Adding something to my mental toolbox...

L

LeeCQC

Joined
Oct 30, 2007
Messages
617
So, I finally did it. I signed up for the EMT-B course that I've been wanting to take forever. It starts Jan. 13 and I'm actually sort of nervous about it.:barf: Any of you EMT guys got anything you can tell me to expect, or any tips that might help me out along the way? I'd really appreciate it. This is the first step to what seems like a long road to EMT-Paramedic, but that's my actual end goal. That's a good ways off, though. :D
 
Congratulations on taking the first step man, really a worthwhile endeavor. As for advice from another EMT/FF, well, here we go :D

Study. Your. Butt. Off.

Seriously, if you read the chapter before the class on it, you will retain a ton more info. Then re-read it that evening after class.

Also, when you are trying to learn something, and need motivation, imagine that you will one day need to know it to help your family. You'll hear that 'you should treat your patients how you would want YOUR mom, dad, brother, etc treated" but I mean, imagine that you are all together at XMAS and dad has a heart attack, that sort of thing. Not fun to think about, but it is a pretty good motivator for me.

When you get to do your ride alongs, the proctors will have war stories. You won't. You might have a story, but don't tell it. You don't have war stories yet :D

Really though, the best advice is to take it seriously and work really hard. Find out what it takes to motivate yourself, and do it. Strive to be the top student. It will make a difference. Early on you'll get a patient with something you haven't seen before, and you'll remember something the instructor said or the book taught, and that is what will make the difference. You have to have your best days when someone else is having their worst.

Oh, and everything the patient thinks is serious, is serious. You can laugh about them after you drop them off :D

Good luck and let us know how it goes! It is a wild ride and worth all the effort, believe me. How many other jobs can you think of that you go to work each shift knowing you will make a difference in someone's life before you go home? :D
 
How long/compressed is your course? mine was 2 weeks of hell, but I retained most of it. My advice would be to figure out what you need to focus on, and not get lost in little details that some instructors tend to add in. figure out your learning style and work with it, and most of all I found that having someone to "study" along side helps a lot. I read lots of my text book to my girlfriend, and she asked me questions to help me think of things from different angles. also running through realistic scenarios helped me a lot, even just a list of vital signs so you can quickly pick out the wacky ones and think about what it might be. What text book are you using?
 
gadgetgeek said:
How long/compressed is your course? mine was 2 weeks of hell, but I retained most of it. My advice would be to figure out what you need to focus on, and not get lost in little details that some instructors tend to add in. figure out your learning style and work with it, and most of all I found that having someone to "study" along side helps a lot. I read lots of my text book to my girlfriend, and she asked me questions to help me think of things from different angles. also running through realistic scenarios helped me a lot, even just a list of vital signs so you can quickly pick out the wacky ones and think about what it might be. What text book are you using?
Click to expand...

A lot longer than 2 weeks. :p Mine starts Jan. 13 and ends June 4 and it's every Tues/Thurs from 6pm to 10pm. Total hours: 208 (184 Didactic hours + Clinical/Field Internship hours 20)

Not sure about the text book, because I just pre-registered today.
 
Spend the money on a great stethascope. Good eye protection always on. Loosearrow RRT/NPS 33 years. Loosearrow
 
Good for you bro. Ive been doin EMS for only 5 years, and its great.

My advice?

Listen to the salty medics. They will teach you more then any book will. This job is 99% OTJ. School can give you the info, but Ive seen alot of book-smart people, that cant function for s%$# in the field. Know where everything is on your truck, there is no excuse for not knowing. Nothing pisses me off more then having students on ride alongs, that sit in a chair studying the backs of their eyelids,or buryin their nose in a book. When your riding, RIDE! Learn the trucks, and the equipment.

Start memorizing your skill sheets, and practicing them right off the bat, dont wait for it to be covered in class. Be able to perform complete assessments in no less then 5 minutes. Dont get tunnel vision, focus on your pt as a whole, dont zero in on one prob, and miss a life threat.

YOU HAVE TO CRAP YOUR PANTS AND DIVE IN. DONT STAND ON THE SIDELINES.
you have to. Thats the only way to really learn, and impress the preceptors. I hate the know it alls, who talk it up, then when it comes down to it, just stand there.

Get a BP cuff and steth, and take everyones who comes in your house. I did it, and it helps alot. Take BPs in the car when your riding with people(not when your driving;)) A BP sounds alot differant at 70mph then in a living room.
Treat your pt, not the equipment. You will know soon what I mean by that.

Utilize your resources efficiantly. IE cops, fire, and helicopters. They are there for that. Always make sure evryone knows who is in charge. PTs, bystanders, and resources. It pays to be a dick sometimes.

Any help needed......Shoot me an Email. I think I have some assesments lying around you should memorize. Mine are excellant, not the book crap. My instructor made em, and if you memorize them, you will have no trouble passing boards, or forgeting a step. I will mail you copies. Shoot me your addy.
 
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