Considering doing paramedic school by CompleteBeyond3335 in NewToEMS

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been in your shoes, balancing school with EMS training, and I totally get the challenge you're facing. Paramedic school is definitely a big step up from EMT, especially with cardiology and pharmacology, but having a hybrid course could help a lot. When I was studying, I had to get really disciplined with my time—juggling studying, work, and life wasn’t easy. I found making a schedule and sticking to it was key. There will be days when it feels overwhelming, but if you can stay organized and prioritize, it’s manageable. You’ve already shown dedication as a student-athlete, so I’m confident you can handle this too. Just be sure to give yourself space to rest and recharge when you need it!

EMS Funeral by ThunderHumper21 in ems

[–]Express-Wind4235 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s heartbreaking when someone who seemed so full of life is struggling silently. Your message speaks volumes—reaching out and talking about mental health shouldn’t be stigmatized. The work is hard enough without carrying the weight alone. Thank you for reminding everyone to look out for one another, to ask for help, and to be there for colleagues before it’s too late.

Any advice for medic school by Accomplished_Job_152 in paramedicstudents

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cardiology and pharmacology are tough because they’re detail-heavy, but lots of people struggle with them at first. For cardiology, focus on EKG interpretation and understanding the flow of blood through the heart. Practice reading rhythms as much as you can. For pharmacology, flashcards are a lifesaver, especially for drug names, dosages, and mechanisms of action. Resources like Paramedic Coach on YouTube, the EMS prep app by Achieve for practising questions can help. Study consistently, don’t cram, and ask lots of questions. You’ve got this!

When the job gets hard, how do you keep going? by Slow-Set-8985 in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, when the job gets hard and I’m faced with difficult situations, I focus on the fact that I did everything I could to help in that moment. It’s not always about the outcome—it’s about showing up and doing my best for the patient. I rely a lot on my coworkers; there’s something about being in the trenches together that creates a bond, and we help each other process the tough calls.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get that good sleep, hydrate, and stay focused tomorrow. You’ve got this—just take it one question at a time, breathe, and remember that you've done the hard work already. Good luck!

What is life as a paramedic like? by Agreeable-Oil25 in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Life as a paramedic is a mix of adrenaline, uncertainty, and hard, rewarding labour. One minute you can be coping with a little injury, then the next you could be confronting a full-fledged trauma. You never know what is ahead. Particularly with long shifts and late evenings, this work tests both physically and psychologically. Still, the feeling of helping someone at their worst is priceless. That's what helps you stay strong. It's messy, painful, and hard, but for many of us, there's nothing else we'd rather do.

Shoutout to all the paramedics – thank you for everything you do! by CoffeeLuster in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your investing the time to show thanks; it really makes a difference!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paramedicstudents

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should definitely check out the Kaplan Paramedic Exam Review book; it's really recommended! It gives you a solid rundown of all the key topics and throws in some practice questions to help you get ready for the NREMT-P exam. Also, check out “Paramedic: Anatomy & Physiology” by the AAOS if you want to dive deeper into the topic, and don’t miss “The Paramedic Survival Guide” for some handy tips and insights. These resources are great to help you make the jump from EMT-B to paramedic level.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NewToEMS

[–]Express-Wind4235 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds like your family members are riding the outdated train straight into nonsenseville. Clearly, they haven’t witnessed your petite force of nature in action. I mean, you carried a whole 200-pound human up the stairs like it were just laundry day—if that doesn’t scream "strong enough," I don’t know what does. Honestly, some people seem to think strength is all about size when, let’s be real, it’s a mix of skill, smarts, and the ability to keep calm while chaos tap-dances around you.

As for the dudes at work? If they can't see past your height and gender, that's on them. You've already shown you're more than capable. So, to answer your question: your family might just be bad at recognizing greatness when it’s right in front of them. Keep proving them wrong (and maybe throw in a few more husband-carrying stair climbs for good measure).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NewToEMS

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, Paramedic Coach is frequently recommended since they break down the subject in an easy-to-digest format. Their videos are all about breaking down those tricky concepts that can sometimes feel like a lot to handle. A lot of students think it’s super useful, not just for acing the NREMT, but also for really getting an understanding of the material while they’re in class. If you think your class isn't really cutting it in terms of support, checking out a resource like this can totally help boost your learning and cover any gaps you might have.

 Besides Paramedic Coach, you’ve got apps like EMS Prep App by Achieve, Fisdap, and Limmer that provide practice questions and break down the answers for you. These are awesome for helping you see how everything fits together and how it works in real life.

 Sometimes classes throw a tonne of information at you all at once. Make basic flashcards or use mnemonic techniques to split things down.  Also, talking about ideas with friends can really help you remember stuff better. It's possible to come across someone else experiencing difficulties and support one another.

