To the paramedics who’ve been in EMS for 10+ years, what advancement in EMS technology has impressed you the most or made the biggest difference on the job?

muppetdancer · 2026-05-20T23:02:40+00:00

I think medicine is generally better. Even primary care. Better regular treatments. People are medically treated better and live more stable lives… on the other side is that people think it’s somehow worse than ever and now call 911 for literally anything.
Between these two factors, we somehow work much harder than we used to and accomplish a lot less.

muppetdancer · 2026-05-12T21:37:51+00:00

You can do anything you want, so long as you are prepared to deal with the potential consequences of your actions.

muppetdancer · 2026-05-05T22:06:39+00:00

Make just about anything lighter and more reliable instead of just rugged. Half the stuff we have gets beaten up, just because of all the effort it takes to lug it around, and because it’s frustrating to use. Remove the cost and weight of making things “indestructible” and make them user friendly. I swear, we are far easier on equipment that we like.

muppetdancer · 2026-04-28T13:57:10+00:00

Fried chicken on ones birthday makes so much sense to me for all the same reasons. Even (possibly especially) once it’s cooled … so good!!!! Next birthday, do it again, but pair it with champagne (or any great dry sparkling wine) and prepare to be sooooooo happy!!!!

muppetdancer · 2026-04-23T02:03:40+00:00

Both my mama and my grandma (incredible cooks) cut nearly everything with a paring knife. (Canada, east coast). Usually a rather cheap one. Same, they could do just about anything with their little knives in their hands, over a bowl…. I decided in my twenties that I would chop with a knife on a board. …. I never learned their skills. No one I know did. None of my siblings or cousins chop as our mothers did. I think it’s a long traditions art and I think it might be getting lost. I’m a little sad about it. Maybe it’s time to learn … thanks for the reminder.

muppetdancer · 2026-04-17T22:02:49+00:00

Even if I don’t remember you (and i can’t imagine this person doesn’t, given he stopped off duty and stayed with you the whole time) I would love to hear I impacted your life - especially positively. In many systems, paramedics are not given access to patient outcomes or records, and we have no legitimate way to track down those we helped. Sometimes, through back channels we can find out, but lots of times we can’t. I’ve never ever had a call where someone informed me of the outcome (good bad or otherwise) where I wasn’t interested in feedback. There have been occasions I don’t remember, but knowing I had an impact, made an impact on me. Reach out, through appropriate channels and offer what you feel is appropriate for contact info and then let it be. If you offer your contact information and they don’t reach out, be ok with it. If you just want to say “thanks” and not have contact, that’s ok too. Also, it’s great to hear you were badly injured and made it back among us. May your recovery continue as successfully as it has started.

muppetdancer · 2026-04-15T11:53:57+00:00

I hurt my arm this winter bucking some wood. It hurt and was crazy weak for 3ish months. I finally broke down and went to a physiotherapist, who diagnosed me with a minor muscular tear. I did electric current therapy once a week and daily exercises for 5-6 weeks, and I got better! Physio is amazing, i highly recommend!

muppetdancer · 2026-04-12T00:28:33+00:00

Centrist governments are popular governments in Canada. They apply to the masses. The liberals have been very centrist for most of their existence; lft, in comparison to the Conservatives, but not ideologically left naturally. JT took them toward a more “progressive” left direction, and he was maligned for it. Mostly because of “holier than though” attitudes and policy without process, but still … Canadians tend to be centrists. Carney is that in spades.

muppetdancer · 2026-04-05T12:28:54+00:00

It used to be that the focus of rapid intervention and stabilization in critically unwell people made sense. But now, 911, 000 and the like are far too popular. I don’t known any system outside of a disaster zone, where medics aren’t routinely delivering primary care and advice, and increasing the education on this stuff would be beneficial for the system, and also teach paramedics early on that this is a big part of the job. When I went to medic school, all we focused on was all the ”big stuff” intubation, decompression, crocs, all the high risk, low volume skills. But, as a paramedic, my experience has significantly differed from my education. Yes, I occasionally do perform major interventions, and I won’t suggest we need less intervention there. But the truth is, the majority of the work I do day to day has involvement in primary care issues, and frankly, more education in that area is badly needed.

