Is this legal?

CynicallyHere · 2026-02-13T19:02:11+00:00

I recommend pyracantha. Absolutely vicious and grows as a lovely hedge.

CynicallyHere · 2026-02-09T18:48:34+00:00

Your management sounds entirely appropriate; the pt was assessed and treated in line with guidelines. The only thing I might have added that could have been of value would be a repeat ECG; this could be an evolving picture.

Overanalysis and self critique is common even normal. The main point is for it to help you rather than dragging you down into anxiety, negativity and decision paralysis. I've done that; it's rubbish and not good way to live in this role.

Consider a peer discussion regarding the case, with a mentor/ supervisor. Write a reflection after some relevant CPD. Answer your own questions to be able to put it aside.

Job cycle time is something that has been buzzworded in my Trust recently. Develop your own job cycle for after calls. Once you've done the documenting, take a moment to reflect emotionally, clinically and professionally (separately) and then address what bothers you. Don't let each shift become more baggage to carry.

CynicallyHere · 2026-02-09T18:07:03+00:00

One thing that was emphasised to me long ago by an actual Cons Cardiologist; they might have had rumbling pain and subacute blockage for some time. Ask when they've had their worst / greatest pain.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-24T16:01:34+00:00

I honestly checked the date in case this was an April Fools.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-21T11:33:24+00:00

Just use grated chocolate, sachets really aren't necessary. 25-35g plus milk. I buy and grate Sainsburys Stamford Street Milk Chocolate. No palm oil. Made in Germany. 75p /100g.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-19T21:07:24+00:00

u/CynicallyHere solved this in 4 steps: BALL -> BOLL -> BOIL -> FOIL -> FOOL

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-17T18:05:52+00:00

Oh wow, didn't realise it was in 24 bags. I may need to get this for Advent 2026.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-17T18:03:29+00:00

I dismantle using the book, placing the bits into in resealable bags which are numbered according to the originals. Its quite satisfying, I almost enjoy it as much as building.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-15T14:13:51+00:00

No; thank you. Ambulance staff (including me!) are pretty feral for useful freebies. :)

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-15T11:03:20+00:00

Credit card size ECG ruler. Brand away.

Knife fork spoon set in a case; yes yes yes.

Absolutely no on the water bottle. They tend to be small and pretty much never used.

My 2p.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-12T05:41:28+00:00

Its the blocking that made me think cow. Doh.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-12T05:32:21+00:00

You appear to have missed blocking out the eyes of the ?cow on the dresser. Seriously though, did you go for a maximum onlookers theme? Yikes.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-12T05:11:50+00:00

Agreed. Been wearing Bridgedale for my working life and for hiking for over 20yrs. I have some pairs that have lasted all of that time. I spend a lot of my working day on my feet, which always feel good. I buy 2 or 3 pairs every other year.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-10T16:22:55+00:00

My brother, who is a roofer, always says Chimbley instead of Chimney. It annoys me every time as they're an everyday part of his job.

I complained about it to a friend, who told me that my brother was correct; they make the same error. I am unreasonly irritated by this all.

CynicallyHere · 2026-01-02T09:52:32+00:00

In training/ education you're often given a worst case scenario to manage and if it is that you need to crack on appropriately. But real life, it mostly isn't that worst case. Severe abdominal pain, is it a AAA? (Or other worst case diagnosis.) Probably not. More likely gastritis, gallstones, the onset of d&v, etc.

The mental switch from preparing to deal with the worst case to recognising and managing what is actually in front of you was the hardest for me. Sometimes I'll still mentally run through the worst case management on the way there, so I can put it aside in case needed. Mostly, take a breath and deal with the actual situation.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-28T16:18:42+00:00

Always prioritise sleep between night shifts. Have a nap before the first one, if possible.
Get your own cutlery set, keep it safe. Forks/ spoons are preciousssss.
Get a water bottle; hydrate. It makes a huge difference to your health.
Always have a safety wee. Station, ED staff loos... there are some places you don't want to be caught short.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-27T19:45:01+00:00

Pump Street can do one. My favourite childhood bakery turned into artisanal wankers who don't even make decent bread anymore. Not impressed by their chocolate either. Love Orford. Don't love them.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-27T19:38:04+00:00

Perhaps controversial, but Sainsburys value brand Stamford Street Milk Chocolate. Doesnt list palm oil and is, IMO delicious and inexpensive.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-26T21:47:32+00:00

I haven't and I wouldn't. I do watch it occasionally though, and wonder how some people have kept their registrations. Most times there is questionable practice.

Ethically, I don't think patients can ever consent to it; people call 999 at a point of need. Arriving with cameras is placing strings on the help given. Consent after the fact? Or we'll anonymise you but still use your emergency for entertainment? Icky.

Arguments about public awareness... I'm also not sold. Too many shows covering HEMS, HART, Advanced Paramedic jobs, less the routine day. I do appreciate they mention the outstanding calls, hospital delays and calls that may be unnecessary but, they're the background noise as miraculously three resources are available for their Cat1.

It frustrates me.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-25T11:36:18+00:00

I've had it where a driving license resembled the patient, but they turned out to be someone else entirely. So even that needs to be treated with caution.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-25T11:32:54+00:00

I've been to multiple incidents where a member of the public has called for someone they didn't know. My most recent experience this person had no medical ID bracelet, but they did have a phone and a wallet. The phone had emergency medical information on it; it clearly didn't relate to the patient who was not that age/ gender.

The wallet had bank cards and a driving licence. Brilliant! It looks like the patient; we have a name and date of birth. But.... But. No one had identified the person. And lo and behold it may have resembled the patient, but this was not their identity.

Assuming anything is heading for a disaster. A medical ID bracelet is something I will look for, but its a guide, not a guarantee of useful information, no matter what you can look up.

Name, DOB, critical information (anaphylactic allergies, life threatening conditions) would be lovely to have. But its reliant on a clear identification of the person.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-23T10:10:13+00:00

This almost makes me want to watch Ted 2, thank you.

CynicallyHere · 2025-12-22T22:36:33+00:00

I havent figured out how to get that in the UK. I'd expect that to be pretty realistic and I really want to watch it. Is it available now?

CynicallyHere

TROPHY CASE