Have You Ever Posted a Comment?
Today, if the odds play out correctly, somewhere between 680 and 850 people will stop by to
read my blog. Over half of you will enter through the home page and see this post.
Let’s talk about something. I don’t know what. You decide. If you’ve never posted a comment on this blog, I’d like to hear from you now.
I imagine that if everyone who reads this decides to post something…anything before they click away, this post should have between 500 and 1,000 comments before midnight tomorrow.
What brings you to the blog today?
What are you doing right now?
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
What would you most like to have me write about.
What can I do for you today?
Post something right now. Thanks for coming.
Tags: comment
Hey guys,
Checking in form high school right now. Wishing I was out on the truck…
Forgot to ask in my previous comment, but I would love to see a post about the assessment of a trapped patient in an MVA. We don’t get to many around my area and I always second guess what I should focus on while in the car. Feel free to send me an email, thanks!
jdb34@scasd.org
Hi, Steve!
I probably should have posted a comment long ago, before you “called us out”. I found you through somebody else’s blogroll, and I’ve really enjoyed what I found.
What I’d most like to talk and/or read about at this point in time is behavioral emergencies. I think that there’s a trend toward a misdiagnosis, and a definite lack of understanding of the psychological issues we can encounter in the field.
Thoughts?
Hi Steve! I think I’ve posted once, but it was so long ago I figured you deserved another!
I agree with Charles — more discussion on assessment and handling of behavioral emergencies would be good. It’s a tough area that requires a lot of finesse – which in my experience quite a few providers seem to lack.
Enjoying your site – keep up the great work!
Hi Steve here is my two penneth from the UK….
What brings you to the blog today?
I subscribe to the rss feed so always pop by for a read of what is new.
What are you doing right now?
Sat eating lunch while catching up on some blogs and also revising for my assessment on Thursday for a Student Paramedic Position.
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
Not sure yet.. though if I am successful and make it onto my local Ambulance Trusts next intake then probably would like to network and exchange ideas, feelings and thoughts about starting out in the profession.
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
What it is like to attempt to become a paramedic in the UK (if i am successful obviously!)
What would you most like to have me write about.
Mmmm good question a look at different scenarios and how they could, should be handled?
What can I do for you today?
Giz a job!
There you are my first ever comment on an EMS blog!
Thanks for the prompt Steve
@John B Hey thanks for the idea! Managing the trapped victim. Awesome idea. I love it.
@Charles. Behavioral emergencies is a huge topic. Very ripe for discussion. I can think of a bunch of good posts for that topic. Thanks.
@K Jo. Another vote for behavioral. I agree. Great topic. Thanks for posting.
@Chris wow you gave me the whole shabang. Thanks brau. Being a paramedic in the UK is a huge achievement. Life is more exciting when you have big crazy goals like that. Good luck. It sounds like you’ll do just fine. Come back and let us know how it goes. Thanks for posting your first ever comment here. I’m honored.
OK, this is awesome so far. What else ya’ll got?
“What brings you to the blog today?”
I come here to learn all the great people skills that not only make EMTs better EMTs but also better people.
“What are you doing right now?”
I’m sitting in bed watching trauma. Man that show has dramatically improved thanks to more story less action.
“What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?”
Custom service skills aka people skills.
“If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?”
How being a great EMT can translate to being a great person.
“What would you most like to have me write about.”
People skills.
“What can I do for you today?”
Tell me how to have a cool head in bad situations.
Has anyone listened to the meeting of the EMS Personnel Practice Task Force? Sean Caffrey posted it to the COEMS google group a little while ago.
It sounds like they are heading in the direction of adding a 5th level of EMT to Colorado EMS. What does everyone think of that idea?
Also, Chris Montera mentioned the idea of calling everyone a paramedic and having levels within that. I think its and interesting idea but would expect resistance from my fellow paramedics.
Love your blog Steve, keep up the good work!
