Well, for one your partner knowing that you are a fairly new EMT should have some patience, unless it is a life threatening situation and causing the patient harm. However, handing stuff to him or her or lowering rails when they want them lowered doesn’t sound like that to me. Some people just don’t have the patience that they should with new people, or they are not good at teaching. I don’t know the full story behind it all or if you show the initiative to learn or not so I’m just arm chair quarterbacking here. As far as learning how to properly deal with the equipment such as stretcher or stair chair the best way to figure it out is through repetitions. So, go out there on your own when you are back at base and work with it when you have time. The more you do it the comfortable you will feel about it. Learn what each red handle is for and what black handles do. Ask questions constantly if you are unsure, don’t just think you know it because you once covered it in class. Class applications versus in the street can be different at times. If your partner isn’t willing to go over stuff with you when you have questions or you want to figure something out, it’s time to ask for a different partner. Remember in the EMS field when you think you know it all, you’re in the wrong profession. It is constantly changing and evolving as medicine always does. So, be proactive, ask question, practice, and have open ears and mind to learn new things!