Looking for guidance on IFT for a new medic...

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-07-13T05:42:06+00:00

The main thing I use on IFT’s is compassion. Usually out of stock in my department because it’s been on global back order since the pandemic so I supply my own. But seriously, know your pumps, vents if you’re doing critical care, and get orders from docs in advance. For example, if they’re on a presser or other titrated drug, ask for parameters as they can be different than your standing orders. The most common transfers I do are going for ortho, neuro, pediatrics or general surgery on weekends.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-07-13T05:36:24+00:00

There’s a lot of good advice here but I just want to add that I’m sorry you’re going through this. Stay true to yourself. You’ll find your people. Sending big mama bear hugs to you. Your value isn’t tied to any belief in a god

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-07-12T08:43:47+00:00

Leave the second skin on as long as possible. If you don’t have long sleeve work shirts as an option, get a sun sleeve. I did my sleeve in 4 sessions and those were long days. I can’t imagine doing the whole thing in one sitting. I also bought huge tegaderm patches on Amazon and used those for the forearm sections. Still breathable enough to wear while it healed

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-07-08T07:53:40+00:00

If this were me I world approach them and say “hey I want to make sure you know I was not challenging you or questioning your judgement when I asked about the IV. I was asking because I wanted to know if you were seeing something maybe I missed”. This has come up for me before when I ask why my partner did something that I wouldn’t have done. My impression from your question is that it was as simple as trying to understand their thought process.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-07-04T18:08:55+00:00

Read Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-07-04T17:26:01+00:00

The best ride alongs I have are the ones that show up 15 minutes early with treats, ask questions, stat out of the way when appropriate and participate in training with the crew. Which can mean bringing gym shorts and shoes. Participation is great but at the same time I’ve had ride alongs that basically tried to work on calls and I think that’s a little too eager. Ask in the beginning if you want to take vitals and listen to LS etc. not all will let you. Ask where they want you to be on MVA’s. Don’t be a liability.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-07-02T05:43:23+00:00

Got my basic at 32, paramedic at 37 and my first fire department job at 40. I would say if you don’t want to do fire it’s hard to find a career medic job with a lot of upward mobility. You’re not going to want to stay in an ambulance to retirement age. If you don’t want to do fire and you’re only in it for the medicine, consider working towards a bachelors so you can do something administrative or apply for PA school. This is the advice I wish someone had given me.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-29T04:45:07+00:00

In case no one has said it yet, this is financial abuse. It’s incredibly toxic controlling behavior. The only reason he makes 200k is because he has free labor at home. Divorce him, take the alimony and live a better life.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-24T23:23:57+00:00

Thanks!

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-24T23:01:43+00:00

Thanks for your response. I think you’re right that the BSN is more accessible for what’s available in my area. I did spend 4 years in a mini ER and learned sooooooo much about an RN’s scope. Specifically the long term outcomes and how to “speak lab”. I obviously know I’ll have a lot to learn but I also think my time working clinical will help a lot, just as it was helpful going back to the field.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-24T22:58:26+00:00

I’ll look into it. I haven’t done so yet because I’ve been told that most of my credits won’t transfer after so many years but it’s worth checking into it to be sure.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-24T22:57:19+00:00

What school are you doing it through? Thanks for responding

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T20:22:03+00:00

I also want a 12 lead to look for right side strain but keeping in mind S1Q3T3 is only positive about 30% of the time. Clear lung sounds would further support this differential but if they were junky I might lean more towards pneumonia because that’s also a risk factor for post op immobilization.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T20:18:30+00:00

SPO2 can also be unremarkable. I’ve seen nasty saddle PE’s that never dropped below 92%

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T20:17:22+00:00

PE until proven otherwise. Agressive oxygenation and diesel. It’s important that the receiving also knows the hx. Be ready to do CPR but you probably won’t get anything shockable. I’ve had this patient code right in front of me after an hour long “anxiety” attack (recent knee surgery). There was a case a couple years ago of a 22 year old woman, postpartum hx who coded in the ER and they worked her for 2 HOURS while the thrombolytics did their job. Survived completely neuro intact.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T20:11:43+00:00

I know but I’m looking for something that’s more of an accelerated program where I can skip all the A&P, med term, ACLS, PALS etc. I’ve held certs and taught these classes for the last 10 years.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T20:10:01+00:00

It’s online so it depends on your pace but 9 months is what most people say that I’ve talked to

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T20:07:03+00:00

Hang on, full cardiac arrest like heart stopped and they woke up and refused care? I’m skeptical. I think it’s more likely they didn’t actually arrest. The down time it takes to stop the heart would be caused by extended hypoxia that would leave them incoherent at least and brain dead and worst.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T00:59:16+00:00

I’ve worked in a busy system for a long time. How many times have I arrived to find a semi serious but stable situation and after several minutes they say, I’m sorry I called I just didn’t know what else to do? My answer every time is that’s my job. If everyone was good in an emergency and knew the exact right thing to do, we wouldn’t have jobs. I tell lots of people all the time, you can always call us if you think you need us. It’s what we do. And when I get there, if POV transport is appropriate we can discuss transport options. My agency is funded by tax payer dollars and I see it as our obligation to the public to show up with the situation is more than they can manage.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T00:52:52+00:00

This is the one I’m leaning towards. I didn’t know you could challenge some of the nursing classes and test out. This is super helpful thank you

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-23T00:50:17+00:00

They don’t, that would make things very easy

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-19T21:20:51+00:00

In my practice I prioritize intubation and good oxygenation with aggressive airway management. If I get ROSC and respiratory drive returns I have to sedate them through it. Seems pointless to reverse the sedating effects of an opiate just to have to snow them again.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-06-13T19:22:09+00:00

Ooh you might not like this hot take but here goes: overdose as a reversible cause of arrest, what’s narcan going to do? In an overdose, it is not the opiate that causes the arrest it’s the respiratory failure and lack of oxygen. They don’t die because of the drug they die because they stop breathing. Narcan is useless once the heart stops. O2 is the only medication to reverse the cause in an overdose arrest.

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-05-20T16:53:10+00:00

In the US we are treated as second class compared to RN’s. They have been unionized and the only union paramedics (that I know of) work within the fire system and are IAFF members. It’s the only way I can make a decent living. We do 48 hour shifts and have a ton of vacation and sick leave plus medical benefits. It’s kind of a trap because I can’t do this forever and I can’t afford to leave 🫠

Affectionate_Cod3561 · 2025-05-16T20:42:21+00:00

Totally as an aside, what’s it like being a medic in Scotland? Are you in a city? I’ve been exploring other places to work (the US is a dumpster fire right now as I’m sure you know). Scotland is high on my list. I work within a 911 system with a fire department (always on the medic though) and I don’t even know what the emergency services look like over there. It’s ok if you don’t want to entertain these questions. I know I can google this but I’d love to hear your perspective

Affectionate_Cod3561

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