STAT213

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Posts posted by STAT213


  1. Those violent reactions usually occur when the drug is given too fast via the IV route. I haven't seen it happen when given IN.

    Like ALL drugs, narcan must be given carefully, with good judgement and when indicated.

    I think we're forgetting an important fact though. The issue is respiratory depression. This is easily managed by any BLS trained provider. You don't need a magic drug to fix it. You need a BVM.

    Ga-Lin, Medic137, Bnechis and 1 other like this

  2. Finally. After months of teasing us, our new protocol is here. We will no longer be using backboards. Even for patients with spinal injuries. Collar and stretcher only. A fantastic evidence based change for EMS. MY favorite line in the new protocol...backboards have no place in the transport of injured patients. Or something along those lines. If we use a board for removal or extrication, the patient is to be removed from it once they are on our cot. FANTASTIC, isn't it!?

    Here's the (somewhat cheesy) rollout video from our bureau of EMS.

    eddie295 and KFIYL2000 like this

  3. I'm all for a good parade. I care about two things when it comes to them.

    1) Behave like a professional. Don't do anything to embarrass the uniform you are wearing.

    2) Ensure that your town/district has proper coverage. Parade in your reserve piece or a non specialty piece. I. E. don't take your only aerial or heavy rescue two counties away leaving your constituents without coverage that they have paid for and expect. Same goes for manpower.

    Other than that, have at it!

    Bnechis, BFD1054, bigrig77 and 2 others like this

  4. NH has a TASER protocol. Standing orders for removal of barbs.

    Also lists contra indications for removal.

    Very straightforward protocol. Does rely on the police to call us, of course.

    Viewable on our state EMS website.

    http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/fstems/ems/advlifesup/patientcare.html

    As I've mentioned before, our protocols up here are the best I've worked with. Very forward thinking, evidence based where possible and provider driven. Worth a look.

    antiquefirelt and Dinosaur like this

  5. I've worked in upstate NY (Syracuse) and in NH. I've never seen the need for AWD ambulances. Gotten along fine with good tires, patience, some hiking and the occasional plow truck/SUV for some really snowy days.

    As for gas, yes diesel may last longer, but Diesel engines HATE being run the way we run them. And, most of our ambulances never get into the range of mileage where long lasting comes into play. Any ambulance you work on have 500k+ miles??

    The new diesels cost more, fuel costs more, they are expensive to maintain and don't hold the advantage they once did. Fleet managers are clearly looking at gas again.

    Just my .02.

    Dinosaur likes this

  6. What's horribly ironic is that the quint/midi concept was a cost saving measure that cut the number of firefighters and companies; from what I remember quint/midi houses were actually engine and truck houses with 8 guys total that then went to 6. And now, it was sold as look look, we're getting back to true engines and trucks. But once again, manpower was cut. Houses that had 6 now have 4.

    EMTbravo likes this

  7. Who will be dispatching EMS? Still the local PD's? Or are they coming into this new center as well?

    When I worked over there, we were dispatched by 201, 301, 401, etc. It was not an impressive system. You were lucky if they answered the radio when you called. It was clear their priority was the PD. Not knocking them for taking care of their own, but EMS got left out.