The Knowledge Library
Assessing For Nystagmus
Sometimes, when we don't wee immediate value in an assessment tool, we decide to stop using it and … [Read More...]
Understanding The SAMPLE History
The SAMPLE history usually comes up in the first few weeks of EMT class. It's such a widely accepted … [Read More...]
17 Ways to Become an Awesome EMT in 2012
Want to become more awesome in 2012? Here are 17 places you can start: 1) Start Checking Out Your … [Read More...]
From The Blog
Protecting Your EMS Longevity
Longevity wasn't something I thought too much about when I was in my twenties. As a new EMT my older, more experienced counterparts seemed to have lots of advice about protecting my long term career viability and I appreciated their input. But I rarely took their advice. Now it's my turn to be the older, more experienced prehospital provider. It's time for me to take my stab at the longevity … [Read It All...]
Do They Have Decision Making Capacity?
It’s an important and sometimes, surprisingly, challenging question. Lots of things can affect our decision making capacity. Our patient’s ability to understand and make decisions is an important aspect of our patient assessment. It also has a great deal of bearing on how smoothly our interactions with them will progress and just how many options we want to offer them for consideration. Our … [Read It All...]
What Is An EMS Non-Conformist?
An Excerpt from The Non-Conformists Guide To EMS Success The allure of conformity is powerful for all it offers. On the other side of the conformity dance floor is security, approval, and all the benefits of eventual success. Why wouldn’t we waltz? Doesn’t everybody? Perhaps that desire within us to do something that matters can be fulfilled after we’ve gained the promotions, the love … [Read It All...]
Crowd Sourced Wisdom – The Secret to Great EMS Care
I'll admit it. My very favorite posts are the ones written by the readers. I love the idea behind crowd-sourced wisdom. I enjoy putting a question out there and listening to the many varied responses. The funny and the unique, the poignant and the economical, I like them all. I'd like to make all my posts crowd-sourced in one way or another. (And I probably would if it wasn't so much work.) So … [Read It All...]
Suicidal Evaluation: The DEAD PIMP Assessment
It's a difficult situation that just about every EMS provider has been faced with at some point. Someone, somewhere thinks a friend or loved-one wants to commit suicide and they call 911. You arrive on scene to find a healthy looking patient who is adamant that they have no desire to harm themselves or anyone else. They don't want to go with you. And now, you're faced with a challenging … [Read It All...]
#17 Recognize the Remarkable
On January 20th, 2007, a middle aged unassuming man walked into the L"Enfante subway station in Washington DC, just as the morning rush hour was beginning to fill the station with busy morning travelers and took a spot near a mural wall. Clad in a baseball hat and sweatshirt, he took out his violin and began to play before the empty case, inviting those passing by to contribute a dollar or two to … [Read It All...]
What Readers Are Saying