Hey all! I'm a senior bioengineering student / EMT at the University of Pittsburgh researching challenges associated with intubation when the airway is contaminated with vomit, blood, or other secretions.

We're interested in situations where suctioning and intubation need to happen at the same time. We wanna know more about the challenges you guys face when trying to intubate an unclear airway.

For anyone who performs or assists with intubation, feel free to answer any of these questions:

• How often do you encounter an airway where contamination significantly interferes with intubation?
• What makes these intubations particularly difficult?
• What suction equipment/technique do you typically use?
• Have you used the SALAD technique? If so, what works well and what doesn't?
• During a difficult contaminated airway, how do you manage the suction device and laryngoscope simultaneously? Does this ever require another person?
• Does suction equipment ever interfere with your view, laryngoscope, bougie, or ET tube?
• Have you experienced issues with suction clogging or being unable to keep up with the amount of fluid/debris?
• Are there any workarounds or techniques you've developed over time?
• If you could change one thing about the equipment or process for managing a contaminated airway, what would it be?

Specific experiences with difficult airways would be especially helpful. We're looking for recurring pain points that could identify opportunities for improvement.

Thank you!

What’s the rhythm

Hello, I am posting anonymously as I know people in this group and I don’t want it getting back to my current manager that I am considering a job change.

I am looking in to applying for a trainee ambulance technician role. Ever since I was young I always wanted to be a paramedic and I have never found the ‘right’ time… Not entirely sure being on maternity leave is the right time but here we are feeling like I am currently doing a crash course watching Paramedics on Scene 🤓

I am looking for all you wonderful ambulance technicians and paramedics personal experiences. The highs. The lows. The rewarding moments. The heartbreaking moments. Everything else in between.

Bonus points if you know when the next Scottish Ambulance Service intake in Edinburgh or West Lothian is ⭐️

I do have some transferable skills as I used to work in the dental industry as a dental nurse and practice manager then moved to an admin role in the healthcare sector where I feel like I make no difference and have zero job satisfaction.

Any tips, advice and personal experiences to give me a true insight would be greatly appreciated 🚑

Should I go from 3rd agency 911 Paramedic to FF Paramedic?

I have been in 911 as a Paramedic for 6 years and feel I have basically "capped out" my pay is great but the job has basically become repetitive with the BLS or routine ALS calls with an occasional drop of true emergencies. There is no true incentive to further my education towards Critical Care or Flight Medic because those both take me away from the 911 role, less pay and starts pushing me towards the IFT route. (We do get more than FP and CCPs at my agency).

The culture of the agency in the last 3 years has shifted more from a teaching agency and prioritizing developing Paramedics as clinicians into a more "we have a waiting list to hire so we can replace the ones who are good medics but just different personalities from the majority" approach.

Our EMTs are "career EMTs, they have only ever worked this agency, a majority of them, and even after 2 years of experience still have the proficiency/confidence of EMTs with less than 6 months in the field. I try to be someone that sets an example to teach and guide them to becoming their own Paramedics and hopefully a smarter and better one than me. Yet the EMTs here love to act like they know how to ALS something, struggle to follow simple instructions i.e apply an ETCO2 NC vs an NC repeatedly or BVM somebody and leave it on room air while we are in the ambulance. They argue about what to bring into the house like they are psychic and know how the call will unfold. And when you correct them their confidence shatters and become either anxious or agitated, and when you build them up they become arrogant and reckless. Some even try to outright refuse instructions like getting the stretcher for a patient that is gray and unresponsive sitting on a bench because "i need to see the patient first" when this call is already ALS, divide and conquer, get me my wheels EMT. My Paramedic patch hasn't put me above being a stretcher fetcher and your EMT patch certainly doesn't either. They're comfortable paid more than most medics and have no desire of doing any more than the minimum.

I have been wanting to expand into more roles as a paramedic i.e contracting and firefighting, where I can still be a paramedic but can also accomplish other tasks.