Great website and don’t have any suggestions for the moment. But, since you’re asking for posts I’ll offer a small safety suggestion. When you’re cleaning out the clothes dryer vents and you’ve just shoved a long brush up the vent through the outside cover, make sure you’re wearing safety glasses when you have your hubby turn on the dryer to see if the little flappy doors work. I swear I looked like the abominable snowman after that one!
This is an excellent site, I came across it randomly. I would like to see something about how EMT’s today are depending on paramedics for the most basic of calls. This seems to be taking EMS as a whole in the wrong direction. What do you think about this situation?
Great site and keep up the good work!
What brings you to the blog today?Taking a break from work, suscribe to a lot of Paramedic/EMT Blogs… worked in an ER for 13 years before changing careers
What are you doing right now? taking a break from software testing
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers? nothing imparticular
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about? Things I saw/experiences
What would you most like to have me write about.- just be yourself
What can I do for you today?
Just keep on blogging
More explosions. Yeah, explosions.
More about common mistakes or things we take for granted would be a fun article.
Just keep doing what you’re doing…
HM
Hey. I just finished writing my section 3 exam for my EMT training up here in Canada. I got 92%.
….maybe I’m bragging, but seriously? I’m pretty proud of that.
What brings you to the blog today?
-I check out your blog nearly every day to see whats new.
What are you doing right now?
-Nothing much, just studying and doing homework for my EMT class.
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
-I would like to hear about how this job has affected personal lives and relationships.. I know this can be a difficult career for a family to understand. Also, the little “nuggets of golden knowledge” that people have learned along the way.
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
-At this point, I would write about the road to becoming an EMT/EMT-P, and my upcoming clinicals.
What would you most like to have me write about?
-Just keep plugging along! I love the blog and It gives me a real-world aspect of my in-class learning.
What can I do for you today?
-Have a good day and stay safe!
-What brings you to the blog today?
See what kind of useful tips and tricks or experiences you have to share with us today.
-What are you doing right now?
Currently, answering this question. Before that, studying for a microbiology test, and then getting ready for my Fire/Rescue split shift tonight.
-What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
How did you become a better EMT?
-If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
I would write about everything I wish I understood better.
-What would you most like to have me write about?
How you got to be the EMT you are today, review subjects like you have been.
What can I do for you today?
-Download this microbiology information into my head maybe.
hey, stumbled on your blog from happy medic’s site, I think… I really enjoy your writings
~Brad
@Timothy Always great to have you brau. I have an upcoming article on just your request.
@Tim I haven’t seen it Tim. I’ll check it out.
@Linda Ew…good tip. Glad nobody got hurt.
@Mike It’s a great issue. My trauma, how to save a life post was all about the growing understanding of the importance of BLS. I do think EMT’s working with paramedics is generally a good thing, but it can be detrimental to the emt skill set for both parties and we need to guard against that.
@Janet Thanks, good advice.
@HM Aww happy, I’ll never have enough explosions for you.
@Jaymazing Awesome. Congratulations my friend. Greta accomplishment.
@Jamie Hey! That’s exactly what I write and teach about too. And it does help me be better. Thanks for coming by.
@Brad Thanks. I know HM is a hard act to follow. I appreciate that.
I’m loving this! OK MORE…
Hi, Steve-
The marketing team at Magnum Boots USA digs your blog — so much so, that you’re on our daily RSS feed.
We enjoy reading your insights on the industry. If you’re ever interested in reviewing our boots, let us know!
Keep up the good work!
Steve,
Take the Magnum Boots. I am reviewing a pair this month and will be giving away a pair next month. I am really happy with the boots … they kept my feet dry while ice fishing a few weeks ago.
My RSS reader brings me here when you have new posts.
I enjoy how you mix things up from patient assessment and patient care to being a better person.
Just finished dinner and need to get back to work.
What can you do – email me to confirm your EMSBootCamp.com presentation dates. For each session:
Title
Objectives
Description
Date
Time
Thanks.
