http://www.upworthy.com/his-first-4-sentences-are-interesting-the-5th-blew-my-mind-and-made-me-a-little-sick-2?c=reccon1
Some real facts about health care
We spend more personal money, pay more taxes than countries with "free" health care.
Why?
Yes, it's complex, but -- Mostly? Bargaining power, folks. Simple economics.
A guy walks into a manufacturer and says "I want a deal on a car"
Sure, $50,000 for you
A guy walks into a manufacturer and says "I want to buy 2,000 cars"
Hmm, ok, I can cut you a deal.
That's why a single Lipitor pill costs:
$7 in New Zealand
$124 in the US
Hip replacement?
$13,000 in Belgium
$100,000+ in the US
Colonoscopy?
$655 in Switzerland
$1,100 in US
WE SPEND MORE AND ACTUALLY GET LESS
You should watch this video.
http://www.upworthy.com/his-first-4-sentences-are-interesting-the-5th-blew-my-mind-and-made-me-a-little-sick-2?c=reccon1
Truth
Bleeding
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
Worst spam EVER
So I do read my comments, moderate them, and publish.
Most spam is easy to recognize, but I feel bad for this kid, likely sitting in a computer sweatshop somewhere getting 3 cents a day to produce things like this:
Thanks for sharing the blog it is very important for know about the ambulance and I believe all the peoples are receiving great information and very helpful blog, here is one of the good ambulance XXXXXXXX provide with latest euipments that why it is also called acls ambulance which provide premedical first aid to the critical ill patient at the time of the transportation.
Wow. If only that company knew how badly they were being promoted...
Most spam is easy to recognize, but I feel bad for this kid, likely sitting in a computer sweatshop somewhere getting 3 cents a day to produce things like this:
Thanks for sharing the blog it is very important for know about the ambulance and I believe all the peoples are receiving great information and very helpful blog, here is one of the good ambulance XXXXXXXX provide with latest euipments that why it is also called acls ambulance which provide premedical first aid to the critical ill patient at the time of the transportation.
Wow. If only that company knew how badly they were being promoted...
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Paramedic Base Camp - Part 3 -- the final chapter
So when we last visited, finals days were upon us, I had just failed dynamic cardiology and restrained myself from slapping Loud Annoying Guy for minimizing my failure.
The fun just never stops, does it?
I should actually title this, part 3, as "Advanced Base Camp" or ABC. For those of you who have actually watched the Everest adventures, ABC is where you go to prep. To acclimate. The zone between Base Camp and The Real Deal.
So let's be frank, I was freaked at this point. The dang AHA algorithms and charts were a blur, and failed me when I needed them most. I really did try to use them, the ones from the book, the ones from the pamphlets, but they just did not work for me. So I did what one of the instructors suggested, I made my own.
All of their suggestions sound so simple, but until you feel entirely screwed you really don't take them to heart. These two things saved me.
Visualization = sitting there with earplugs, miming the motions of a skill, reciting the plan to myself over and over again
Make your own flow charts (drug cards, mnemonics, etc.) = making the information your own. Yes, it takes time, yes it's going to make you want to cry. But I had my binder of 5x7 index cards with me and I regretted none of the work I put into it. Put it into your own words so you can understand it yourself.
I didn't sleep much those last days of ABC, worrying more about the performance in the skills examinations than I ever have over any test. I was not worried about the written test. Everyone else seemed to be, but I was pretty confident that I would at least pass.
RESULTS?
Passed all my NREMT stations.
Kicked ass on the written.
Oh, and Loud Annoying Guy? Failed the written (tee hee). I shouldn't be so smug, but, well, I am.
We had a bit of a graduation ceremony to look forward to on the last night. I was informed that myself and another student were co-valedictorians of the entire class. Turns out when all the grades and other results were tallied, we were less than 0.1% apart. (He broached the question of who was first, though I wanted to know as well, "Ambulance Ranger got the higher score" Man, am I awesome.) Here I was, just days before, thinking about walking away. I'm not mad I thought about it, in fact, I needed a kick in the ass to really work on what I needed. When you spend your days doing another job -- not caring for patients but working on a desk, driving a forklift, whatever -- you tend to lose a lot in translation. I'm not practicing skills every day like a shift EMT. It takes more for me to get my act together and visualize the things I am not exposed to on a daily basis. (That said, I would not trade my version of EMS for yours.)
We had our graduation ceremony. We all talked about how far we had come from day one and all of that. We co-valedictorians gave our little speeches. We drank, ate cake, enjoyed the moment. We cheered the two students who didn't pass. Two who if they wanted to do the program would have to do the ENTIRE program again. They showed up anyway, and we cheered for them both. Their coursework was sub-par, they didn't perform at Base Camp, they didn't pass the final written. They weren't passed just for showing up. This is what our EMS education needs to be.
The lead instructor had two of the students in our class stand up. These were two who had done the same. They weren't in the right head space, had problems, been "flunked out" of previous classes. They came back to become part of our class and did well. We cheered them all.
It was after all of this, then, and only then did our lead instructor decide to make the statement, "All right. Congratulations. You are a third of the way there."
Silence.
We had all thought about clinical and field rotations. They were in the brochure, after all. We needed a minimum of 250 hours in the hospital, 250 in the field. No worries. We can get it done. It's this whole semester of A&P, and the 10 months solid of coursework we need to get through. The rest will be cake!
Not so much.
Stay tuned.
The fun just never stops, does it?
I should actually title this, part 3, as "Advanced Base Camp" or ABC. For those of you who have actually watched the Everest adventures, ABC is where you go to prep. To acclimate. The zone between Base Camp and The Real Deal.
So let's be frank, I was freaked at this point. The dang AHA algorithms and charts were a blur, and failed me when I needed them most. I really did try to use them, the ones from the book, the ones from the pamphlets, but they just did not work for me. So I did what one of the instructors suggested, I made my own.
All of their suggestions sound so simple, but until you feel entirely screwed you really don't take them to heart. These two things saved me.
Visualization = sitting there with earplugs, miming the motions of a skill, reciting the plan to myself over and over again
Make your own flow charts (drug cards, mnemonics, etc.) = making the information your own. Yes, it takes time, yes it's going to make you want to cry. But I had my binder of 5x7 index cards with me and I regretted none of the work I put into it. Put it into your own words so you can understand it yourself.
I didn't sleep much those last days of ABC, worrying more about the performance in the skills examinations than I ever have over any test. I was not worried about the written test. Everyone else seemed to be, but I was pretty confident that I would at least pass.
RESULTS?
Passed all my NREMT stations.
Kicked ass on the written.
