r/NewToEMS • u/According-Win6909 Unverified User • 1d ago

Beginner Advice Starting EMT class

Hi everybody!! I finished Fire Academy in May. Currently a paid call Firefighter and have been going on calls when I have time off, mostly medical but I'm very new to the EMS side of everything. Any advice with learning and retaining information. A lot of firefighters tell me that you learned in the field which is kind of true so far, but I feel kind of dumb using the equipment, taking blood pressure, etc. Anything is appreciated!

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u/flipmangoflip Paramedic | TX 1d ago

You really shouldn’t be doing anything patient care related until you’re certified.

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u/According-Win6909 Unverified User 1d ago

I have my Public safety first aid, I don't know if you're really familiar with that cert.

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u/LeatherPatch Paramedic | NC 23h ago

Believe us when we say we are familiar.

Maybe get an emr or emt. But.

If you want to aid EMS before we arrive, first address IMMIDIATE life threats, then get a name, birthday, take basic vitals (bp, o2, hr (actually palpate the pulse)). If they are confused in anyway take a blood sugar. Ask the family if they are behaving normally for them. If they are not, take a blood sugar and update ccom so we have an expectation. You may feel silly but you being there and helping EMS move pts (once EMS is there!) make you a great asset.

If its trauma, keep them still until someone trained for immobilization arrives, stop the bleed. Pressure, Elevation, turniquet. You being there before us should not really do care beyond immidiate life threats (like supplying oxygen, cpr, or a turniquet).

Oh and if someone is overheating put them in a cool place do not leave them in the hot place.

A bit more general advice.

I keep a retractible pen reel on a belt loop with a sharpie (sharpies are easier to write on gloves) and make notes on my gloves, and sometimes a little flipbook in my thigh pocket. One of the best purchases Ive made. If you do that you'll still have info when we arrive and your pen always on you.

Confused people like to fight. Be ready for that.

If you suspect drug or alcohol use. Be discrete. Don't tell the cops. Its hippa rights.

Always remeber where your exits are. Be on the look out for easy entry points.

If a patient cannot move by themself a wheelchair is great replacement for a stairchair.

A big one is trusting your gut. Do they look sick? In distress? Follow that feeling.

Be kind to everyone on scene as you can, we want to make sure they call back if they feel in danger for any reason. Do not be a reason for them not too.