP wants to stop at accidents even after ems is on scene. Do you see this as beneficial for anyone? I know I wouldn't want an uninvolved motorist ems personell or not, stopping at a scene just to ask if we want some help.
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First aid- basic life saving intervention given to an acutely injured or ill person prior to the arrival of advanced medical care
 
If someone is on scene when I get on I listen to what they say as I'm doing what I need to do then just say thanks for the help, go ahead and be on your way
 
RobertAlfanoNJEMT said:
Ok got it so if EMS is already there let them be but if it's just some EMRs offer help
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No. If anyone is on scene leave it to them. If PDs on scene, they can do cpr and hold direct pressure. So can EMRs. So can firefighters. So can paramedics. If NO ONE is on scene, and you really want to, go for it. But don't be stupid and don't put yourself in harms way (which is every time you stop on a major roadway).
 
It's weird how I always seem to be looking out the other side of my car from where the accident is. In a vast majority of MVAs the only aid you are going to be able to provide is calling 911 and chances are, someone else already has.
 
RobertAlfanoNJEMT said:
Ok got it so if EMS is already there let them be but if it's just some EMRs offer help
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You are a civilian without certification. If no one is there, stop and offer assistance in the form of CPR/First Aid. One of the parts of that is "activate the emergency response system", which means: call 911.

Don't do anything else. If a firefighter or police officer appears and they also have a CPR/first aid card, ask them if they are ok, give them a thumbs up and leave the scene. If they need help doing CPR or something and they ask you to stay, then stay.

Being a student is not a "status". I assume you are currently certified to the CPR/First Aid level. That is your provider level. You are lower than an EMR, even if you believe you have more training.

I am a paramedic. Generally speaking, I respond off duty at the CPR/First Aid level, but I do assessment (non-invasive) up to the paramedic level. I pass that information on to whoever arrives on scene in an official capacity and then I leave unless they request that I stay.
 
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