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!
Truth
Bleeding
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
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!
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