Its been an little while. Thanks Steve keep it up. I came up on the spot from doing some research been reading non-stop since. Keep it up
Hi Steve!
Came to your blog today while thinking up questions for my daytime EMT-Basic class.
Right now I am finishing a late dinner at my desk.
Thinking about linking your “Passion Counts” and “Mastering The Head-To-Toe Assessment” blog items to a student supplemental reading list that already includes “How to get rich in EMS” and “CPR right now.”
What you did for me today is nudge me to tell you how much I enjoy your blog and use it when teaching.
Mike
(yeah, FossilMedic on http://firegeezer.com )
Let’s see directed here by your twitter post.
Right now I’m waiting for the world to fall apart here in the way north of Denver where we are getting pounded by a snowstorm.
Why are you damn paramedics such a pain in the ass!! LOL (joking)
Something to write about hmmmmm. How about this. As a basic I do a rotation on a medic unit (a basic and a paramedic), I stock the rig and get everything ready when the medic attends on a call but why is it so hard for the medic to do the same when the basic attends?
I read, and I post…
Hi Steve!
What brings you to the blog today?
I always read your new posts, you’re on my blogroll.
What are you doing right now?
I am sitting at the triage desk in the ER that I work at as a medic. It gets slow in here at 0300 so I log on and catch up on all the blogs I follow which includes yours.
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
How important BLS skills are even on ALS calls
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
Im actually working on gathering some info for a piece on my own blog about the color of fire/ems apparatus and its ties to safety, it was a thought inspired by a conversation here at work. (if anyone wants to pass any info my way on this topic please feel free too! http://wvmedicgirl.blogspot.com/ thanks!)
What would you most like to have me write about.
maybe how an EMT can best assist an ALS provider on those critical medical calls?
What can I do for you today?
Keep doing what you are doing Steve. I think you ahve a great thing going here, I enjoy reading your articles.
well i’ve posted before. but it’s still fun!
Steve- you’re the greatest! Keep on making thunder!
Kaboom!
Nat
New to your site but hoping i can learn a lot from you as well as eveyone else.
-Andrew
@sh0rtc1rcu1t
I read your stuff from time to time, and every time I come here, it was worth reading.
Time I added you to my feed reader, methinks…
Love your blog and newsletter. Look daily for updates. How about some testing information? Getting ready to take the NREMT paramedic test and could use any tips you have. Been an EMT for 12 years working on an ALS truck. So my skills are there but I have been ‘field poisoned’.
Steve,
Today on my day off from the rig I paruse the EMS Blogosphere while enjoying my coffee and NPR.
I would be curious to see a post about idea’s for public outreach and education activities, especially with EMS week coming up.
Our city provides a “public safety citizens academy” every year with awesome results. I would be curious to see what organizations/departments do for the public beyond station tours, CPR classes, ect…
Keep up the good writing!
I’d also be up for authoring a post regarding above said topic.
Steve,
Thanks for calling out the lurkers. I’ve been reading your blog for about two months.
I am currently an EMT student and found you by searching for information on patient assessment. You have now become a regular review for me. I really enjoyed the “Get to, Have to” post. I have seen that several times in our ED and on Rescue.
I know I’m still wet behind the ears, but it is very disheartening to get that negative vibe from the more senior medics when they could have such a positive influence. As a student, I’d like to hear suggestions on how best to integrate with a particular station when assigned to ride with them. It’s hard for the student who doesn’t know the routines or where everything is to learn that without feeling like a nuisance.
Keep up the excellent posts – you’re keeping this student really engaged in the field.
Steve,
In answer to your questions…
What brings you to the blog today?
– I couldn’t wait to see what you had posted while I was away! I always learn something new or gain a valuable perspective from your posts.
What are you doing right now?
– Enjoying my day off, and being thankful for the wonderful snow plow drivers who made it possible for me to get home today!
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
-How do you manage the stress? Any tips on balancing being a “person” and being a “provider”?
