“I’m Only An EMT Basic”

I’m so sick of hearing this phrase. If I could banish any phrase from the EMS lexicon this would most certainly be the one. I heard it today when I posted a question on Twitter, “How much do you really know about ACE inhibitors?” I asked.  The first reader reply, “Not much since I’m only an EMT Basic.” Ouch. I get stomach pains when I hear that.

I want to make a bonfire out of all the worthless phrases in our vocabulary and throw, “I’m only a …” right on top.

Since when was an understanding of out patients medications an advanced skill? Since when is medical knowledge of any kind an advanced skill?

Somewhere along the way we started giving EMT Basics the idea that anything that isn’t contained in their EMT textbook is somehow beyond them. It’s patronizing. “Here you go little EMT dude, here’s the basics. Don’t move on to anything more complicated, you could hurt yourself.” That’s just ridiculous.

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EMS, Social Networks and Beer Bongs

Many of my regular readers are newer EMTs and paramedics. Since you all are accessing my stories from my blog and rss feed, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most of you are somewhat internet savvy. I want to give you a friendly piece of advice. (That’s what this is all about right?)

I know some folks aren’t going to like hearing this. America is the land of the free and we don’t like people suggesting that we should limit our self expression in any way. But I’m saying this for your own good. I’m looking out for you here.

Clean up your internet presence.

There. I said it. Continue Reading…