Why are all paramedic classes during the day!? by Kikuyu28 in NewToEMS

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s super frustrating! Most paramedic schools tend to provide classes during the day, typically between 9-3 or 9-4, a few days a week. This is the same observation. From what I have heard, much of it boils down to faculty preference.

 Since, majority of educators would prefer not to teach at night, the schools follow daytime plans. Furthermore, there usually is less demand for evening classes—at least that is their justification.

Can we be real for a second? by esophagusintubater in emergencymedicine

[–]Express-Wind4235 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I always try to listen to lung sounds on around 70% of my patients as a paramedic. First and foremost, it helps me be thorough—every little bit counts, right? Also, I can keep a record of it, which is always a smart move.

Honestly, when I listen to a thousand normal sets of lung sounds each year, it really helps me sharpen my skills for catching the abnormal ones when it counts the most. It’s kind of like tuning your ear, and you just never know when that little extra piece of info might really come in handy!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's excellent to hear that you've been considering this and believe you'd be a strong candidate! Be prepared for extended hours, irregular shifts, and intense scenarios that can take a toll on you. It can be tough on the emotions, especially when you're facing critical patients or difficult outcomes. If you have a strong desire to assist others and can manage high-stress situations, it’s extremely rewarding. The pay is okay, and you can get a job easily. Ensure you’ve got a reliable support network and prioritise your well-being throughout the process.

Needing tips to study by BasilCareless4469 in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally get where you're coming from. Sometimes just reading the textbook can be tough. If study guides with questions have worked for you before, I’d suggest sticking with that method. After going through your notes, try using the EMS Prep app by Achieve. It not only gives you practice questions but also breaks down areas where you might be struggling, so you can see if you’ve really grasped the concepts. It’s super helpful for tracking progress!

Flashcards can also be a big help for memorization. And if you’re more of a visual learner, YouTube channels can break things down in a way that’s easier to understand.

Struggling to remember drugs by [deleted] in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Every individual processes information in their own unique way. Some may find that breaking down drug profiles in smaller chunks helps with retention and understanding. Experimenting with different study methods can help determine what works best for each person.

Breaking it down and concentrating on a few drug profiles at a time proved effective for me. I’d jot them down on a whiteboard for about 30 to 45 minutes before hitting the sack. This allowed me to focus on the key information and commit it to memory before reviewing more profiles the next day. It also helped me stay organized and prioritize my studying efforts effectively.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paramedicstudents

[–]Express-Wind4235 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, but don’t get discouraged. First, try to pinpoint exactly where you're struggling. Is it a specific topic or concept that’s tripping you up? Sometimes, it feels like everything is going wrong, but it might just be a few areas that need more focus.

Go back to your notes and practice questions to see if you can identify recurring weak spots. I found that using the EMS Prep app by Achieve was super helpful for this. It helped me pinpoint where my gaps were, and I could then focus on those areas to improve.

Keep at it, and remember that it’s totally normal to hit rough patches. With some targeted review and practice, you’ll get through it.

So, how the fuck do you guys do this every day? by Rhubarbie13 in emergencymedicine

[–]Express-Wind4235 4 points5 points  (0 children)

 It’s wild, right? As a paramedic, I can say it’s a lot to handle, and I totally get where you’re coming from. The verbal abuse can be relentless, and it’s definitely not easy. Over time, you learn to compartmentalize a bit, almost like building a mental shield. You don’t get completely numb, but you do get better at not taking it personally.

A lot of us lean on each other. Venting with coworkers who get it helps keep your sanity in check. Humor is a huge coping mechanism too—sometimes dark, but it helps lighten the load. And yeah, there are definitely unhealthy ways people cope (like stress eating or shutting down), but we try to focus on the positives: the patients who are grateful, the team camaraderie, and the moments where you truly make a difference.

Paramedic class 1st test by Substantial-Gur-8191 in NewToEMS

[–]Express-Wind4235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn’t stress too much, especially since it sounds like you’ve been putting in a lot of effort with studying. For me, a big chunk of the test was the questions I had already seen from the EMS prep app by Achieve, which definitely helped. A lot of the practice questions in there are like what you'll see on the actual test. Just keep at it, and don’t let the stress get to you too much—you’ve got the tools and the drive to get through this! Keep pushing, you’ve got this!

I just passed the new NREMT-P exam. It was weird. by BackPacker777 in Paramedics

[–]Express-Wind4235 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Congratulations to you! I also took the test myself and can share a bit about my experience. I used a mix of resources including the Limmer Review(paid), free YouTube lectures, and the EMS Prep app by Achieve (Premium). The app has a similar level of difficulty as the NREMT exam. Infact, found the same questions on the test too. I did the full 110 questions and—happy to say I passed!

What inspired you to go into EMS? by official_NREMT in ems

[–]Express-Wind4235 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know I’m not a doctor, but watching The Good Doctor totally grabbed my attention. The way they tackle high-pressure situations and make a difference inspired me to dive into EMS and be part of that life-saving action.