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[audio:04_AirwaysAndReports.mp3] (1:05:24)
This week we cover Airways and Reports on Confessions of an EMS Newbie. Ron’s class is doing skills labs in securing a patient to a backboard, airway management, oxygen and we discuss them all.
Some of Ron’s questions include, “Do paramedics use OPAs and NPAs? Or is intubation just the silver hammer of airways?”
Then we move onto writing reports, which Ron will have to do for his clinicals and he’s paranoid about. Kelly answers the question, “How do you remember everything that happens on a call for the report?”
We have a couple of listener questions. Katie asks how to make the most of a EMS ride along and Kelly’s answers will help anyone who is preparing to work on an ambulance, whether a ride along, for clinicals, or as the new guy on the truck.
And did you wonder what happen to the guy from the chicken gut truck? We’ll find out today.
In the book section we’ll talk about a very airway related story and what it is like to be sued as a paramedic.
In gear we talk EMS Pocket guides and how they can improve your reports.
Gear:
iPhone Apps:
NREMT Paramedic Medications pocket guide
Epocrates
EMS Field Guide
Vocabulary in this episode:
CHF – congestive hear failure
Nasal canulla
BVM – Bag Value Mask
Non-rebreather mask
Link for explanation and pictures of oxygen masks.
Backboard
Mentioned
EMS Garage – C-spine episode
I love your podcast, but would y’all please put a link to download the .mp3 of episode 4? I don’t use itunes
Done. Sorry we forgot Brad.
Thank you much Ron!
Thank you both so much for answering my questions and for the advice! My first ride-along is scheduled for this Saturday! *so nervous*
Kelly, your advice is appreciated and I will definitely be sure to bring that with me when I do my ride-along.
Ron, I am planning to complete EMT-B training regardless of whether I choose EMS as a profession (it’s just a matter of when and where that depends on whether I plan to work or not). But since I’m going to be a senior in college this year and I have NO IDEA what I would do if I don’t do the EMT thing, I reckon it’s time to figure out whether I want to pursue this as a career or just for fun! Hopefully I’ll have a better idea after Saturday!
Thanks again! =]
Katie
Love having people ask questions, so thanks for your question Katie.
I’m doing my first hospital rotation on Saturday and totally understand the nervousness.
Like the “Vocabulary in this episode:” that stuff helps understand things, yo.
The talk about writing reports was an eye opener! Man oh man. I don’t understand how an individual could get sued. Seems like they would go after the company. If a truck driver causes a problem the lawyers go after the company, not the driver. But i could be wrong about that?
Aaron, the plaintiff’s attorney will go after whoever has the deepest pockets. Typically, that means your company will be sued, but you, as an agent of your employer, will usually be named personally, as well.
Every EMS agency of which I am aware covers its employees under their malpractice insurance umbrella, so it’s unlikely you will be personally liable for any monetary awards.
Still, no EMT likes to be sued, and judgments against you affect your relationship with your employer, and your likelihood of being hired by future employers. It’s a black mark against you, no question.
Still, clinical competency, a friendly demeanor and thorough documentation are the best lawyer repellent there is.
Enjoying the site and podcasts, brings me back, keep up the nice work.
There is one thing that strikes me though (and this is a nit): Each time Ron says the word “extrication”, he pronounces it “ex-tri-shun” and I am wondering if this is a regional thing? Kelly never corrects it, so I’m thinking it’s proper local jargon. I have never ever heard this. We pronounce it “ex-tra-kay-shun”. Just wondering. We also make a distinction between ‘extrication’ which is removing a patient from an entrapped situation, and ‘extraction’ which is removing a patient from an area (such as down an embankment or in the woods).
Good Luck Ron. Kelly is leading you down a straight road.
Capt. Tom
Heh. I’ve noticed it, just didn’t want to correct it on-air.
And then we get to talking about something else, and I forget. 😉
The ‘Oxymoron’ joke made me laugh out loud at my desk. Nicely done.