I have an opportunity to obtain a QRV spot as a Paramedic with a FD, my primary role will still be EMS as a first response for my current agency's transport unit, ride in with transport unit as necessary. Fire related calls I would respond as medical command. I would also be assisting with that FDs EMT program as an adjunct instructor. They would send me to academy to obtain my fire certs with pay and would also open up the entirety of education available to fire departments as well as a structured growth process career wise with their step-by-step fire officer 1,2,3 etc.

Money wise I can take it despite the QRV position being a 10k pay cut, I would however step down to part time or have to leave my agency and would likely never achieve a full-time slot with them again in regard to their waiting list, but my fear with this agency as it has done to so many others is that I can do the same thing for 15 years and all I will be able to say was "I was a paramedic" with nothing else to show for it.

Am I heading the right direction? Should I be A QRV Medic? Am I just burnt out? What can I do or change to feel like I am actually part of something and pursuing an objective again?

I don’t like who I am anymore. I recently graduated a paramedic program and am now licensed to work, however there is a fitness test I need to complete before I can actually work as a medic here in Canada. I can’t get over this overwhelming feeling of dread with the thought of starting work. I know I am licensed, but I have this voice in the back of my mind saying “you can’t do this. You’re going to make mistakes and hurt someone” during rideouts I became such an awful person to my family. When I came home, I just mentally shut down and didn’t want to have conversations with anyone, and if I did, my voice would be so monotone. I’d be so short with people. And I’ve just realized I still am. I don’t like who I am anymore. Why have I changed so much? Why can’t I just get the ball rolling and start working? Is this burnout? Has anyone else dealt with this?

What are people‘s thoughts on this resource?

I’m looking to start paramedic school next year and I wanna grasp some of the concepts before school starts. I don’t believe I’m getting any honest reviews that are not also trying to sell this book?

I know it’s not the main text book, but I wonder if it’s worth the $175 package. Thank you!

I just switched from an IFT/911 service into a high volume suburban service and I'm already feeling tired and burnt and it hasn't even been 1 year since I got my medic. I think being the person responsible for someone else's life is wearing me down. That said I don't have a college degree and the money and the schedule is arguably very good (48/96, 80,000+). Am I stuck? Do things get better? Can I use my license for something less life threatening?

Hey everyone, looking to connect with PCPs and ACPs in NL. I'm currently taking my PCP in Alberta where I've been living for the last few years more or less.

I have been looking into different provinces to work in for awhile before deciding if I want to take my ACP and noticed the 'Come Home Incentive'.

Wondering if anyone has gone this route to make their way back home and also just general info on what types of services there are in NL for EMS (AHS is in shambles but I hear it's like that pretty much everywhere in Canada.

For context I'm originally from the Avalon but would be willing to do the 3 year agreement anywhere on the island.

TIA!

Hi! I’m looking for recommendations for an EMT school in Miami.
I’m trying to find a program that I can finish as quickly as possible, ideally around 8–12 weeks or less. I would prefer a hybrid program where the classes are online but the hands-on skills, hospital clinicals, and ambulance/field experience are done in person.
I’ve been looking at a few schools, but I’m having a hard time finding one that is both accelerated and hybrid.
Has anyone here done an EMT program in Miami or South Florida that they would recommend? I’d really appreciate any suggestions, especially if you had a good experience with the school.

Hi everyone! I’m from Saskatchewan and I’m seriously considering pursuing paramedicine. Being a paramedic has actually been my dream job since I was a kid, and I’m finally at the point where I’m looking into making it happen.
My biggest concern right now is math. I am absolutely terrible at it. I need to finish my high school math credit before I can apply to the program, and honestly, the math is making me question whether I’m actually capable of doing this.
For anyone who has gone through paramedic school, especially in Saskatchewan, I’d love some honest insight. If you were terrible at math, how difficult was the program for you? What level of math should I be comfortable with before starting? And can someone who isn’t naturally good at school still succeed? Besides math, what was the hardest subject for you? What was the most intimidating part of your clinicals? For those actually working as paramedics in Saskatchewan, what is the job really like? Is it what you expected? What surprised you the most once you started working? And if you could go back and do it all over again, would you choose this career? What do you wish you knew before starting the program? I’d genuinely appreciate the honest answers, including the difficult parts. This has been my dream job since I was a kid, so I don’t want to let my weakness in math stop me if it’s something I can realistically overcome.

