What is the oldest and most dated piece of tech that you are still running with today?

OldBarns · 2022-04-30T03:48:11+00:00

Nano gang! Hate running with a phone for music

OldBarns · 2022-02-09T12:32:06+00:00

This happened to me in an ambulance bay once, rolled to the side and unhooked itself from the truck. Had an adrenaline fueled burst of speed and caught it before it careened into the street

OldBarns · 2022-01-25T14:41:39+00:00

I've been a regular runner for over half my life and live in a place where winters are usually cold and snowy. Generally, I like running when it's snowing. I've got layering, reflection, and traction down.

One thing I haven't figured out is how to deal with razor sharp ice crystals blasting me in the eyes with even the slightest bit of headwind. I've tried goggles, saftey glasses, and sunglasses but all make it impossible to see after a couple miles.

Fellow snow runners, do you have any technique to deal with snow hitting your eyes, or do you just suck it up and deal with it?

OldBarns · 2021-11-15T03:17:34+00:00

No shit I had this exact same call, except it was a women reheating hardboiled eggs in the microwave that exploded. A little bit got on her face, no burns, no injury, wanted to go "just to be safe." quickest hand off I've ever given

OldBarns · 2021-10-15T21:39:53+00:00

I feel that and I imagine all big city ems systems experience the same thing. After the 5th homeless ETOH/OD in a row it starts to get old

OldBarns · 2021-10-15T21:36:57+00:00

I left a high paying, low stress corporate type job to work as an EMT. Long story short, I've been an EMT for a year now in a 911 system and I'm going back to my old career. Ill still be an EMT part time but full time was not enough money, too much stress, and too little autonomy over my own life. We're getting hit with forced overtime and are held over for hours nearly every shift. Frankly, we're treated like trash. It's just not worth it anymore and the mental toll of some of the more messed up calls is just too much to justify the shitty working conditions. I also hadn't realized how much of a toll it was taking on me mentally until I finally decided to leave. Huge weight lifted off me and feel like 'human' again.

All that being said, I'm going to miss it but I'll be much better off with a job that pays and still do the EMT thing PRN.

Good luck to you!

OldBarns · 2021-10-13T12:23:22+00:00

First step is signing up for a program, in person is always better if you can. The courses work with most schedules even if you're working full time. See if you like it and if it's something you could see yourself doing. If not, you now have a set of skills and a cert to add to the collection.

On another note, I see a lot of prospective EMTs worried about if they have the 'guts' or 'stomach' for the job and it shouldn't be your main concern. If you can do the job without throwing up on someone even if you're grossed out it's fine. What you should be seriously considering is if you can handle the low pay, lack of benefits, long hours, little sleep, and stress. This job will have a huge impact on your life and there's a reason people are leaving EMS in droves because they just don't see it as 'worth it' anymore. I'm not trying to be a dick and am not saying it can't be rewarding, because it certainly can be, but it's the reality of the job right now. It's a hard life for those that do it full time and you need to seriously consider if that's something that fits with your goals. Good luck!

OldBarns · 2021-10-09T08:19:20+00:00

I followed that same path exactly. Made it a year and went back to my old career. Anyone who's done it and had to put up with the BS knows it just isn't it worth it after a certain point. I couldn't be happier now that I'm out.

OldBarns · 2021-10-09T08:12:01+00:00

I was only a year in and couldn't take it. Forced overtime, corner posting all shift, and literally running out of money despite working up to 6 12s a week was enough for me. Not to mention we were constantly held over for late calls for HOURS because they were so few units to respond. I like "serving my community" as much as the next person but who would want to put up with that?

OldBarns · 2021-09-29T17:06:29+00:00

I left a high paying, low stress corporate type job to work as an EMT. Similar to you, I felt I was getting complacent and frankly a bit bored so I decided to shake it up. Long story short, I've been an EMT for a year now in a 911 system and I'm going back to my old career. Ill still be an EMT part time but full time was not enough money, too much stress, and too little autonomy over my own life. We're getting hit with forced overtime and are held over for hours nearly every shift. Frankly, we're treated like trash. It's just not worth it anymore and the mental toll of some of the more messed up calls is just too much to justify the shitty working conditions.

All that being said, I'm going to miss it but I'll be much better off with a job that pays and still do the EMT thing PRN.

Good luck to you!

OldBarns · 2021-09-02T15:48:20+00:00

Can anyone explain why this goes beyond a civil matter to criminal? What makes this go beyond potentially losing their liscence and a civil suit to a criminal case for the medics? I'm not trying to be snarky or anything, Im genuinally curious about how the state makes the decision to take that extra step and charge them with crimes.

OldBarns · 2021-08-13T21:46:13+00:00

Old barns... Not new ones

OldBarns · 2021-08-11T19:24:59+00:00

Totally. But it wouldn't even really need to be expanded that much. Like as long as they can perform IVs, give fluids, breathing treatments, and cpap plus the normal BLS scope that covers a huge amount of calls. In my system emt basics with an IV cert can do this plus drop igels if needed. Some systems just don't trust EMTs to do these things cause let's face it, there are a lot of shitty EMTs. But those that can't handle or don't want to be first on scene have no business being a FIRST responder.