Oh, and Loud Annoying Guy? Failed the written (tee hee). I shouldn't be so smug, but, well, I am.
We had a bit of a graduation ceremony to look forward to on the last night. I was informed that myself and another student were co-valedictorians of the entire class. Turns out when all the grades and other results were tallied, we were less than 0.1% apart. (He broached the question of who was first, though I wanted to know as well, "Ambulance Ranger got the higher score" Man, am I awesome.) Here I was, just days before, thinking about walking away. I'm not mad I thought about it, in fact, I needed a kick in the ass to really work on what I needed. When you spend your days doing another job -- not caring for patients but working on a desk, driving a forklift, whatever -- you tend to lose a lot in translation. I'm not practicing skills every day like a shift EMT. It takes more for me to get my act together and visualize the things I am not exposed to on a daily basis. (That said, I would not trade my version of EMS for yours.)
We had our graduation ceremony. We all talked about how far we had come from day one and all of that. We co-valedictorians gave our little speeches. We drank, ate cake, enjoyed the moment. We cheered the two students who didn't pass. Two who if they wanted to do the program would have to do the ENTIRE program again. They showed up anyway, and we cheered for them both. Their coursework was sub-par, they didn't perform at Base Camp, they didn't pass the final written. They weren't passed just for showing up. This is what our EMS education needs to be.
The lead instructor had two of the students in our class stand up. These were two who had done the same. They weren't in the right head space, had problems, been "flunked out" of previous classes. They came back to become part of our class and did well. We cheered them all.
It was after all of this, then, and only then did our lead instructor decide to make the statement, "All right. Congratulations. You are a third of the way there."
Silence.
We had all thought about clinical and field rotations. They were in the brochure, after all. We needed a minimum of 250 hours in the hospital, 250 in the field. No worries. We can get it done. It's this whole semester of A&P, and the 10 months solid of coursework we need to get through. The rest will be cake!
Not so much.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
25 Habits Of People Who Are Happy, Healthy & Successful
Yep, this is TOTALLY the way I live my life (in theory at least...)
And who are these mysterious, perfect people anyhow?
25 Habits Of People Who Are Happy, Healthy & Successful
Who among us doesn't want to be a happy, healthy and successful human being? Still, it can be easy to lose your way, which is why I've compiled a list of habits you can use to help reach your goals.
So what is it about happy people that makes them the way they are? Below are just some of the ways they separate themselves from the rest of the crowd.
1. They don’t hold grudges.
2. They think outside of the box.
3. They go by a routine and make exercise a part of it. It takes practice to develop healthy habits and stick with them. Once you do, your internal foundation will be strong.
4. They have a supportive tribe, thereby not wasting time with negative or toxic people.
5. They don’t care about what other people think. Does a tiger lose sleep over the opinion of sheep?
6. They don’t people please.
7. They see difficult and challenging situations as opportunities for personal growth.
8. They consider handling rejection a skill and are resilient.
9. They make time for themselves. Whether it’s getting eight hours of sleep every night, finding 15 minutes to read the newspaper in peace or an hour to go to the gym, they make it a priority — just like everything else. When you take care of yourself, you have a bigger impact on others.
10. They are spiritual. This doesn't necessarily mean religious. It could mean setting aside time for reflection through yoga or meditation.
11. They practice deep breathing.
12. They know there isn’t such a thing as “having it all,” and they’re happy about that. Wouldn’t the world be a boring place for them otherwise?
13. Fear doesn't hold them back. They're ready to take risks.
14. They know how to say “NO,” and don’t hold back. These people have learned to set boundaries. Plenty of them.
15. They learned a great deal from other people whom they admire. Either they had a great mentor, or they took note of how those they aspired to be like handled various situations.
16. They follow their inner guidance. Not only do they have a vision, but they follow it.
17. They give without expecting anything in return.
18. They aren't pretentious or conceited.
19. Passion is what drives them. They authentically believe in what they're doing.
20. They don't complain.
21. They live by their core values in both their professional and personal lives.
22. They're happy to swim against the tide.
23. They finish what they start.
24. They don't compare themselves to other people.
25. They want you to succeed, too.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9985/25-habits-of-people-who-are-happy-healthy-successful.html
And who are these mysterious, perfect people anyhow?
25 Habits Of People Who Are Happy, Healthy & Successful
Who among us doesn't want to be a happy, healthy and successful human being? Still, it can be easy to lose your way, which is why I've compiled a list of habits you can use to help reach your goals.
So what is it about happy people that makes them the way they are? Below are just some of the ways they separate themselves from the rest of the crowd.
1. They don’t hold grudges.
2. They think outside of the box.
3. They go by a routine and make exercise a part of it. It takes practice to develop healthy habits and stick with them. Once you do, your internal foundation will be strong.
4. They have a supportive tribe, thereby not wasting time with negative or toxic people.
5. They don’t care about what other people think. Does a tiger lose sleep over the opinion of sheep?
6. They don’t people please.
7. They see difficult and challenging situations as opportunities for personal growth.
8. They consider handling rejection a skill and are resilient.
9. They make time for themselves. Whether it’s getting eight hours of sleep every night, finding 15 minutes to read the newspaper in peace or an hour to go to the gym, they make it a priority — just like everything else. When you take care of yourself, you have a bigger impact on others.
10. They are spiritual. This doesn't necessarily mean religious. It could mean setting aside time for reflection through yoga or meditation.
11. They practice deep breathing.
12. They know there isn’t such a thing as “having it all,” and they’re happy about that. Wouldn’t the world be a boring place for them otherwise?
13. Fear doesn't hold them back. They're ready to take risks.
14. They know how to say “NO,” and don’t hold back. These people have learned to set boundaries. Plenty of them.
15. They learned a great deal from other people whom they admire. Either they had a great mentor, or they took note of how those they aspired to be like handled various situations.
16. They follow their inner guidance. Not only do they have a vision, but they follow it.
17. They give without expecting anything in return.
18. They aren't pretentious or conceited.
19. Passion is what drives them. They authentically believe in what they're doing.
20. They don't complain.
21. They live by their core values in both their professional and personal lives.
22. They're happy to swim against the tide.
23. They finish what they start.
24. They don't compare themselves to other people.
25. They want you to succeed, too.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9985/25-habits-of-people-who-are-happy-healthy-successful.html
Friday, October 25, 2013
Paramedic "Base Camp" Part 2
Oh, the humanity.
I really needed a day off. So much. So badly. Just needed a break.
But the break did not come. We kept going.
Wake up
{Coffee}
Study
{Coffee}
Lab
{Coffee}
Lab
Lunch
{Coffee}
Lab
{Coffee}
Dinner
Study
Sleep
Then I hit the wall.