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what would you write about?
– Hmm, that is something to think about. I’ll have to ponder that one a while.
What would you most like to have me write about.
– Behavioral emergencies. What tips have you learned from calls you have run, and what principles or practices do you incorporate in these calls?
What can I do for you today?
– Keep up the fantastic work, and stay safe!
My day just isn’t complete without a visit! (well, to be honest a few days go by most times)
Steve,
I’ll admit I’m a bit of a lurker, and I plan to fix that. I read and absorb all of your posts and they’re a great help to me as an EMT student! Love the content, the advice, and the blog overall. Your assessment info is very helpful.
-What brings you to the blog today?
I searched on Google for help writing a narrative in SOAP format and found one of your older posts on the topic. Great help! Usually, though, it’s a Twitter link (or RT) to one of your posts. I also check it every Monday and Wednesday when you update.
-What are you doing right now?
Relaxing at home, just finishing up a narrative that’s due tonight over a scenario I ran on Monday, and soon to be getting ready for class.
-What do you want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
EMS 2.0, professional advancement, how to improve the field of paramedicine, and of course, tips/tricks/hints for how to be a better provider.
-If you wrote for the EMT Spot, what would you write about?
I’d love to do a few posts from the EMT student’s perspective– rideouts, classroom time, how the students feel that the education for EMTs/paramedics can be improved, having experienced it recently firsthand. After graduating, I think it’d be interesting to talk about getting over the “jitters.”
-What would you most like to have me write about?
Honestly, you cover a broad range of topics and I seem to find something about anything I’ve questioned from time to time. Maybe a few more posts on medical assessment, because I’ve got trauma don’t to a science, but I could use help on medical calls.
-What can I do for you today?
Keep on keeping on! Take care and be safe.
Greetings! I’m a little late in my visit to the spot but we had a LONG night running calls in bad weather.
I agree with the kids wanting more on behavioral emergencies, M1 holds. I’ve had a few M1′s and they are a horse of a different color.
Maybe if you could take some spacific sections of your E-book and expand on some of the topics you shared.
I would like to see a few words on dealing with family and friends when on calls eg.. let em watch or dont let em watch. I think we have all been in a situation where we find ourselves in a “interview the family and friends” situation. What do you say what dont you say. ways to get the info needed at a very tough time for them.
How do you gather info at a suspected abuse call so you can get the needed info for treatment without having a conflict with parents.
We have to gather enough colors on scene to paint a good picture for the doctors and nurses. So some potentially tough questions may need to be asked, but in doing so you risk conflict with the parents, for the the agency we work for etc… very sticky
How do we protect ourselves against potential sexual abuse/assult accusations when treating a female patient. Some guidelines of do’s and don’ts perhaps.
I’m tired my spelling sucks
good night!
Right now, I’m just skimming through the comments. You rock
Your on my google reader subscription and I look forward to reading your blog posts. I stop by because I can relate to your reflections on life, the universe and all thing EMS…I like your hollistic, common sense and empathetic approach to prehospital care. As an EMS educator, you are a source of constant inspiration. Being a fellow non conformist, you make a lot of sense. Advice for the future…keep on pushing the boundaries, continue to challenge the mindset and continue to be remarkable. Thanks for asking the questions.
Hey, I found you on a blogroll and am just a pharmacy tech but I am fascinated with the EMT world. I love your “lectures” on how to do things and do them better- communication as well as specific techniques. It lets me in on what your job is like, how you do what you do, and bits of medical insight as well. As a kid I wanted to be an EMT, now I just want to read about them. So keep writing like you have been- this is great!
I read at least one EMTspot post every day – always looking for something I read awhile ago to recommend to a friend.
I’d like to see some words about common errors, commonly missed things on RTAs, etc. It’d be nice to hear about people making mistakes in general. I’m brand-spankin-new, working with an on-campus EMS squad, and every call feels like a mine field of mistakes (although my supervisors tell me I’m doing great…).