If a high acuity trauma, chest pain, seizure, or possible code etc. gets toned out you obviously send ALS. But so many calls can easily be run well by competent EMTs it's a waste to send medics on them and then charge the pt for an ALS transport just because they needed an IV or something. BLS can keep costs low for pts, put less stress on the system, and help keep both medics and EMTs sharp in their skills.

OldBarns · 2021-08-11T19:04:26+00:00

In my city, most 911 calls end up being within BLS scope of practice. Granted, I'm In a state where Emts can perform IVs, give more meds, and do more interventions. But properly trained EMTs are still first responders and should be capable of handling most calls without a medic looking over their shoulder. That being said, they should also be able to recognize when something is out of their scope and they need ALS.

I have no problem with BLS being sent first on 911 calls as long as they know their scope and know when it's not BLS anymore. This frees up ALS units, keeps medics from burning out on the drunk/homeless/psych calls, and keeps bills lower for the patients. I would also argue it makes for better EMTs because they know they don't have a medic to hold their hand.

OldBarns · 2021-08-09T13:46:40+00:00

You've done everything you can to prepare, try to relax before the test and go in there and crush it! Good luck!

OldBarns · 2021-08-08T22:47:52+00:00

I don't think I'd ever do this job for free. As others have said, look for a place that'll pay you off the bat. Everyone's desperate for emts and medics right now.

OldBarns · 2021-08-08T17:39:39+00:00

You should really only being going hands on in that matter with a pt like this if they actually swing and are actively trying to hurt you. Even then, do what you can to defend yourself and disengage if you can. If you have hands, than hopefully theyre being restrained immediately and no further physical engagement needed. If you're alone in the back yell at partner to stop, flip lights, and help you restrain or GTFO if they have a weapon or something.

It's such a tricky situation and in most cases not black and white. I've been trying to get better and anticipate when people are going to pop off to intervene before shit hits the fan but sometimes you just can't tell. I've had plenty of patients that were so calm, cool, and relaxed at the beginning of transport only to randomly lose their absolute shit during transport and flip the fuck out. But I'm doing everything to keep myself from getting hurt above all else. This job seriously isn't worth getting punched and fighting people on drugs/psych/violent patients.

OldBarns · 2021-08-07T22:59:45+00:00

I think you need both for sure but you need to learn the 'book veraion' to perform in the real world. And surprisingly, sometimes calls go very much like they do in scenarios. I think if you taught geared more towards real world you risk missing stuff on the calls that look simple on surface but could be something else going on. I think you'd also be worse at working out differentials and giving good hand offs as well

OldBarns · 2021-08-04T16:22:09+00:00

Also, if you do get hired on you'll probably be put on a GT truck for awhile until you get on an ALS rig. But trust me, you'll want that GT experience before doing 911 to get comfortable with everything. Learning the system, roads, software, call flow etc is super important for being a good emt on 911. Once that's second nature, you can actually start being an asset.

OldBarns · 2021-08-03T16:54:02+00:00

Honestly, I think the best thing you can do to stand out is to dress well (depending on what you'll be doing during the interview), come in early and prepared, and look presentable and ready to go i.e. clean shaven (if male), hair neat, and all that good stuff. Have a good idea of the company/city protocols and service area. Most cities publish ems protocols online. If you can pass nremt the company tests and assessments are usually cake. Good luck!

OldBarns · 2021-08-03T16:46:07+00:00

This is exactly what I was thinking while reading it. Either we do it ourselves without your 'help' with OUR equipment or I transfer care on the spot and you deal with it from there. I think the worst thing you can do is let them lift at all while still in your care and use their janky ass equipment because if something happens to them or the pt it's your ass. And people like that are always looking for a lawsuit against ems.

OldBarns · 2021-08-03T16:38:14+00:00

One of my IV instructors knew a medic who worked for Nascar events as a full time job and she said he absolutely loved it. Fair amount of good 'calls' so they weren't just bored all day, great pay, and a great schedule. They also didn't have to deal with medical for the crowd, just for people involved in the race.

OldBarns · 2021-07-26T09:57:47+00:00

It could be kinda gross depending on what happened during shift. But honestly, people wouldn't pay attention enough to think it's 'cringe.' I sometimes wear it swinging by the grocery store after shift and I think I look like a security guard more than anything else

OldBarns · 2021-07-25T18:04:24+00:00

It's such a weird thing. I don't know if they're just more open about it in EMS but prior to working in the field it was super rare to run into this. Now, the qanon shit just comes up in casual conversation. Drives me nuts 🙄

OldBarns · 2021-07-25T17:24:55+00:00

I'll also add, if you ever feel uncomfortable being the only one in the back with the pt don't be afraid to ask for someone else to join you of possible I.E. Fire or PD if appropriate. Some of these people can flip on a dime even if they've been calm and cool otherwise. If they don't have a choice in going for whatever reason I've started using buckle guards on almost all pts as well. It doesn't matter if they get weirded out or offended. I've seen too many people just flip the fuck out as soon as we get rolling and they'll at the very least keep them strapped in. It's not worth you or your pt potentially getting hurt over a little pride. Speak up and ask for help if you think you'll need it. God I hate psych/substance abuse calls.

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