We were running through dynamic cardiology as a group, my group consisting of 4 people. We each stood up, were given a scenario, and ran with it.
I froze. Mind blank. Reaching for the AHA algorithm that fit, and seeing only a blurry, colored chart, faded in my memory. I did not have it.
All the emotions, the stress, the disappointment, all my worry about never being good enough welled up to the surface. I had to walk away.
OK, I'm a Ranger, so I had to hike away.
I found myself sitting at a bus stop in the rain, crying like a child, asking myself what the hell I am doing, whether I should just call a cab and head for the airport. Tried to call my sister but got no answer.
Cried it out all through lunch and decided to stick it out. Try to stop worrying about being perfect and just work hard and do my best.
But I still need to review my ACLS algorithms.
Day by day, it got better. Everyone else was sweating the final written exam (I was not).
We had incredible instructors, they all worked with us if we needed it. Every spare moment was spent practicing, practicing, practicing. IV starts on the fake arms, IV med bolus, IV med infusion, ET intubation of Adult and Peds manikins, trauma and medical assessment.
And cardiology. My love, and my nemesis, cardiology.
That subject that I need to know inside out, yet it eludes me with its intricacies.
Final skills testing day came. Knocked out trauma and medical assessments, ET Intubation, alternative airways, baby birthin'. And I nailed static cardiology. And managed to fail dynamic spectacularly.
Let me interject here about the personalities of the other students.
We had quite the crew. We were divided up into 3-4 person groups in the beginning and stuck together throughout. My group consisted of "Failure Girl" (FG for short), "Knows-it-all-already Critical Care EMT girl" (um, CCEMT for short) and loud, annoying older guy going into EMS management (LAG).
FG was doomed from the beginning. The rest of us were told to not even spend time trying to help her. She wants to be a firefighter, is a really nice, funny gal, but did not study. Apparently she was even told not to come to Boot Camp, but came anyway. She was constantly checking her phone during labs and just did not seem interested.
CCEMT was pretty nice, attentive during labs, helpful, overall a decent gal to work with. There was very little that she had not already done as a more advanced level EMT.
LAG was loud. Tried to help FG, tried to make his point by talking louder. Started to annoy me, but probably just because I was so stressed out.
Fast forward back to test day. I had just failed dynamic horribly (I think I said I would give an amiodarone infusion for symptomatic bradycardia? really it's just a blur)
Everyone was sitting in the lobby, waiting to be called in to stations. I walked out, still stunned at my own incompetence to the general question, "How did you do?"
"I failed dynamic."
LAG decided to pipe up, "Dynamic? Wow that's so easy!"
Stunned silence. I could have punched him. I walked away.
I really needed a day off. So much. So badly. Just needed a break.
But the break did not come. We kept going.
Wake up
{Coffee}
Study
{Coffee}
Lab
{Coffee}
Lab
Lunch
{Coffee}
Lab
{Coffee}
Dinner
Study
Sleep
Then I hit the wall.
We were running through dynamic cardiology as a group, my group consisting of 4 people. We each stood up, were given a scenario, and ran with it.
I froze. Mind blank. Reaching for the AHA algorithm that fit, and seeing only a blurry, colored chart, faded in my memory. I did not have it.
All the emotions, the stress, the disappointment, all my worry about never being good enough welled up to the surface. I had to walk away.
OK, I'm a Ranger, so I had to hike away.
I found myself sitting at a bus stop in the rain, crying like a child, asking myself what the hell I am doing, whether I should just call a cab and head for the airport. Tried to call my sister but got no answer.
Cried it out all through lunch and decided to stick it out. Try to stop worrying about being perfect and just work hard and do my best.
But I still need to review my ACLS algorithms.
Day by day, it got better. Everyone else was sweating the final written exam (I was not).
We had incredible instructors, they all worked with us if we needed it. Every spare moment was spent practicing, practicing, practicing. IV starts on the fake arms, IV med bolus, IV med infusion, ET intubation of Adult and Peds manikins, trauma and medical assessment.
And cardiology. My love, and my nemesis, cardiology.
That subject that I need to know inside out, yet it eludes me with its intricacies.
Final skills testing day came. Knocked out trauma and medical assessments, ET Intubation, alternative airways, baby birthin'. And I nailed static cardiology. And managed to fail dynamic spectacularly.
Let me interject here about the personalities of the other students.
We had quite the crew. We were divided up into 3-4 person groups in the beginning and stuck together throughout. My group consisted of "Failure Girl" (FG for short), "Knows-it-all-already Critical Care EMT girl" (um, CCEMT for short) and loud, annoying older guy going into EMS management (LAG).
FG was doomed from the beginning. The rest of us were told to not even spend time trying to help her. She wants to be a firefighter, is a really nice, funny gal, but did not study. Apparently she was even told not to come to Boot Camp, but came anyway. She was constantly checking her phone during labs and just did not seem interested.
CCEMT was pretty nice, attentive during labs, helpful, overall a decent gal to work with. There was very little that she had not already done as a more advanced level EMT.
LAG was loud. Tried to help FG, tried to make his point by talking louder. Started to annoy me, but probably just because I was so stressed out.
Fast forward back to test day. I had just failed dynamic horribly (I think I said I would give an amiodarone infusion for symptomatic bradycardia? really it's just a blur)
Everyone was sitting in the lobby, waiting to be called in to stations. I walked out, still stunned at my own incompetence to the general question, "How did you do?"
"I failed dynamic."
LAG decided to pipe up, "Dynamic? Wow that's so easy!"
Stunned silence. I could have punched him. I walked away.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
DABDA
Those of us in the profession know what that acronym stands for.
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
The five stages of grief.
I skipped quickly through the first three and am firmly entrenched in #4.
You see, over the past few months I have been able to sink myself rather deeply in the EMS and healthcare world.
I've had weeks of not thinking about, nor dwelling in the world of spatial data management. It's been a sorely needed change.
Now I am back, fall is sliding quickly toward winter, and I'm no nearer staying in this place I love with a job I love. Guess I should be happy just to have a job at all, but my heart is really not in it. The passion is just not there. The passion to push others, push myself.
Is it Acceptance or Apathy?
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
The five stages of grief.
I skipped quickly through the first three and am firmly entrenched in #4.
You see, over the past few months I have been able to sink myself rather deeply in the EMS and healthcare world.
I've had weeks of not thinking about, nor dwelling in the world of spatial data management. It's been a sorely needed change.
Now I am back, fall is sliding quickly toward winter, and I'm no nearer staying in this place I love with a job I love. Guess I should be happy just to have a job at all, but my heart is really not in it. The passion is just not there. The passion to push others, push myself.