I’m curious about what equipment (and ALS drugs) you would keep if you had to cut down – what do you use the most and the least.
I’m also going to put another vote out there for scenarios. Always helpful (especially cuz i’m new to this) for me to think about real world situations. Some scenarios from dispatch to the ER would be awesome.
Keep writing. I love this blog!
I have been a long time reader of the site, I have read every post and yet have never posted anything myself. Thanks for calling me out! Wanted to say that I LOVE this site and look forward to every new post. I am a new medic in southern california and am noticing that the hardest calls for me are the rowdy, uncooperative patients who want nothing to do with a paramedic assessment (Where I work, I seem to get a lot of these calls…) When do you stop with the calm, “lets be friends” voice and switch to the “game over, we’re doing it my way” voice? When do you decide to use restraints or finally opt for chemical sedation? Just a couple of thoughts that have popped up from previous calls that I could have managed better. Thanks in advance Steve….keep up the AWESOME work!!!
@Magnum Boots I’d love to review a pair of Magnium Boots for the readership.
@Greg OK, Boot Camp outlines and info on the way. Standby.
@Grogg, Thanks you. I will.
@Mike Ward. Hey thanks. I love your blog. That’s a lot of work. I’m honored to know that some of my writing is finding its way into your EMT curriculum. I hope the students find it useful.
@Broncofan Great screen name. I think medics devaluing their EMT partners has more to do with organizational culture than anything else. Though ti is common (and unfortunate) in the industry. Good topic suggestion. I’ll mull it over.
@Renee I see your avatar, I smile.
WV Medicgirl. Nice blog. I’d love to read the piece on apparatus color. I’ll check back to see when it’s up.
@MsP Always a pleasure Nat.
@Andrew Perfect.
OK, I’ve got to get to work. I’ll catch up on more of these later today. I can’t believe how cool this turned out.
I stumbled onto this blog from Happy Medic’s work of art. I have been reading the various articles here for a few months and have had an opportunity to utilize many lessons at work. I am an EMT-B for a moderately busy ALS service in mid America. I am currently being battered by a Paramedic course and am frightened about what I’ll be hit with in the next class.
Today I am pulling a night shift on my internship. I work for a NYC hospital on the 911 system.
I am still very new to the job, as I recently acquired my EMT-B Cert.
Even though I went to school to train to be an EMT I know that NOW, on the streets, is where I will be doing my learning, and receiving my training…from myself.
I found this site three weeks ago, and I come to it from time to time, for reminders, tips and in general to rev myself up for the shift ahead.
Only recently discovered your blog so I thought I’d come back and see what’s new. I like the layout and the topics.
Thanks,
Tom
@Ambulance_Driver Thanks for the add.
@Tammy_K Funny you should ask Tammy, I’m working on a product that addresses that right now. You should also keep an eye on the upcoming EMS Bootcamp on that topic.
@jrsemt That’s a great topic, however, It’s covered so well already at http://www.everydayemstips.com by Greg Friese that I just don’t think I could do a better job at it than him.
@Alex What to do when you’re the trainiee. I like it.
@Jenn Another vote for behavioral emergencies. Challenging topic. Very much in demand.
@Michael I’ll forgive the occasional day or two without a visit. After that, I start to worry.
@MyRTlife OK, I’ll write more assessment stuff if you get to work on that guest post. Get started. …go!
@Timmer All awesome ideas Timmer. I’m going to have subjects for the rest of 2010.
@Sam thanks brau.
@Graeme Your always a great supporter. Thanks for the comment. I’ll keep coming back if you will.
@KG You’re not “just an” anything. Your job is critical and important to the people you serve too! Thanks for your support.
@AJ Errors in medicine is a particular pet subject I like to explore and I should write more about it. Thanks.
@KG2 That’s a great question. Something we all have to face. And it’s a little different each time. So what guidelines should we use to make the decision? good post idea.
