Concepts in EMS Leadership: Value is invaluable.

Is there ever a day where you’re at work and your boss comes in, goes directly to his or her office, and you never see them for the rest of the day?

Are you a supervisor, manager, or leader of your agency who comes into work and goes right to your daily duties without hesitation?

Are you or do you know a field training officer or preceptor who educates, but doesn’t appreciate?

I remember back when I first became attracted to the idea of riding in an ambulance, taking care of the sick, dead, and dying, wanting to make a difference in people’s lives. After all, that’s what attracted most of us to this profession; helping people. There was nothing sweeter than the thought of coming into someone’s life in a moment where they need someone to provide a blanket of comfort; the calm in turbulent seas.

For myself, I started as a volunteer. I took the time to go through the training, the EMT-Basic class, the drills, etc. It was all very invigorating and exciting to be part of a community organization and serving the public. I had the privilege of serving with some talented individuals who were willing to walk beside me and add value to each other and the mission we upheld.  That was almost 7 years ago, and as the saying goes: The rest is history.

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But it’s Just a Broken Nail!

Written By Brandon Oto

    One of the most common topics of debate in this business is something that should be simple. When is it okay for a patient to refuse transport to the hospital?

    On the face of it this is a strange dilemma. When is it “okay”? What does that even mean? When is it okay to have Milano cookies and a bottle of Scotch for dinner? I don’t know. Leave me alone.

    The chain of reasoning goes something like this. People call 911 because they have problems, and they don’t know how bad those problems are. By and large, we — the EMTs and paramedics on the ambulance — don’t know either. We don’t have the training or the tools to truly rule out major problems. So the only safe thing is to take the patient to the hospital. There, tall men with white coats, eight years of medical training, large expensive machines, and extensive liability insurance can decide if the patient is dying or not.

Okay. In some ways, that makes sense.

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