Is it Acceptance or Apathy?
Sunday, September 29, 2013
On suicide and survival
An excellent article. And resources for all of us:
http://www.emsworld.com/article/10319827/suicide-survivors
Information about suicide is available from the American Association of Suicidology (www.suicidology.org), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) and the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (www.save.org). Specific information for emergency responders is offered by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (www.sprc.org). A recommended text is Thomas Joiner's Why People Die of Suicide (2005).
http://www.emsworld.com/article/10319827/suicide-survivors
Information about suicide is available from the American Association of Suicidology (www.suicidology.org), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) and the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (www.save.org). Specific information for emergency responders is offered by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (www.sprc.org). A recommended text is Thomas Joiner's Why People Die of Suicide (2005).
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
C-diff and MRSA and N. gonorrhoeae, oh my!
You will want to never leave the house again after reading this:
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Paramedic "Base Camp" Part 1
So it's been a while.
I've missed sharing my stories with you, gentle reader, and it's time to get caught up.
I spent almost a year struggling through the didactic portion of my paramedic program. We began with somewhere around 35 students in the class. We met twice a week online for three hours of lecture. If we missed a lecture, we could watch the recording later.
I love numbers, so here we go:
80 Lectures
x 3 hours per lecture
= 240 hours of lecture
Book pages read:
7000 (give or take)
x 3 min per page
= 350 hours reading
Studying (not including reading)
1.25 hour per day studying
x 300 days
= 375 hours studying
Grand total: 965 hours for didactic (about 40 days!)
Now on to "Base Camp"
As I said, we began with somewhere around 35 students. 23 showed up for Base Camp.
I'm going to call it Base Camp from now on, because it really was that. To paraphrase our lead instructor, people pay tens of thousands of dollars to be guided by an expedition up Mt. Everest. Even though they make it as far as Base Camp, they can still be turned around by the group leader if he feels they aren't ready. Because lives are on the line.
That's what the two weeks of Paramedic Base Camp were all about.
Instructors were evaluating us every step of the way. We practiced and practiced our skills. Rotated through 6 lab stations per day.
Typical day:
0630 wake up, make coffee, get dressed, study
0730 shuttle from hotel to school
0800 open skills lab practice
0845 morning info/meeting
0900 3 labs till lunch
1200 lunch
1230 open skills lab practice
1300 3 labs till done
1700 close-out meeting/more skills practice/shuttle back to hotel
1800 shower, order food or cook something in the microwave, maybe go outside for a walk
1900 enter day's skills into computer skills tracking system
2000 study
2400 fall asleep with lights on, face in book, drooling
0630 repeat...
Some people didn't make it.
Around day 4 we were surprised to learn that one of us had left. She "didn't want to be a paramedic anymore" and left without saying goodbye.
I was stressed out. Exhausted. Freaked out that I could fail.
And fail I did.
I failed a couple of skills stations. Just went blank during testing. The first one was Trauma Assessment. No, really, trauma assessment.
I lost my shit and had to go for a walk. Here I am, thinking I'm doing fine. Thinking I can survive and I fail TRAUMA ASSESSMENT???? Yep. Found myself sitting at a bus stop bawling my head off wondering if I can get this done. Why had I failed? Should I just call a cab and go home now? Well, they gave us a 'new' methodology which didn't quite gel with my old mnemonics and I lost my place. I'm not used to this type testing. Give me some time to think, to prepare, to mull it all over. But that's not EMS.
So I visualized. Over and over. In my head, moving hands. Classmates laughed at me as I talked to myself in the hall with earplugs in.
Final test came.
Yah, I effing nailed it.
I've missed sharing my stories with you, gentle reader, and it's time to get caught up.
I spent almost a year struggling through the didactic portion of my paramedic program. We began with somewhere around 35 students in the class. We met twice a week online for three hours of lecture. If we missed a lecture, we could watch the recording later.
I love numbers, so here we go:
80 Lectures
x 3 hours per lecture
= 240 hours of lecture
Book pages read:
7000 (give or take)
x 3 min per page
= 350 hours reading
Studying (not including reading)
1.25 hour per day studying
x 300 days
= 375 hours studying
Grand total: 965 hours for didactic (about 40 days!)
Now on to "Base Camp"
As I said, we began with somewhere around 35 students. 23 showed up for Base Camp.
I'm going to call it Base Camp from now on, because it really was that. To paraphrase our lead instructor, people pay tens of thousands of dollars to be guided by an expedition up Mt. Everest. Even though they make it as far as Base Camp, they can still be turned around by the group leader if he feels they aren't ready. Because lives are on the line.
That's what the two weeks of Paramedic Base Camp were all about.
Instructors were evaluating us every step of the way. We practiced and practiced our skills. Rotated through 6 lab stations per day.
Typical day:
0630 wake up, make coffee, get dressed, study
0730 shuttle from hotel to school
0800 open skills lab practice
0845 morning info/meeting
0900 3 labs till lunch
1200 lunch
1230 open skills lab practice
1300 3 labs till done
1700 close-out meeting/more skills practice/shuttle back to hotel
1800 shower, order food or cook something in the microwave, maybe go outside for a walk
1900 enter day's skills into computer skills tracking system
2000 study
2400 fall asleep with lights on, face in book, drooling
0630 repeat...
Some people didn't make it.
Around day 4 we were surprised to learn that one of us had left. She "didn't want to be a paramedic anymore" and left without saying goodbye.
I was stressed out. Exhausted. Freaked out that I could fail.
And fail I did.
I failed a couple of skills stations. Just went blank during testing. The first one was Trauma Assessment. No, really, trauma assessment.
I lost my shit and had to go for a walk. Here I am, thinking I'm doing fine. Thinking I can survive and I fail TRAUMA ASSESSMENT???? Yep. Found myself sitting at a bus stop bawling my head off wondering if I can get this done. Why had I failed? Should I just call a cab and go home now? Well, they gave us a 'new' methodology which didn't quite gel with my old mnemonics and I lost my place. I'm not used to this type testing. Give me some time to think, to prepare, to mull it all over. But that's not EMS.
So I visualized. Over and over. In my head, moving hands. Classmates laughed at me as I talked to myself in the hall with earplugs in.
Final test came.
Yah, I effing nailed it.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
EMS World Expo 2013
Vegas, baby!
(Note: For those of you who hate Las Vegas, you must realize that you just have to go with it. Yep, it's a crazy place that should not exist, sucking water and power in wretched excess. It is what it is.)
Now, I would love to be able to go to a conference a year, but for now the cheapness of flying to and staying in Las Vegas trumps the rest. Monorail access from the hotel to the convention center was excellent, no need for a rental car. So there you go.