@Ben good luck with that paramedic course my friend. that’s a very challenging time. I’m happy to have another reader care of T.H.M.
@Shawn That’s great. Congrats. You’re so right. Learning never really ends on the streets.
@Tom B. Thanks for coming back Tom! See you again soon.
OK, I’m going to go write another post. Who’s next? More comments!
When is 10-39 appropriate and when is it not I also would like to hear your do’s and dont’s on how to drive 10- 39
Steve,
I’d like to hear your thoughts on the recently new (in my area anyway) “detergent suicides”. Along with that ideas/thoughts on assessing unresponsive pt’s in vehicles and occupancies with the possibility of “detergent suicide” problems. At this point it seems a popular way to perform the action picked up from Japan and SOME people are leaving notes warning First Responders.. Let’s hear about size-ups, warning signs, and what we can do to protect ourselves as we continue to help our pt’s… Thanks
Hey! I’m pretty sure I’ve commented before, but it was some time back.
So here goes;
What brings you to the blog today?
–I check the site almost daily for any updates that may peak my interest to read. Right before bed, I check…leaving me something to consider while I try to sleep.
What are you doing right now?
–Listening to some music and winding down from a long day of school and fire calls.
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
– I love hearing the stories from other members of the EMS family. It makes me think about what I can change in my methods to better myself.
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
– I don’t have a whole lot of field experience yet, so as of right now…I prefer to sit on the sidelines and absorb what others have to say.
What would you most like to have me write about?
– I’d love for you to write about how to handle children(1-18) in an emergency. Particularly when they’re involved in a MVA.
What can I do for you today?
–You’ve done enough for me thus far! I used you as a source as part of my graduation project which got me a 95!
–Have a nice day, Steve!
Hey Steve,
I was wondering if there is some sort of clever way to distinguish between Pneumothorax, Tension Pneumothorax, Hemothorax and Pericardial Tamponade when other injuries are a factor also. We just started learning about these yesterday in class and my teacher was giving us vital sign and symptoms asking what was wrong with the patient. Any help or guideline to follow I would greatly appreciate
- CJ Beaudrie
Havent had time to stop by any of my favorite sites lately, spending the afternoon catching up on blogs and forums, just made sure I stopped by here first.
What brings you to the blog today?
ive been searching blogs here lately because i have a complete infatuation with my career and even when im at home i want to be doin my job.
What are you doing right now?
well i got off shift this morning after a horrible, horrible shift and i have been going over the calls in my head as i am a new NREMT-I but the sate of texas is taking its sweet time in certifing me. so while working as a basic emt i think of each call after each call as a Intermediate trying to learn how to mak it happen when i get the patch.
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
anything EMS…i love to learn…thats my goal..
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
my inexperiance and the things i learn everyday from doing skills in the box to things that come to me while laying in bed at night before sleep
What would you most like to have me write about.
anything and everything
What can I do for you today?
today i just need a little self meditation, but thanks anyways!!!….
What brings you to the blog today?
General nerdiness.
What are you doing right now?
Research for a post on tachycardia frameworks.
What do you most want to talk about with other EMT Spot readers?
I really enjoy the discussions centred around working in a positive atmosphere. The non-conformist’s guide is a very excellent book and I have sent it to many people (EMS or not).
If you wrote for The EMT Spot what what would you write about?
Sleep hygiene. Healthy sleep tips.
What can I do for you today?
Keep on doing such a great job!
Hi Steve. For new EMT’s / Ambo’s I think the best thing they can learn about is assessment skills. One of the things which I had to pick up from many sources when I had just started was patient assessment priorities and what to look for. Learning how to be thorough, to follow a logical sequence and to intervene and start treatment before continuing on with the assessment ( a patient who is cyanosed will appreciate oxygen before the complete secondary survey has been completed- yes I have seen someone do this). The more practice at thorough assessment on stable patients, the better you will become at picking up something out of the ordinary when it does appear. So greater emphysis on assessment. Thanks, Pete.