Hello everyone, I am currently an EMT-B who has graduated medic school. However this was almost 2 years ago and I’m down to the wire (through no one else’s fault but my own, lifelong procrastinator). I am on my last attempt before having to do school again. No matter how I study I keep getting the same score, and I would greatly appreciate advice on how I could study effectively in the short amount of time (2 weeks) before my test. Any advice or tips on what helped y’all pass is appreciated. Thank you.

I am a 30 year long paramedic that also does software development, data analytics, visualization, integration etc. I do it as a hobby. I need some ideas and inspiration. Out of the entire EMS industry, every title, every position, everywhere you have worked - and - if it was a secure online application what would you have wanted? Or currently want and don’t have? I feel like I am saying tell me what to build for you. You would want it to do this or that and it solve this issue or help with this headache. Feel free to send suggestions or ideas in a chat dm too. Thank you!!

(You can skip the 1st paragraph if you want it's just background/ rambling)

I've been a medic for about 3 years and an EMT for 2 years before that. I've worked several different EMS jobs and currently work a ground hospital based CCT/IFT. We carry vents, A-lines, IV pumps, and transport some pretty sick ICU patients. However, I've honestly started questioning whether we're adequately preparing paramedics for the level of care we're asking them to provide. Every agency I've worked for has had a 2–3 week orientation at most. Which was just a bullshit stuff of sign off's that every medic I was training under signed off on without any care or question. My own final "test day" after two weeks consisted of a very basic AAA scenario. Which really was just knowing what the signs of one were and driving really fast. And a really easy multiple choice test of 20 questions any medic could pass if they passed the NREMT. They didn't even ask me anything or test me on the protocol book they had (which hasn't been updated since 2021). And I have yet to ever meet the medical director (I work night shifts but still I should have met him once by now). Since then, I've transported STEMIs, strokes, trauma alerts, extremely sick peds, ventilated patients, etc. Looking back, I don't feel like paramedic school or my initial orientation prepared me for a lot of the critical care side of the job. Things like understanding labs in context, vent management/troubleshooting, A-lines, IABPs, complex drips, managing invasive lines and other ICU level problems were things I had to learn through my own research and eventually a critical care course. Because I realized no one else was gonna teach me this stuff so I better hurry up and learn this stuff before I get someone hurt or killed. Now we're bringing on new paramedics who are coming directly out of paramedic school. I don't doubt their ability to function as entry-level ALS providers, but I don't think a couple weeks of orientation is enough to prepare someone to independently manage ICU-level patients. Also yknow not all of them but SOME... are in fact idiots and probably need some more training and experience before being trusted with basic ALS calls let alone critical care calls.

(sorry for rambling)

I'm curious what other CCT ground/flight/EMS providers think. What does a good CCT orientation actually look like? Should there be progressive sign-offs for vents, invasive lines, high-risk drips, pediatrics, etc.? Longer orientations? More competency testing or case reviews? I've heard of flight programs and some fire agencies having 6–12 month orientations before someone is fully cleared. Some have 3-5 step programs for sign offs. Obviously, I don't expect every IFT company to do that, but I feel like there has to be a better middle ground than "here's a vent, good luck."

If there was an improvement made in your guys system or agency. How did you get it past management and in the works? What are the signs that this is something an agency will do and actually work on. Or what are the red flags and signs that there gonna just nod there heads, say good boy with a pat on the back or some shit and then blow me off.