This time around we had the Pit Boss (EMS Director), Mr. Medic, Mrs. Medic, Floyd, new EMT Tracey, and the good ol' Ambulance Ranger. Quite the crew.
For once I pounced on the opportunity to do a couple pre-conference workshops and signed up for Moulage and the Cadaver Lab. Moulage was quite good, could have used a little more hands-on and general excitement from the attendees. Maybe a list of what equipment to start with and where to get it. Some good ideas about MCI staging, but really just a crap shoot as to what was taught. The guy teaching it does a lot of contract work, but to me workshop=hands-on. Needs more focus and a few assistants in the future, I think.
But cadaver lab was awesome.
A half-dozen or so souls turned their bodies over to science so we could learn.
Got to work with a few different types of video laryngoscopes, performed surgical cric's instructed by (ahem) Dr. Bryan Bledsoe himself, used the ultrasound, the ITClamp, used the SALT to intubate, IO drilling on several sites, you name it. A popular session for a reason. Think I convinced Mr. Medic and the Pit Boss to join in next time around.
Spent most of the next 2 days running around the exhibit hall. Had to make contact with some vendors, close the gap on a few items we are looking at for the service, and in general ogle at all the cool gizmos. Seemed like all the sessions I wanted to attend were packed, and our uber-cheap flight left Thursday morning so we missed out on the last day. Better planning next time, maybe?
Oh well, hit a couple great sessions. Happy Medic did a couple really good ones (http://thehappymedic.com/) on CQI...and let me know that I need to stop laughing at our ePCR "conferences" and go.
Myths were busted, evidence-based was the buzzword, and still we trudge on.
Hope to see you next time, but in the meantime, anybody got a good conference story?
Sunday, September 15, 2013
This is what YouTube recommends...
Apparently when you search for a lot of EMS stuff on YouTube, it thinks you want to see gross videos of sebaceous cysts being popped.
Now, this one is super special due to the camera guy vomiting, and the appearance of the guy having a breast on his back.
Not for the faint of heart:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-tDJ6LBn-4
Now, this one is super special due to the camera guy vomiting, and the appearance of the guy having a breast on his back.
Not for the faint of heart:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-tDJ6LBn-4
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
So, vital signs? What vital signs?
http://vimeo.com/46912551
Continuous-flow replacement hearts.
The future?
also, tidbits of information I really didn't want to know...
After age 35, you lose 7,000 brain cells a day that are not replaced.
Thank you, A&P class, for confirming the fact that I'm getting dumber daily.
Continuous-flow replacement hearts.
The future?
also, tidbits of information I really didn't want to know...
After age 35, you lose 7,000 brain cells a day that are not replaced.
Thank you, A&P class, for confirming the fact that I'm getting dumber daily.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Dear House-mate
We have one bathroom.
One tub, one toilet.
There are two sinks in the house.
There are 3 people and 4 animals living here.
When Ambulance Ranger comes home at 10:30 pm after working her regular job for 8 hours then putting in another 6 on EMS calls, she really needs a shower. And to use the toilet. Maybe just a sink?
So please stop piling your dishes in the sink, then locking yourself in for a luxurious bubble bath. While WATCHING A MOVIE ON YOUR LAPTOP.
Ambulance Ranger had a bad day and does not want to take it out on you.
But she just might if you don't get out of there in the next 5 minutes.
One tub, one toilet.
There are two sinks in the house.
There are 3 people and 4 animals living here.
When Ambulance Ranger comes home at 10:30 pm after working her regular job for 8 hours then putting in another 6 on EMS calls, she really needs a shower. And to use the toilet. Maybe just a sink?
So please stop piling your dishes in the sink, then locking yourself in for a luxurious bubble bath. While WATCHING A MOVIE ON YOUR LAPTOP.
Ambulance Ranger had a bad day and does not want to take it out on you.
But she just might if you don't get out of there in the next 5 minutes.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
fare thee well
Andrew Ashcraft, 29
Kevin Woyjeck, 21
Anthony Rose, 23
Eric Marsh, 43
Christopher MacKenzie, 30
Robert Caldwell, 23
Clayton Whitted , 28
Scott Norris, 28
Dustin Deford, 24
Sean Misner, 26
Garret Zuppiger, 27
Travis Carter, 31
Grant McKee, 21
Travis Turbyfill, 27
Jesse Steed, 36
Wade Parker, 22
Joe Thurston, 32
William Warneke, 25
John Percin, 24
Kevin Woyjeck, 21
Anthony Rose, 23
Eric Marsh, 43
Christopher MacKenzie, 30
Robert Caldwell, 23
Clayton Whitted , 28
Scott Norris, 28
Dustin Deford, 24
Sean Misner, 26
Garret Zuppiger, 27
Travis Carter, 31
Grant McKee, 21
Travis Turbyfill, 27
Jesse Steed, 36
Wade Parker, 22
Joe Thurston, 32
William Warneke, 25
John Percin, 24
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Deal-making
In the process of setting goals, I've hit a big one.
If I make it through Paramedic "boot camp" in August, I get to go to EMS World Expo in Vegas (OK, the tickets are being bought, so I guess I go regardless...)
If I pass my NREMT-P and actually become a functioning paramedic, I'm going to RettMobil next year.
After watching a webcast about European ambulance innovations (http://www.jems.com/webinars) and my own personal study of how much better others do it than us, I'm really stoked to go.
As far as the ultimate excitement of the Federal Spec KKK-A-1822 for ambulances goes, word is they will be relaxing/getting rid of some of the more arcane aspects (?? anyone) soon, so we may be able to take advantage of exciting things such as ergonomics, ease of use, disinfection upgrades. WHAT A CONCEPT!
So wish me luck as I finish the final (gulp) 6 weeks of class, 3 weeks of boot camp, 4 months of clinicals, and onward!
If I make it through Paramedic "boot camp" in August, I get to go to EMS World Expo in Vegas (OK, the tickets are being bought, so I guess I go regardless...)
If I pass my NREMT-P and actually become a functioning paramedic, I'm going to RettMobil next year.
After watching a webcast about European ambulance innovations (http://www.jems.com/webinars) and my own personal study of how much better others do it than us, I'm really stoked to go.
As far as the ultimate excitement of the Federal Spec KKK-A-1822 for ambulances goes, word is they will be relaxing/getting rid of some of the more arcane aspects (?? anyone) soon, so we may be able to take advantage of exciting things such as ergonomics, ease of use, disinfection upgrades. WHAT A CONCEPT!
