Posted: 1/20/2010 11:14:54 AM EDT
| Well my EMT class starts in about 3 hours. First time I've been back to any type of school in 10 years. Anything I should look for or know, going in? |
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since i was STUPID and didnt use my skills I lost my cert(expires if you arent using it) and I am BACK in class. just pay attention dont be a jackass, practice your hands on skills, learn teh WHY's of methods and reactions of patients(if you continue it will help), and see about a hands on session at an ER or FD near you. I didnt get that the first time i went through(still got a 96% on my final though) but I look forward to it the second time.
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Don't be 'that' guy. The one who goes out and buys all sorts of cheesy EMS shirts and wears those and EMS pants everywhere, who can't shut up, etc. Listen more than you talk, but if you don't understand, you can't be afraid to ask. Make the most of your ride out and hospital time. Don't stand or sit around and act like a bum. By all means read the book and pay attention to the lecture, by most of your experience and learning, by far, will be from real-world experiences. |
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We had a kid come in for a summer EMT session buffed to the nines...
Blue BDU pants, steth around the neck (cheezy Sprauge-Rappaport), pocket full scissor bling(you know, hemostats, kelly clamps, EMT shears), cell phone holster, pager, glove pouch, obligatory FD/PD/EMS polo shirt each day, PD/FD/EMS type hat hat with numerous pins(Hurst, FD, stork, Star o'Life) He threw up and passed out when the class instructor dissected a cow heart for the A&P lecture. "That guy." |
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Lots of guys will tell you not to buy this or that but...do what your program tells you.
I just started Intermediate. We are required to have: Good steth 2 blue ink pens trauma shears penlight small notepad Clinical notebook and always be in slacks (blk or blue) or EMS pants and our uniform polo shirts. Anyway,enjoy your class, abosrb as much as you can, put your hands on patients, and try to hit all the criteria of your skills, especially your assessments. |
| IMHO, save for a few unique-to-EMS skills, you will learn nothing in EMT class except how to apply common sense to emergency medical situations. If they stop breathing, breath for them; If they're bleeding, stop it; etc. Almost all of what basic level providers do is based on common sense, it's not something that can be taught. Best of luck in your class. |
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Quoted:
Definitely don't be "that guy" but don't sideline yourself during clinicals. I disagree. Go to the first day with one of these packs on each leg: 
Don't forget your EMT badge, tactical shears, 5.11 uniform pants, and polo with a couple of these patches on there: 
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not sure how your DOH runs the mandates or how the course is structured. but when your doing the hands on/practicals. pay attention big time! during your exam this is where you make up good points and forgetting easy stuff sucks. for me, we had a written/practical exam. "passed" the written but aced the practicals which looks really good if you go career. ask questions ask questions ask questions! |
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Quoted: Lots of guys will tell you not to buy this or that but...do what your program tells you. I just started Intermediate. We are required to have: Good steth 2 blue ink pens trauma shears penlight small notepad Clinical notebook and always be in slacks (blk or blue) or EMS pants and our uniform polo shirts. Anyway,enjoy your class, abosrb as much as you can, put your hands on patients, and try to hit all the criteria of your skills, especially your assessments. This. Talk to your pts, introduce yourself, and talk to them during transport.....trust me....it makes it better ETA: 5.11 EMT pants are the best pants you can get for the $$$   |