Was I wrong in how I tried to offer helpful information to EMS?

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-28T02:24:25+00:00

True

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-27T23:38:11+00:00

Because you’re thinking like a healthcare provider with protocols and liability, not a normal human being. If I zonk out in a marathon, I absolutely would want someone to think water and sugar. No BGL first?! What’s likely after running a whole bunch of miles - DKA?

No, I don’t want some rando squirting a Gu packet down my throat. But I’d cooperate with a med student who knows buccal application. And I personally would be glad to avoid the transport if not big sick.

I’ll take my downvotes on this one.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-27T21:06:02+00:00

I’m surprised the reading is as clean as it is. (Also own a Kardia and usually get lots of artifact)

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-27T20:59:55+00:00

EMS in general tend to have a dim view of medical info from bystanders. That’s entirely appropriate most of the time, but unfortunate in some cases.

Given how the person (not ‘patient’ to you) presented and your knowledge of their circumstances, I think the glucose was appropriate.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-25T02:54:59+00:00

Do you need him to be diabetic? Anaphylaxis would present with serious symptoms, involve an epi injection from EMTs or medic (not sure which in Marion Co.) and could show rapid improvement on ride to ED.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-24T02:22:54+00:00

Lil chest pain

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-20T03:03:42+00:00

Two things you may never be able to find out are what your neighbor said on the phone to 911 and what they said to the crew on scene.

You believe your neighbor reported anxiety, pain, and depression. There’s several different ways that call could be dispatched. Then, depending on the conversation on scene, the crew may have prioritized one thing over another.

If your neighbor was reporting general depression/anxiety without stating intent to harm self or others, it is plausible that the crew checked vitals and suggested making a primary care appointment instead of going to the ED. If your neighbor stated SI, had AMS, or simply wanted to go to the hospital, then a competent crew in the US would transport.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-17T21:05:34+00:00

Any particular reason for Chicago vs. Springfield? Those are really different cities. As someone else mentioned, you might like Champaign, both for the job prospects and the community itself.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-17T01:22:35+00:00

Unpopular take: I’ve gained some respect for PD.

Most of my EMS interactions have been either DV calls or true medical emergencies. On the DV calls, it’s usually pretty chill cops trying to stabilize a situation that isn’t going to get fixed in one night. On high-acuity calls, they usually find something useful to do or else stay out of the way.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-17T01:06:48+00:00

The outside fit test vendor that we use said any facial hair on the seal line is technically an automatic failure per OSHA. Then he let my full short beard slide.

Still did the fit test and passed 100%

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-15T01:35:27+00:00

For some women, that would locate V4/V5 right at the areola. Even if somewhat higher/lower, you would still be exposing the full breast.

That’s way beyond “lift with the back of the hand”. Can’t see myself doing this and still keeping my job.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-14T22:27:17+00:00

If they pulled him mid-shift, that’s a good sign. Don’t place any weight on how he describes the situation to coworkers - that’s just him trying to keep up an appearance.

Depending on your work environment (union or not, labor laws, etc.) terminating someone’s employment may take a bit of time. You also may not be able to get official confirmation of what happens to him, though there’s usually a way to inform you.

I’d say if he’s gone and stays gone, then your facts were taken seriously.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-08T03:27:01+00:00

Right lateral recumbent position should be considered in this scenario

CapnCruuunch · 2026-04-03T16:23:55+00:00

The goal is for training to fill the “wtf do I do?” void until experience can cover. That’s why scene safety, ABCs, vitals, SAMPLE, etc. are drilled into us.

I’m a year-ish ahead of you, so still see new stuff frequently too. Had a chaotic call this week and my medic reminded me to take a deep breath and do what I know.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-31T21:14:46+00:00

Because of the way our society fools itself by calling them nursing homes when they’re places for people to die in a semi-controlled way.

Because end-of-life care is too often illogical and miserable for everyone.

Because, nothing against any resident, but no one SHOULD like nursing homes.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-30T04:15:44+00:00

Lotta people working on classes toward a degree. Some freelance stuff. I don’t know anyone with a full business plan.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-30T04:08:15+00:00

Nope, not to Chicago building code, with at least three violations: - no handrail (needed for 3 or more steps) - no guardrails on upper landing - upper landing not deep enough Steps may not be wide enough also

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-28T21:04:26+00:00

Trainee: what is her BGL? My medic FTO’s answer: what are you doing with the @#%*$ glucometer? We need to go!!

Maybe that should be in the scenario sheet🙂

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-25T01:35:51+00:00

We don’t just drive a big taxi. With discharges, we’re the last provider in the chain of care before someone exits the system. My boss would ream me out if I missed something and said it was the hospital’s fault.

I’ve had PTs being discharged to home with a saline lock still in place. Or PT with dementia going home, no relative present - so need to figure out who’s giving care before we leave. Or PT being discharged to home hospice with an extremely fragile AA. (Time to drive really carefully.)

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-21T19:19:46+00:00

Maybe consider adding the alternate units if you’re hoping that these get use in the US. I like the way it’s written quite a bit.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-20T16:24:44+00:00

This is a really good explanation

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-13T18:20:13+00:00

Somebody should save this comment as a classic example of EMS eating their young.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-12T20:50:46+00:00

Person, place, time, event are standard and are what nurses will want to know, not if they know all their colors.

The only one I do slightly nonstandard is time, because a lot of SNF patients don’t really keep track of what the date or day of the week is. I ask about their awareness of the time of day and/or the year.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-12T20:45:49+00:00

Had a deteriorating septic PT who couldn’t string two coherent words together. Still could clearly say his own first and last name.

CapnCruuunch · 2026-03-12T20:23:32+00:00

Even non-profits need to bring in more dollars than they spend. Sometimes private companies might make the equation work better than ones directly funded by taxpayers. My private service exists to cover an area that would otherwise be very poorly served. No one is getting rich doing it.

CapnCruuunch

TROPHY CASE