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on March 16, 2011

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You Make the Call - Document THIS

Ah, you all have gotten used to not having a weekly challenge, so let's get back to basics. How about the different ways to describe skin? Instead of being crazy like some of my lab proctors in college finding the most exotic and disgusting photos, I'll send along one of my own. I know I have already turned a few stomachs with the photos of my burns, but that was about pain control and had to be done to make a point. There is no point in this. Unless of course, you have no idea how to describe this wound in writing. Yes, that was a challenge. You may ask questions as to specifics not clear in the photo, but having the wrist and hand in the picture gives all the info you need for size, color and location. I have been known to add a little of my college education to a PCR narrative or two, but only when sure. So when I awoke this morning with the following mark on my forearm and my daughter asked what it was I told her and she wrinkled her face. So my question to you is, how...

Get it out now

I have decided too many in this field use the phrase "You call, we haul, that's all." So I have declared that today, January 22, 2010 is the last day we are allowed to say that, unless you have a side job in the refuse industry or possibly driving a tow truck. Your new slogan is "You hurt, we flirt. You lyin', someone might be dyin'." It is not against the law, nor outside of your responsibilities to inform persons when their injuries or illnesses are untreatable by you and your staff. Nor is it against the law or outside your responsibilities to tell the truth when they ask if they should have called you. I have been known to remind clients that a baby could be choking nearby but they will die because their paramedic resource is here putting your swollen wrist in a towel from your kitchen and frozen vegetables from your freezer while all your college buddies watch from the couch. "I didn't know what to do so I called you guys, is that wrong?...

A Tip of the Helmet - Cleveland says "No"

It was reported this morning in the Cleveland Paper the Plain Dealer that Cleveland EMS will start rejecting minor calls for service unless the system is able to handle it. Writer Mark Puente reports: "This is a huge step for Cleveland," EMS Commissioner Ed Eckart said. "This is a step back from a long-standing culture in this city." And indeed a long standing culture in America on whole. I have a call into the Commissioner to get more details on the nuts and bolts of this move as I would love to know how we all can enact this kind of common sense in our own EMS systems. Now before everyone starts wringing their hands about what is going to happen, take the time to read through the comments on the story, many of which claim to be written by local responders. As you start to write your comment about the referred ankle pain that could be presenting as a silent MI, keep in mind that as you transport that "maybe" call, the actual crushing chest pain that IS ...

Blink. Blink.

After racing lights and sirens for a first party unconscious person, up three flights of stairs and into an open apartment: "Did you report a life or death emergency?" Blank stare from occupant with coat and bag. "No, I called 911."

Chronicles of EMS Caption Contest

All right all you twitter folk, I heard your call for the contest and I'm stepping up. We're having ourselves a little caption contest. Mr Setla, my producer, and ninja trainer, over at the Chronicles of EMS posted some teaser photos of a brand new series in the works called Chronicles of EMS: A Seat at the Table. This new web series is an exciting project we're working on to open up the dialogue in our profession in a way that's never been done before. As a result, we've been testing and experimenting with topics, light and film and this photo is a screen shot of one of those tests. So you're wondering what I'm saying? Let's hear it. Caption this photo. CONTEST RULES You can comment as many times as you like and offer as many entries as you like. All entries must be here at the Happy Medic blog in the comments of this post. I am the judge and will choose the one that makes me the happiest. Entries must be made before 10 PM pacific time Februa...

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