There have been a lot of strong comments under the post "Concrete Ideas." Togetherness says a lot about a service. Can we all try to pull together and try to establish that once more? No, 80% of our calls don't sound particularly interesting or fun (thousand year-old female c/o weakness). But trying to help each other out by jumping calls if you're closer or if you know a a crew is trying to get a 40, or voluntarily going to a scene where crews sound like they need help would build up our cohesiveness and make HD an even better place to work.
Think there are a lot of "tards" here? How about instead of whining about it, we use that energy to try and make them better EMT's. If you think someone can't hang, might it be because no one properly showed them?
To all the old people out there, remember when you were first here? What made you a better medic when you were green? Wasn't it the experienced people with a combination of accurate instruction as well as giving you a hard time for being the FNG? When was the last time we explained to a new person why we do something? Or show a "tard" how to write a report or start an IV or talk to med control? I know I learned most of my skills by doing it with good partners, not from P-class. Because of this, I knew ACLS algorithms, how to mix drips, draw up drugs, get non-emergents and decompress chests long before I ever went to paramedic class. Why? Because my partners showed a little initiative and caring about their work to help me out as a green FNG.
If we care so much about our reputation and the quality of medics at HD, doesn't it devolve upon us to take it upon ourselves to improve it? When we were new, the old-timers then made HD a great service. Now that many of us are the old timers, we must uphold the "tradition." If you want to "weed out the tards," YOU should take it upon yourself to make them better EMT's. After all, it'll be their job when we're gone. It's up to us to show them how.
14 comments:
That's what I love about you Fitz.... you have a positive and motivational attitude. Always trying to make good of a "bad" situation (if you want to call it that).
Yes, Nick, it is a two way street. Respect has to be earned. It is not a part of our uniform. And knowledge cannot simply be dispensed by experienced people; in order for knowledge to be useful, it takes an active effort on the part of the learner.
This gives me the occasion to write an afterword on my post: If you're new at HD, when was the last time you asked a question and tried to get an answer? Even on a subject you think you already know? And if the first person didn't give you a good answer, did you ask another? Further, do you put that knowledge to use; change your way of doing things?
Working for HD WILL NOT get you respected, but being a good EMT always will, no matter where you work.
I have experienced a good deal of this in the Army so far. We train them fairly efficiently through intense physical activity. You do something stupid, I teach you the correct way to do it and make you carry a 50 pound sandbag every where you go for the rest of the day, and you remember next time.
Although I have a long way to go, I must say that I have learned a lot fom those paramedcs who took the time to help me out and answer my many questions. I wanna give a big thanks to Sean and Nick and i'm sorry to say that I think Nick and I are getting split up..that sucks. -Susan
I get the feeling that all the stupid people you are referring to are basics. I agree that I learned a copious amount from my Paramedic partners, but that includes what to do and what NOT to do. How about the paramedic that didn't intubate an agonal patient. They felt a NRB would suffice. Or what about the paramedic that wanted to give Lasix to a patient who had junky breath sounds. Might tachycardia and a fever indicate something else (i.e. pneumonia)? It's all well and good to want to show someone the right way, but when you have arrogant paramedics who refuse to admit that they were wrong or refuse to listen to their partner whether they be a basic or another paramedic, then they will continue to improperly treat patients. They will also continue to teach the "FNG's" they wrong way. I think the people with the years on the job need to step back and make sure that the skills AND the attitude they pass on are not only correct but responsible. Taking Michael Paxton off of Canal street into the projects isn't teaching that "FNG" to be a compassionate or wise medic. What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Don't take this as an attack on basics, hell half the I and P's would n't make the shift withouy there basics. TRhis is inreffence to all persons who work here and are whether new level or new hire.So don't play this as a level thing.
Where's spell check when you need it.LOL
No kidding T-man! I am a firm believer in "Paramedics save lives; Basics save paramedics"!
Just because someone is a Paramedic, or B or I, or for that matter, an RN or MD doesn't mean they're not a tard.
Guess what ya'll....A TARD IS A TARD AND A TARD WILL ALWAYS BE A TARD!!!!!!!!!!!!
okay folks, about my tard comment....i wasn't referring to basics, i was talking about paramedics, if you believe you're not a tard then don't be insulted. first of all i am a paramedic, i've worked with quite a few paramedics who i've seen do some pretty wrong things and have tried to address said things only to be told that i'm a new medic and don't know enough. regardless of how long you've been a medic if you have a knowledge base and know how to take care of people how long you've been at hd doesn't really matter. they have preceptors there that really don't belong precepting anybody. my point is this, how do you explain something to someone who thinks they know everything. as far as sean and nick you don't fall into the catergory, there's a few more as well, but i shouldn't have to list names, after all we don't choose this profession for the recognition, do we?
I've seen some fucked up paramedics too. The problem with a bad paramedic is they were never a good basic. Someone may "grow into" an adequate EMT, but if you're not a good basic, you'll never be a good paramedic.
nick,nick,nick...as you know, because you've now experienced the new administration, the chain of command didn't work, perhaps maybe with juliette and mark things will be different.
i tried the chain of command thing it didn't work and i agree with seans point about being a good basic first, but you also have to have compassion for every patient you deal with whether it be our friend michael paxton or a weakness call that comes in every other day, people who are not compliant with their meds and so on, instead of bithcing about the calls or the fact the pt chose to buy beer instead of high blood pressure meds, you should spend time trying to educate the pt as to why its so important to take the meds and not the beer! yes its frustrating and repetitive but just take a look at the first chapter in the medic text, the roles of the medic, how about pt education and advocacy, doesn't say anything in there about putting on your go-go gadget belt and bragging about all the gsws you've had....again i'm not talking about you!
Scott, i used to tutor international ESL students in college...i was a professional copyeditor after that...and even I don't know what to make of the grammatical acrobatics T-Man does with the written English language!!!
Alright now I'll sit down and lean a new word each day from the dictionary..... Back to the subject. We all seem to have the same ideals on how to or what needs to be done to help all those who may have difficulty in the field at times. But as it has been said before untill you decide that maybe what I do or what feel is right, may not be and accept advise critisism from your fellow employees nothing will ever change. Savahoe also said it correctly, some may just be lost causes no matter what. And hell yes some of us may have just been doing this to damn long and are stuck in the old way ruts which may be a problem it self. That's why I enjoy doing this, the chance to see or learn something diffent each day helps keep up the excitement for the job. I'll be the first to say by far I'm middle of the pack if not lower half in the realms of hd paramedics. Doesn't stop me from tring or listening to someone who may know more or updated ways so I can improve myself. That brings me to what Keelie said, Anonymous good stong points and opions you have so why hide, stand tall when your right.
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