Volunteer as an EMT

And it’s gonna be a doozy. We have 5 practicals, 3 exams and then the state exam. I’ll probably have to take the National Registry exam as well, since I never know where I’m going to be sent. Lots of studying to do and I’m at the point where I’m tired of sitting in class.

Don’t even feel like I want to do this anymore, but truthfully, I think it’s just fleeting—last night we had my much-less-than-favorite instructor, and she sorta sucks the joy out of it for me. Next week, one of my favorites is back, so that will be cool.

I’m also working standby for a community fair this weekend, which ought to be fun. Hopefully not a lot of action, but probably some first aid and little things, and I get to know some of my squad.

Took the exam and was one of the few who passed—the rest will have to retake the test later. It wasn’t that the test was so hard, it was just written weirdly and covered 10 chapters. I’m pretty good at academic tests and I found myself reading a question and thinking “What did they just say?”

Onto Trauma Emergencies next. . .

Have a big practical plus exam this Sat. Big because it covers 10 chapters – aaack! Basically, it’s all the medical calls, allergies, drugs, diabetes, births, etc. The “gynecological emergency” chapter was hysterical – out of 30 people, only 5 of us are over 20 (and we’re WAY over), the rest of the class is 16-19 years old. We start covering birth and the looks on their faces kept making the teacher laugh. They were appalled at the whole process, ROFL!

Just finished cardiac & respiratory emergencies, and we’re onto everything that can go wrong when you’re on an ambulance. . .abdominal injuries, diabetic emergencies, etc. etc.

I’m keeping up with the reading, but I really ought to be working on it more. Thing is, I know perfectly well that nothing goes by the book in real life, so you just have to learn every time you respond.

Just finished the big Scene Safety & Patient Assessment module. Everyone in our class passed the test on the first try. Apparently, this is rare enough to warrant a call to the head of the program at 10p from our instructor. :D

Took the 2nd test on airway & breathing, and did very well, so I’m pleased with that. About a third of our class has dropped out, not sure why.

Onward to Scene Safety & Patient Assessment!

Got an 88% on my first test. Some of the questions were worded strangely, and most in the class missed those, so I don’t feel badly about that.

We’re into airway & breathing, one of the most important sections. If you can’t get them breathing, nothing else matters.

I’m learning just enough to scare myself. My instructor says once I start riding, it goes away. I hope so.

Tomorrow is our first test in EMT training. It is becoming apparent that I’ll do fine on the written exams, but I’m going to have to practice more to do well on the practicals. I had a lot of trouble taking blood pressure. Everyone I took seemed to come out the same. On the other hand, 3 people told me I had no pulse. LOL

Just needs more practice. :)

Had our first class last night. Got about 20 pounds of books and a schedule. Found out that the test is just written, no practicals, which seemed weird. There are “skill evaluations” done by your individual squads, so I think that’s roughly equivalent, but still seems odd that the written test is state/national level and the practicals are local level.

And they wonder why there is a problem with emergency response coordination in this country.

My first EMT class is tomorrow night. I’m getting nervous.

I’m sure I’ll feel better once the class really gets going.

T.