So wish me luck as I finish the final (gulp) 6 weeks of class, 3 weeks of boot camp, 4 months of clinicals, and onward!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Catching up - PALS, EVOC, and other acronyms
Survived Trauma section, somehow, and we have moved on to our "Special Populations" section, beginning with PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support). I really need to study more, read more, memorize a lot more.
Paramedic school is not simple and our instructors expect a lot from us all. Guess I would be disappointed if the class were easy, but I'm still having trouble with basic concepts like the different receptors and their actions (alpha, beta, etc.). And of course I need to re-do my drug cards once again. Think I might just go ahead and type this version to save my hands from going numb.
Working through the online portion of EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Cert) class. I nailed the practical portion. Think I may have shocked my spotter, since it was way too much fun. I may have driven a little faster than needed. First time I have taken an official class and it was decent. Don't really need 35 min presentation on seat belt use, but whatever.
Medically speaking, we have been pretty busy with asemi-major outbreak of Norovirus in our area. Tourist spots are bad for this, and I ended up contracting it from patient #1 in our area. N95 mask, gloves, and eye protection were worn, but I was coming off a cold and my defenses were down. Also could have used some more sleep. A miserable couple days of N/V/D for all involved. Jump-started my weight loss program with a 1 week loss of 11 lbs, but I would not recommend it to anyone.
Now every N/V/D call is scrutinized, as it should be.
The weather is beautiful and I DO NOT want to be inside right now! Ran over to assist with a patient for 20 mins and the boss gave me the stink eye as I took the page, so I did not go on the transport. Yay.
Have to do a better job of balancing my "real job" with the EMS, but I am finding I want to be doing EMS and EMS-related stuff about 90% of the time. Just not sure how to make that happen at the moment without moving away from this place I love.
Thinking...
Paramedic school is not simple and our instructors expect a lot from us all. Guess I would be disappointed if the class were easy, but I'm still having trouble with basic concepts like the different receptors and their actions (alpha, beta, etc.). And of course I need to re-do my drug cards once again. Think I might just go ahead and type this version to save my hands from going numb.
Working through the online portion of EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Cert) class. I nailed the practical portion. Think I may have shocked my spotter, since it was way too much fun. I may have driven a little faster than needed. First time I have taken an official class and it was decent. Don't really need 35 min presentation on seat belt use, but whatever.
Medically speaking, we have been pretty busy with a
Now every N/V/D call is scrutinized, as it should be.
The weather is beautiful and I DO NOT want to be inside right now! Ran over to assist with a patient for 20 mins and the boss gave me the stink eye as I took the page, so I did not go on the transport. Yay.
Have to do a better job of balancing my "real job" with the EMS, but I am finding I want to be doing EMS and EMS-related stuff about 90% of the time. Just not sure how to make that happen at the moment without moving away from this place I love.
Thinking...
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Trauma, and miscellaneous
Alrighty.
I am no longer complaining about a lack of calls.
The people have arrived and I am 2 charts behind.
Took a nap on the return trip from the hospital today (thankfully, not driving). The bench is not uncomfortable.
Found a fun website to explore:
http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/
Will check it out and let you know.
Two months to Paramedic Boot Camp.
Studying like a fiend.
Always tired.
Good times!
I am no longer complaining about a lack of calls.
The people have arrived and I am 2 charts behind.
Took a nap on the return trip from the hospital today (thankfully, not driving). The bench is not uncomfortable.
Found a fun website to explore:
http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/
Will check it out and let you know.
Two months to Paramedic Boot Camp.
Studying like a fiend.
Always tired.
Good times!
Monday, May 27, 2013
An incredible lack of calls...
OK, it's probably a good thing that people aren't getting sick and hurt, BUT REALLY?
I don't plan anything on holiday weekends since we are usually busy and understaffed. So I take one for the team, and stick around the house waiting for the pager. Last year we had several calls over the long weekend.
This year?
ZERO
none
nada
nothing
Suppose I should be productive rather than complaining. It's hard to sit and read or watch a lecture when the weather is lovely.
Or when sleep beckons.
I don't plan anything on holiday weekends since we are usually busy and understaffed. So I take one for the team, and stick around the house waiting for the pager. Last year we had several calls over the long weekend.
This year?
ZERO
none
nada
nothing
Suppose I should be productive rather than complaining. It's hard to sit and read or watch a lecture when the weather is lovely.
Or when sleep beckons.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Needing to be better
a better friend
a better student
a better employee
These are things I consciously have to work on. They do not come naturally.
I am tired of being constantly down, stuck in a hole, struggling to get out.
(It was everyone else, you see, that was getting me down.)
Truth is I need an attitude adjustment.
And a ladder.
a better student
a better employee
These are things I consciously have to work on. They do not come naturally.
I am tired of being constantly down, stuck in a hole, struggling to get out.
(It was everyone else, you see, that was getting me down.)
Truth is I need an attitude adjustment.
And a ladder.
Friday, May 3, 2013
First EMT passed their NREMT!
Just got the news that the first EMT student passed her NREMT written.
One down, ten to go!
One down, ten to go!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Intriguing links - toxicology
"Under our Skin" 2009 PBS documentary on Lyme disease. It will open your eyes (1:45 long).
http://www.hulu.com/watch/268761
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2JgR_Jfbhv8
Some great videos by a paramedic friend:
Respiratory System and Pulmonary Edema
The Pump - CHF
Electrical Conduction System of the Heart
Pneumothorax
NOW SERIOUSLY I am not one of those people who does not believe in vaccinations. I think people who don't vaccinate are nuts, BUT we can do it more safely. The mercury-based preservative is the big danger. Why can't we do better?
Safe Minds - the dangers of mercury
Smart Vax - vaccines and mercury
Google Book - Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic
http://books.google.com/books?id=JlCS2A9WkuoC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
Monday, April 22, 2013
We did it!
We survived - all 11 students made it through their NREMT practicals (even the one who put the KED on inside out - you want to talk about FORCING myself to keep a straight face and not say anything...)
And I passed cardiology. I PASSED CARDIOLOGY!!!
I still don't feel like I know a heck of a lot, but I'm really getting the feeling that I can do this. That I can actually be a paramedic, be good at it. Make the right decisions when it counts.
So Monday nights can be study nights instead of EMT class nights. Wednesdays we still get together for 1.5 hours of CE, but it will be good to be doing "real world" stuff, not just prepping them to get through exams.
Though the snow is falling, the light stays with us until after 8 pm these days. Spring is coming, and the EMS calls will not be far behind.
And I passed cardiology. I PASSED CARDIOLOGY!!!
I still don't feel like I know a heck of a lot, but I'm really getting the feeling that I can do this. That I can actually be a paramedic, be good at it. Make the right decisions when it counts.
