Pennsylvania EMS Providers

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Comment by Sarah Tusing on March 4, 2009 at 11:01am

Well, I know quite a few medics I wouldn't let any where near me even for a taxi ride. Again, it comes down to training which I stated is the key to everything!

Comment by John W. Magyar on March 4, 2009 at 11:00am

Its good to see so many comments on our wall and I'm glad to see this information sharred between so many different sources. I sense alot of frustration about where we are and where EMS seems to be heading in the future. To think about all the problems we face in EMS for more than 5 minutes gives me a severe headache and retirement looks better every day. Oh wait, who's going to take care of me when I need EMS? Guess retirement isn't an option in the near future afterall.
Here's my final take on all this. Those of us who have made EMS a career need to rethink how we manage our problems and our stress. We can either become victims of the system that governs us or we can become actively involved in the solutions. Unfortunately, its a long and difficult trip. Major policies and laws don't change overnight. There is no immediate gratification like we sometimes get in the field. Our system has become complicated and difficult but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. When problems arise that we can't immediately fix, take a deep breath and figure out a way to solve it or think of something you can do to contribute to the solution. Become active in organizations to promote change and stay involved. If nothing else, do your best in your own little corner of the world to promote better EMS from the ground up. Change always has to start somewhere so why not with you? Keep yourself healthy mentally and physically and do your best. Nobody can ask for more.
Be safe out there and thank you for all you do. John

Comment by Matt MacGregor on March 4, 2009 at 9:13am

Ken, I have to agree with you. Way back when, my paramedic instructor told all of us at the beginning of class that he could teach monkies to start IV's, the difference with us was knowing when to use them. There are a few EMT's out there that I would have no problem with letting them use the King LT, however they are the minority. For those of you that remember the first "Emergency" episode, the good doctor Brackett made the comment "Gentlemen, this in no aspirin."

Comment by Ken Roberts on March 4, 2009 at 8:54am

You can train a monkey how to shove a king airway in someone. What you can't teach the sixth grader is how to look at 100 people and choose correctly the ones that should recieve it and the ones who should not and what problems to look for or how to properly trouble shoot them. I would like to know when BLS is going to get waveform capnography to go along with them so that they can be held to the same standards as Paramedics? I'm sorry but janitor one day and two weeks later you are going to want to blindly shove an airway down my esophagus and not have any real background as to what you are doing to my A&P or why.... I don't think so! I'll call a taxi. Goodby Paramedics, here comes W### and K#### SUPER EMT!

Comment by Sarah Tusing on March 3, 2009 at 9:41pm

A class of sixth graders was instructed in the use of King Airways and had a 100% success rate. I think EMT-B's can be trained also. In the suburbs of Pittsburgh, it's rare to have to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes for a medic assist. I hear that's not how it is in the middle of the state and should be especially benificial to them. Basic airway techniques tend to cause air in the belly. Personally having a small hand, I find one man BVM to be difficult to maintain a seal bouncing down our lovely Penn-DOt roads. I definately have better succes at IV's and intubations when moving with compressions being done than BVM sitting on scene! I think it is a great tool and see no problem with EMT-B's having that skill set so long as they are provided the training. Training is always the key for every skill at any level!!

Comment by Charissa on March 3, 2009 at 8:49pm

Eric,
We're being trained in CPAP also, but I don't know if it's been placed on the trucks yet? Ken, Mike, do you know if it has? I don't think yet, but I think they're planning on it sometime in the near future.

Comment by Charissa on March 3, 2009 at 8:48pm

Hey Mike,
I've heard the same as you. Not in the BLS protocols as of yet. I do know that some of the EMTs at Danville have been talking about it, but that is just what I've overheard at Geisinger. I know if I was trained I wouldn't have a problem with it (but I have more experience than the regular EMT-B.) However, if some of the EMTs I know had that same training, it would be very scary.

Comment by EMSDoc on March 3, 2009 at 7:15pm

Hey all, I just wanted to give the heads up about a training opportunity for those interested:

Tactical Operator Medical Skills Program -- Basic. April 16-19th, Limerick PA.

TOMSP-Basic is a 4 day hands on intensive program designed to train medical and tactical providers how to integrate basic and advanced medical skills into the tactical environment. The program not only covers the technical skills required to provide life-saving care under fire, but also covers the equally important "behind the scenes" topics of medical intelligence, preventive medicine, occupational health, and sports medicine. Morning didactic sessions are followed up with all interactive afternoon activities designed to encourage student learning and education.

For more information e-mail dneubert@tac-med.org or check out http://www.tac-med.org

Comment by Eric on March 2, 2009 at 10:11pm

BLS crews in my area are being trained on using CPAP. I have have'nt run accross a crew that has put one on their trucks yet. We'll see that that goes.

Comment by Michael Hulsizer on March 2, 2009 at 9:09pm

I looked on the state web site and PA bulletins and have found nothing that is allowing an EMT to insert and manage the King LDT airway. What I am hearing is the the state medical director decided to put it on his trucks, and he is allowing both levels of providers to insert this airway for his service. If anyone knows differently please advise as I am hearing this second handed....

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