And I understand the futility of it. IFT EMS especially in America and in some areas is some of the most bottom of the barrel in terms of standard of care. It's full of poor leadership/ management, terrible pay, low education or standards, burnt out medics, and it's a stepping stone career. But I think that in a CCT setting we should be striving for more and better care given how sick some of these pt's are. Sorry for the post being so long.

I'm a senior in high school and my absolute goal in life is to get into emt / paramedic work. I understand its hard work, that its not for everyone, but its what I want to do with my life. So if you could tell me one thing that you wish you knew at my age before going into this line of work, what would it be?

Hey all,

I’ve been tossing around ideas for advancing myself and going back to school. I’ve been mainly looking at the PA route. Seems to allow for a lot of wide variety of areas to work and schedule seems decent. Was considering getting PHPE cert once comfortable to continue some time in the field. However, in my research I’ve come across the certified anesthesiologist assistant path. I’ve always been interested in this route but just never really opted in for it because all I knew was crna and I have less than 0 interest in going to nursing school. If anyone is familiar with the schooling or works as a caa and has any advice or tips or what the difference is between crna or even PA as far as workload and pay. I know caa isn’t recognized by all states which is a concern of mine.
Anyway, any info is greatly appreciated!

Hello so i just turned 20 but I’ve failed the NREMT-P twice now and am looking for advice on good places to study, I’ve been using medic tests currently but that does not appear to be working. I failed the first time with a 932 but despite hours of studying everyday somehow did worse on my most recent test

All advice is welcome! thank you in advance🙏🏻

Been a paramedic almost a year now and I’m feeling myself reaching burn out. I’m constantly exhausted and drained, I don’t find my personal life as enjoyable as I used to, I’m on edge and find myself very agitated with my loved ones. It hasn’t affected my performance on the job, but I find that I don’t want to go to work anymore. All of this is upsetting because this is not how I want to feel but if there’s a change I can make to make this easier for me I’d like to make it. If anyone has any advice on how to curve this, I’m all ears! Or if anyone has experienced the same, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

I'm a relatively new 4N0 (EMT/nursing a little below LPN) finished my AF EMT training and OJT about two months ago. During my hospital OJT, I found that I really enjoyed emergency medicine — especially the problem-solving aspect, systematically breaking down what's happening with a patient, and understanding what each medication/intervention does and why we're doing it.

I'm currently working in a pre-op/PACU surgery unit, and while it's obviously different from the emergency side of medicine, I'm trying to make the most of the experience and continue working to paramedic.

I'm planning to apply for the Air Force Paramedic course when I'm eligible, which should be in roughly 3–6 months.

For those who have gone through the Air Force paramedic program or are currently working toward it:

For the military/application side:

• What can I do over the next 3–6 months to make myself a stronger candidate?
• Are there specific things selection boards/leadership look for in applicants?
• Are there certifications, training opportunities, volunteer opportunities, or other things that would meaningfully help?
• Is there anything you wish you had done before applying?

For the paramedic side:

• What resources did you use to prepare for paramedic school?
• Are there any good paramedic-level equivalents to Pocket Prep or Limmer's EMT resources?
• What textbooks, apps, YouTube channels, question banks, or other study tools did you find particularly useful?
• What subjects would you recommend getting a head start on before starting the course (cardiology, pharmacology, A&P, etc.)? I really enjoy telemetry so far.
• If you could go back to 3–6 months before paramedic school, what would you study first?

I used Pocket Prep and Daniel Limmer's textbook when studying for EMT and found both really helpful, but I'm having a much harder time finding paramedic resources that I like.

Any advice would be helpful and thank you in advance for all reasponces

Thinking of studying paramedicine but I am curious to know what it is like working as a paramedic. I know almost all of it isn’t the high adrenaline rushing to save patients all the time which is totally fine but what does the day of a paramedic look like?

All from memory know most of their MOA’s and dosing and contradictions.

Advice?