So Monday nights can be study nights instead of EMT class nights. Wednesdays we still get together for 1.5 hours of CE, but it will be good to be doing "real world" stuff, not just prepping them to get through exams.
Though the snow is falling, the light stays with us until after 8 pm these days. Spring is coming, and the EMS calls will not be far behind.
Monday, April 15, 2013
EMT Class Coming to a Close
I think I now can understand how Mr. Medic felt with our EMR, then EMT classes. In the beginning it's nothing but new, fun skills. In the middle, pure frustration. You know enough, but really not enough to be useful. In the end, it's all about getting through clinicals and getting ready for the tests. Class written, class practical, NREMT practical, then scheduling that computer-based adaptive NREMT final written.
We have broken the news to a few of them, that once they are done with that - then the real learning kicks into gear. Mr. Medic keeps it all together with our weekly meetings - debrief calls of the week, work on skills, discuss protocols.
A select few have pagers already and have gone on a call or two.
With luck, we will pick up a few of the 11 students as crew, either for our service or the Village Volunteers.
I'm proud of their progress, and relieved another class is almost done.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Struggling Cardiologically
Cardiology, ACLS - some people seem to be able to run through the algorithms without any issue.
I am having a really tough time.
Seems like everybody else does this for a living, not as a "sideline gig" so I really need to work harder.
Here are some practice resources for all of us:
http://www.12leadecg.com/
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073520713/student_view0/
Littman's heart sounds course
http://www.3m.com/healthcare/littmann/LIA-Basics.htm
I am having a really tough time.
Seems like everybody else does this for a living, not as a "sideline gig" so I really need to work harder.
Here are some practice resources for all of us:
http://www.12leadecg.com/
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073520713/student_view0/
Littman's heart sounds course
http://www.3m.com/healthcare/littmann/LIA-Basics.htm
Friday, March 15, 2013
OK, I'm hooked!
I have just always liked reality shows, particularly about "normal" people going about their lives in countries I don't know enough about. So I started watching
this TV show about paramedic recruits in Australia.
When I first heard the trailer, it said they train for 8 weeks at college.
EIGHT WEEKS!
How can you learn to be a paramedic in 8 weeks?
Oh, but then you have a THREE YEAR internship. Wow.
Watching this also makes me realize how far I have to go.
Watch Episode 1 of Recruits: Paramedics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb3KtF5HMxg
What did we ever do before YouTube?
(Apparently it was released on DVD as well)
Wiki says:
Recruits: Paramedics is an Australian factual television program that premiered on Network Ten on 6 October 2011. It follows the work lives of new recruit paramedics in Australia, showing some of the content of their 8 week preliminary theory course, as well as clips from their first shifts on the front line. To date, 13 episodes have aired. Recruits Paramedics follows the journey of everyday people setting out to achieve a lifelong ambition to become a paramedic. Offering unique insights into the high pressure world of paramedics, we are taken into the everyday lives of new recruits as they transform their overpowering motivation to save lives into reality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruits:_Paramedics
Enjoy!
this TV show about paramedic recruits in Australia.
When I first heard the trailer, it said they train for 8 weeks at college.
EIGHT WEEKS!
How can you learn to be a paramedic in 8 weeks?
Oh, but then you have a THREE YEAR internship. Wow.
Watching this also makes me realize how far I have to go.
Watch Episode 1 of Recruits: Paramedics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb3KtF5HMxg
What did we ever do before YouTube?
(Apparently it was released on DVD as well)
Wiki says:
Recruits: Paramedics is an Australian factual television program that premiered on Network Ten on 6 October 2011. It follows the work lives of new recruit paramedics in Australia, showing some of the content of their 8 week preliminary theory course, as well as clips from their first shifts on the front line. To date, 13 episodes have aired. Recruits Paramedics follows the journey of everyday people setting out to achieve a lifelong ambition to become a paramedic. Offering unique insights into the high pressure world of paramedics, we are taken into the everyday lives of new recruits as they transform their overpowering motivation to save lives into reality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruits:_Paramedics
Enjoy!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Cardiology is kicking my ass
I cannot even count the number of pages behind I'm in my reading assignments.
Finally getting a handle on rhythm recognition and we've moved on to 12-Lead interp.
Just a step behind.
Tired
Overworked
Under the gun
Yikes!
Finally getting a handle on rhythm recognition and we've moved on to 12-Lead interp.
Just a step behind.
Tired
Overworked
Under the gun
Yikes!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Alphabet Soup
OK, I work for the government. I am used to abbreviations.
Whether they be, TLA (three-letter abbreviations), FLEA (four-letter extended abbreviations), or worse.
But folks, I am confused about all these "add on" courses and abbreviations for medical folk.
Need to deal with kids? Well have we got some fun for you!
PALS, PEPP, PEARS, APLS, ENPC, ITLS, NRP, EPC (go here if you want to know what these are).
Cardiac? Well we have a class for you!
AHA HCP BLS with CPR & AED
not enough? How about ACLS?
ACLS too hard? Well we have an ACLS Prep course, too!
Don't forget about AMLS, PHTLS, and TCCC
WTF?
Whether they be, TLA (three-letter abbreviations), FLEA (four-letter extended abbreviations), or worse.
But folks, I am confused about all these "add on" courses and abbreviations for medical folk.
Need to deal with kids? Well have we got some fun for you!
PALS, PEPP, PEARS, APLS, ENPC, ITLS, NRP, EPC (go here if you want to know what these are).
Cardiac? Well we have a class for you!
AHA HCP BLS with CPR & AED
not enough? How about ACLS?
ACLS too hard? Well we have an ACLS Prep course, too!
Don't forget about AMLS, PHTLS, and TCCC
WTF?
Friday, February 15, 2013
When do I stop being a newbie?
So I'm helping out a bit with our EMT class this winter.
(We live differently up here - tons of vacationers in the summer, very little in the winter. Dang I hate generalities. Lemme check the stats...200 calls in July, 30 in January. That should give you an idea.)
So we have our classes in the winter during down-time. I was assisting with an assessment station the other day and found myself saying, "well, there can be a difference between what you learn for the NREMT and what we do on calls..."
Woah.
People are asking me questions, looking to me for the "right" answer. What we really do out there with sick people. My experiences. My stories.
Did I stop being a newbie? I don't know it all. Not even close. Every day I learn more and realize I really know nothing. I certainly still feel new.
We had a guest instructor, a guy I respect a whole bunch, who said, "I really felt like a good EMT after I finished EMT-I, and like a good EMT-I once I finished Paramedic school."