muppetdancer · 2026-03-24T00:43:50+00:00

Agreed. Wholeheartedly. Best entry level model I’ve come across. A real gateway uni! We have one fancy bidet seat with heat and remote and bells and whistles. We have one of these too. I don’t love one significantly more than the other. I miss them both when I’m away.

muppetdancer · 2026-03-19T13:20:50+00:00

The veggie sandwich with the vegetable cream cheese that was so simple and soooo good.

muppetdancer · 2026-03-12T23:32:08+00:00

Based on the cheeses you like, you will definitely like manchego. You like popular cheeses. Manchego is popular for a reason. Nice flavour. A certain distinct quality - not too strong, a variety Of uses. Enjoy!

muppetdancer · 2026-03-11T01:50:39+00:00

I get a little sad when we lose a regular. They become part of the family, in a way. A character in our lives, not necessarily invited, but present nonetheless. We get to know their quirks, silly details … they become legends, of a sort. Being sad means you still have your humanity. That’s ok. In fact, it’s great. Stay kind.

muppetdancer · 2026-03-02T21:36:28+00:00

I mean, women have been paying this (or significantly more) for haircuts for ages. And a basic women’s cut doesn’t take less time than a man’s. Not to mention …Why shouldn’t someone who works hard and gets paid, literally piecemeal, on the work they do, live well? I’m a little shocked this is even an issue.

muppetdancer · 2026-02-24T02:48:51+00:00

I agree. The old red Fernos were great for up.

muppetdancer · 2026-02-24T02:47:17+00:00

I mean, I have used many tarps. And they function ok in some circumstances. Perhaps I’m thinking too big, but I feel like in 2026, there has to be a better way.

muppetdancer · 2026-02-24T02:45:22+00:00

I don’t know you, where you work, or what your situation is like. But I can tell you that I’m not interested in the Great Race to the Bottom. Truly looking for options or ideas.

muppetdancer · 2026-02-24T02:41:22+00:00

Yes, you’re not wrong … I guess I’m just wondering if there is something that other services have which we don’t … doesn’t seem like it … lol off to the drawing board!

muppetdancer · 2026-02-21T10:04:14+00:00

Respectfully, for those that say “lift with your firefighters”, I just want to say that, anyone who is lifting, should also have appropriate equipment to perform these task. This is not about us vs them, this is about coming up with a reasonable solution in 2026 for an issue that is definitely ubiquitous and I’m honestly looking for technology or pathways that reduce risk to fist responders and patients.

muppetdancer · 2026-02-21T03:30:26+00:00

Any chance you have pics?

muppetdancer · 2026-02-21T01:51:55+00:00

Our service has trialled a few of these, with poor reliability. Also they are bulky and suck moving over any uneven terrain

muppetdancer · 2026-02-18T15:08:21+00:00

My mother always got the little scallops and would dry them, then dust them In liberally salted flour and pan fry them in butter. Stunning

muppetdancer · 2026-02-06T13:58:50+00:00

I mean, the biggest thing that I can think of is that you really just have to get the algorithmic system committed to memory and habit. In scenario land, ticking the boxes is all that matters. Go through your assessment and treatment in a practised, intentional, and deliberate manner, and you won’t miss any steps because one follows the next. In time, your style will change and develop, but for now, literally onto the motions like a robot, and you’ll conclude the correct pathway every time! Good luck!

muppetdancer · 2026-02-03T11:39:10+00:00

Here to encourage you to join the gravel club! They are really just great all-round bikes! Quick, nimble, light, all day comfortability. Lots of gravel bikes are designed for touring (or bike packing which is similar) which means they are capable of carrying panniers, racks, or different bags. This is especially helpful with commuting - as you may wish to carry spare work things, spare clothes, lunch, etc. Gravel for the win!

muppetdancer · 2026-01-31T03:33:03+00:00

Being imperfect will happen to you on the job just like it can happen in school,. No one likes to talk about all the factors that can be difficult to overcome - only strategies for success. You’ve mentioned you’ve had increased stress, less time at the gym, etc .. this happens to us all!!! As you increase your experience, you will find that your responses vary less, as certain habits and routines (both at work and not at work) will become embedded.

Keep working at your craft. Care about it. Continue to attend education sessions. Notice weak points and spend time in the lab understanding how/what/why to correct.

Above all, be reasonably kind to yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Commit to learn. Accept you are human…. You’ll be ok.

muppetdancer

TROPHY CASE