Newsgroups: misc.emerg-services
Subject: Re: *SHORT* Paramedic Survey for English Class
From: Rob.Carr@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Rob Carr)
Date: 23 Aug 92 15:19:15 GMT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/26 - SoundingBoard, Pittsburgh PA


 DA> From: daldridg@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (David A Aldridge)
 DA> Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 19:27:54 GMT
 DA> Organization: The Ohio State University
 DA> Message-ID: <1992Aug17.192754.15938@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
 DA> Newsgroups: misc.emerg-services

My name is Rob Carr, and I am currently a crew cheif/paramedic for the
City of Pittsburgh EMS.  I also am an associate instructor for the
Center for Emergency Medicine, where I specialize in Stress Management
and Psychological Emergencies, as well as ACLS.

 DA> 1. What was your motivation to become a paramedic?
Over a short period of time, ran into an amazing number of injuries that
I had no idea how to help.  Decided to get some basic first aid
training.  Never thought I'd become an EMT, although that was
something I considered  in high school.  Well, went from basic first aid
to EMT running with an ambulance while looking for a job as a chemist.
Never thought I'd become a paramedic.  Became a paramedic while looking
for a job as a chemist.  Never thought I'd become a professional.  Got
hired by the city, my wife quit her job and went back to school.
Suddenly I had no choice!

 DA> 2. Is being a paramedic all you expected it to be?
Yes and no.  Never expected all this stupid paperwork.

  DA> 3. Do you enjoy what you do?
For the most part, yes.  There's been some things I wish I'd never seen.

 DA> 4. What do you like most about what you do?
Being able to apply my skills and knowledge to help people.  Starting
IVs, intubating, decompressing chests, and "lights and sirens" are also
plain fun.

  DA> 5. What do you dislike most about what you do?
Two things.  1) being abused by the people I serve ("You'd have been
here an hour ago if we were white" "When'd the fellow get shot?"  "2
min. ago."  "So what good would have being been here an hour ago have
done?")  2)  Potential for getting killed, which seems to be steadily
increasing.

 DA> 6. Do you consider yourself to be in a high-stress position?
 Yes.  That's why I teach stress management to new EMTs and
 paramedics.  People's lives (my crew and my own) are my responsibility
 as a part of this job.  That's a good stress producer.  In most places,
 stress is also caused by administrative procedures which make it harder
 to do our jobs properly.  Fortunately I do not experience any such
 stress.  Of course, I AM still under probation for my promotion to crew
 chief and there IS someone who forewards unfavorable messages to my
 bosses so that they can chew me out....

 DA> 7. How do you deal (or have you dealt) with the stresses?
Prayer, running, computer work, talking with friends, pets (birds and
aquariums), teaching others to deal with stress.  Being happily married
has helped tremendously, and not just because of the sex.  :-)

 DA> 8. What would you say to someone wanting to be a paramedic?
If possible, go for your MD instead.  Paramedics are not appreciated.
Our pay is no where near commensurate with the skills we perform and the
dangers we face.  I get to retire when I'm 65, and the pension is not even
invested.  My personal belief is that God called me to be a paramedic to help
take care of people.  Were it not for that, I'd quit.  That's sad, isn't it?
Maybe one day my father will quit asking me when I'm getting a real job.

 DA> 9. What has been your most rewarding experience(s)?
3 year old grossly dehydrated from about a week of diarrhea and
vomiting.  Capillary refill was over 6 seconds (over 2 seconds is bad,
over 3 seconds is panic time).  Child could barely open eyes, did not
move otherwise.  Recognized seriousness of condition (not all
paramedics were so trained back then), treated child per PALS (including
14ga IV, D25, my MD decided against bicarb).  At hospital, the doctors
were thrilled/amazed that I got the 14 ga IV. They got the blood work
back and found out the child's pH was 6.5 and blood showed gross evidence
of severe dehydration.  Child recovered after 3 month stay in hospital.

Watching the surprise of the judge and lawyers at 303 hearings
(involuntary commitment continuation for threat to self or others) that
I actually know what I'm doing isn't bad, either.

Knowing that I picked up on some bizarre medical condition (like
neuroleptic malignant syndrome) and was able to explain it to the doctor
and treat it properly isn't bad, either.
Note: I have censored what I would post in this message, because of the
very real possibility that it will be sent to management.

 DA> David A. Aldridge KB8EQO (t+) :
 DA> daldridg@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu david+@osu.edu :
 DA> DAVID+@OHSTMAIL.BITNET : Central Ohio ARES Member ARC Disaster
 DA> Services Member,FASC : Warren County EMA/RACES Member AHA CPR
 DA> Instructor, Level F : ARC First Aid Trained : EMTA Student


Rob Carr


Rob Carr

... Oh never mind!

 

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Internet: Rob.Carr@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org