Totally. I could not agree more. We are about halfway done with didactic in 'medic school and I finally feel like I can function as a decent EMT. But still have more to learn. More experience to glean.
I had better go study some more...
(We live differently up here - tons of vacationers in the summer, very little in the winter. Dang I hate generalities. Lemme check the stats...200 calls in July, 30 in January. That should give you an idea.)
So we have our classes in the winter during down-time. I was assisting with an assessment station the other day and found myself saying, "well, there can be a difference between what you learn for the NREMT and what we do on calls..."
Woah.
People are asking me questions, looking to me for the "right" answer. What we really do out there with sick people. My experiences. My stories.
Did I stop being a newbie? I don't know it all. Not even close. Every day I learn more and realize I really know nothing. I certainly still feel new.
We had a guest instructor, a guy I respect a whole bunch, who said, "I really felt like a good EMT after I finished EMT-I, and like a good EMT-I once I finished Paramedic school."
Totally. I could not agree more. We are about halfway done with didactic in 'medic school and I finally feel like I can function as a decent EMT. But still have more to learn. More experience to glean.
I had better go study some more...
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Blank
I'm pretty sure my brain is typical at this point, halfway through paramedic didactic.
My mind is blank.
I make out flash cards, read, read, and read some more. Attempt to put it all together in the empty hole behind my eyes. Nothing.
It has to get better than this, right?
My mind is blank.
I make out flash cards, read, read, and read some more. Attempt to put it all together in the empty hole behind my eyes. Nothing.
It has to get better than this, right?
Friday, February 1, 2013
Currently Reading...
For 'medic coursework we are reading from most all our books:
Paramedic Practice Today, Volume 1 and 2 Rev. Reprint
Author Aehlert, Barbara J Edition 2011 ISBN 978-0-323-08539-
Pharmacology for the Prehospital Professional - With Dvd
Author Guy, Jeffrey S. Edition REV 11 ISBN 978-0-323-08519-9
12-Lead ECG in Acute - Text and Pocket Ref.
Author Phalen, Tim Edition 3RD 11 ISBN 978-0-323-07785-9
ACLS Quick Review Study Guide
Author Aehlert, Barbara Edition 4TH 12 ISBN 978-0-323-08449-9
For fun?
I managed to make it through The Zanzibar Chest by Aidan Hartley - a bit tough through the middle, but a ton of background on East Africa interwoven with a coming-of-age and history of his family. Worth my time and tugging me back to the Tanzanian higlands.
I also bought the eBook Wading Into Chaos: Inside the Life Of A Paramedic [Kindle Edition]. About 3/4 of the way through and it's been an interesting look inside the career of someone with boundless energy. Makes me feel like a slacker.
I've also been reading some poetry - Robert Browning, Robert Frost, and a host of English poets. Just like old friends - always there when you need them.
I've taken a bit of a break from The Dark Tower...I need to be in the right mood to take on Wolves of the Calla.
That's enough for now - focusing on getting through A&P and Cardiology with a little time left to ski!
Paramedic Practice Today, Volume 1 and 2 Rev. Reprint
Author Aehlert, Barbara J Edition 2011 ISBN 978-0-323-08539-
Pharmacology for the Prehospital Professional - With Dvd
Author Guy, Jeffrey S. Edition REV 11 ISBN 978-0-323-08519-9
12-Lead ECG in Acute - Text and Pocket Ref.
Author Phalen, Tim Edition 3RD 11 ISBN 978-0-323-07785-9
ACLS Quick Review Study Guide
Author Aehlert, Barbara Edition 4TH 12 ISBN 978-0-323-08449-9
For fun?
I managed to make it through The Zanzibar Chest by Aidan Hartley - a bit tough through the middle, but a ton of background on East Africa interwoven with a coming-of-age and history of his family. Worth my time and tugging me back to the Tanzanian higlands.
I also bought the eBook Wading Into Chaos: Inside the Life Of A Paramedic [Kindle Edition]. About 3/4 of the way through and it's been an interesting look inside the career of someone with boundless energy. Makes me feel like a slacker.
I've also been reading some poetry - Robert Browning, Robert Frost, and a host of English poets. Just like old friends - always there when you need them.
I've taken a bit of a break from The Dark Tower...I need to be in the right mood to take on Wolves of the Calla.
That's enough for now - focusing on getting through A&P and Cardiology with a little time left to ski!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Long-overdue update
Well, as I've said before, I really need to make more time to write. Just seems that between work, paramedic school, helping with EMT class, and travel, my blogging fell off the desk.
It's been a rough few months. I lost my beloved grandfather and a good friend. Both died fairly healthy, both at home, and didn't deal with lingering debilitating health issues. How they would have wanted, I think. I miss them dearly.
I somehow thought the holidays would be a great time to catch up on course work - ha! Aside from my paramedic courses, I'm supposed to be working through this self-paced A&P class. Well, I did crack the book and make it to Chapter 3 (of 24) before getting a not-so-gentle reminder from my medic school that they need the transcripts from my A&P class. Gulp. I dusted off the book and made myself a study plan. Hope to be done by the end of February.
In 'medic school we have survived 4 months of class (wow - it's really gone fast!)
Just to refresh, here's the total schedule:
We have made it through the intro, pharmacology, and airway - just started cardiology last week.
Cardiology is the big hurdle...though I feel like I'm forever behind in all things.
Practicing my intubation, IV starts, and med administration on our manequins here. Though I was told not to practice until we get to skills boot camp in August (really?). I need to get hands-on with the equipment and I've got Mr. Medic showing me the ropes. We have a ton of expired meds and IV fluid so I get to practice a ton. Need to play with the IO drill as well...
So much to do! Will write more soon, promise!
It's been a rough few months. I lost my beloved grandfather and a good friend. Both died fairly healthy, both at home, and didn't deal with lingering debilitating health issues. How they would have wanted, I think. I miss them dearly.
I somehow thought the holidays would be a great time to catch up on course work - ha! Aside from my paramedic courses, I'm supposed to be working through this self-paced A&P class. Well, I did crack the book and make it to Chapter 3 (of 24) before getting a not-so-gentle reminder from my medic school that they need the transcripts from my A&P class. Gulp. I dusted off the book and made myself a study plan. Hope to be done by the end of February.
In 'medic school we have survived 4 months of class (wow - it's really gone fast!)
Just to refresh, here's the total schedule:
Practicing my intubation, IV starts, and med administration on our manequins here. Though I was told not to practice until we get to skills boot camp in August (really?). I need to get hands-on with the equipment and I've got Mr. Medic showing me the ropes. We have a ton of expired meds and IV fluid so I get to practice a ton. Need to play with the IO drill as well...
So much to do! Will write more soon, promise!
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