Have you ever been to a hospital or doctor's office and felt uncomfortable or unheard?
If so, you understand the importance of good bedside manners. In the world of emergency medical services, time is of the essence. When every second could mean the difference between life and death, it's easy to focus solely on the technical aspects of providing care and forget about the human element. However, good bedside manners are just as important as clinical competency when it comes to our patients.
Having good bedside manners is essential in building trust and rapport between you and your patients. Patients who find their healthcare professional empathetic, compassionate, and caring often report higher levels of satisfaction and better clinical outcomes. As first responders, you will be in close proximity to the patient, and it is important to offer comfort and reassurance in this time of need. Addressing their fears, concerns, and anxieties in a respectful manner can go a long way in your treatment of that patient.
Patients often feel vulnerable and scared when they are away from the comforts of home. In these situations, it is essential to advocate for the patient's needs, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being.
As an EMS professional, we play an important role in advocating for our patients. Advocating means speaking up for our patients when they are unable to do so themselves. This could mean explaining a patient's medical history to hospital staff, advocating for appropriate medical treatment, or helping your patient understand their diagnosis and treatment plan.
It also means treating all patients with the same level of care and professionalism, regardless of their background or perceived prejudices.
Patients who feel heard and respected by their healthcare providers are more likely to trust their care, follow treatment plans, and achieve better outcomes.
Being an emergency medical technician can be a tense and stressful job. However, managing your own stress level and maintaining a positive attitude is crucial in creating a calm and reassuring environment for your patients. Patients who are in an emergency medical situation are often experiencing high levels of fear and anxiety. A compassionate, caring, and approachable healthcare professional can help alleviate these symptoms and provide comfort to the patient.
Lastly, good bedside manners help to promote a culture of care and compassion within the healthcare community. When we treat our patients with empathy and understanding, we set a positive example for other healthcare professionals to follow. By prioritizing the well-being of our patients above all else, we can create a more patient-centered approach to healthcare that benefits everyone involved.
If you want to learn how to be a better patient advocate and increase your bedside manner skills, I highly recommend the book IMPROVING HEALTHCARE THROUGH ADVOCACY: A GUIDE FOR THE HEALTH AND HELPING PROFESSIONS. This innovative book will appeal to students in nursing, and public health as well as those working in the health field. The case examples are phenomenal. It is by far the best advocacy book I have seen.
Diving into the world of emergency response can be exhilarating, daunting, and everything in between. But remember, you're never alone in this journey. To ensure you're equipped with the latest tips, suggestions, and camaraderie, there's no better place to be than with your peers. That's why we invite you to join our Facebook group so wittingly called, After AVPU. It is dedicated to medical first responder knowledge. Here, the exchange of information is limitless, and you'll find discussions that directly address how to polish your skills and learn from others' experiences. Click the link to fly straight into our caring community. Connect with fellow first responders and elevate your skills today!
Have the best day!
#affiliatelink #advocateforyourpatients #greatbedsidemanner
Medication math can be a challenging task, especially for those who aren't confident in their mathematical abilities. However, it is an essential skill for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who need to administer medication to their patients. Ensuring the correct dose of medication is crucial for both pediatric and adult patients.
Determining the correct dose starts by calculating the patient's weight. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2. For example, if a patient weighs 150 pounds, they would weigh approximately 68 kilograms (150 lbs / 2.2 = 68 kg).
Calculating the correct dose often involves using milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). This means that the dosage is based on the patient's weight in kilograms. For instance, if the desired dosage is 2mg/kg and the patient weighs 50kg, the total dose would be 100mg (2 mg/kg x 50 kg = 100mg).
Knowing the correct dosage and route of administration (e.g., oral, intramuscular, intravenous) for each medication is crucial as well.
Once you have determined the correct dose, calculating the required volume is necessary. To calculate the volume, you need to know the strength of the medication, usually measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Divide the mg/kg dosage by the medication's strength to obtain the required volume. For instance, if the medication strength is 5mg/mL and the patient's mg/kg dosage is 2, the required volume would be 0.4mL (2 / 5 = 0.4 mL).
While weight is a primary factor in medication dosages, it's important to consider other factors such as age, medical history, and current condition, which can also influence the correct dosage. In some cases, adjustments may need to be made based on these factors.
Medication errors can have serious consequences, so it is crucial to be vigilant. Always double-check your calculations and utilize tools like calculators or dosing charts when available. It's also helpful to have a partner double-check your calculations. If you are unsure about calculating the correct dosage, seek clarification or guidance from healthcare professionals, rather than guessing.
The best book on the market I found so far is Kaplan's EMS Dosage Calculation it provides clear concept review, practice questions, and detailed explanations to help you master the math you need to correctly administer medications. Whether you're an EMT or a paramedic, this practical guide provides expert advice for learning and practicing dosage calculation.
Mastering medication math is an essential skill for healthcare professionals. Correct dosage and volume are vital for safe and effective medication administration. While it may seem overwhelming initially, with practice, it becomes more manageable. By following these tips, you can ensure that you are administering medication safely and effectively, ultimately promoting the health and well-being of your patients.
Diving into the world of emergency response can be exhilarating, daunting, and everything in between. But remember, you're never alone in this journey. To ensure you're equipped with the latest tips, suggestions, and camaraderie, there's no better place to be than with your peers. That's why we invite you to join our Facebook group so wittingly called, After AVPU. It is dedicated to medical first responder knowledge. Here, the exchange of information is limitless, and you'll find discussions that directly address how to polish your skills and learn from others' experiences. Click the link to fly straight into our caring community. Connect with fellow first responders and elevate your skills today!
#affiliatelink
Sleeping is essential for staying healthy.
Dah, no kidding right.
So many of us forget that quality sleep is equally as important as good nutrition and regular exercise. You are doing that right?
We are a group of people who often suffer from sleep deprivation. The nature of our job exposes us to high levels of stress, we have unpredictable work schedules, and long work hours. Let’s explore how sleep deprivation affects us, and what we can do to improve our sleep quality.
Increased risk of accidents:
Lack of sleep can be detrimental to anyone, but for first responders who operate heavy machinery or perform life-saving tasks, the result can be catastrophic. Individuals with sleep deprived often experience reduced reaction times, lack of concentration, and poor decision-making, all of which put them and the people they are trying to save at risk of injury or death. The lack of alertness also puts us at risk of accidents while working long shifts behind the wheel of an ambulance.
Impaired cognitive function:
Sleep plays a critical role in cognitive function, and chronic sleep deprivation can lead to several cognitive issues such as loss of memory, confusion, and difficulty with creativity and problem-solving. All these can affect our ability to make quick and precise decisions, which can make all the difference in the world when saving someone's life.
Mental Health Issues:
Working in an emergency service can lead to a variety of mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These issues are only compounded by the lack of sleep, as sleep deprivation can further amplify the negative emotions and stressors we have endured. Poor sleep quality can also exacerbate many physical symptoms associated with mental health conditions, such as fatigue and cognitive decline. How many EMS folks do you know that suffer from some form of illness. Whether it be inflammation or
Reducing Sleep Deprivation:
Improving the sleep quality of first responders is essential for our overall health and wellness. Here are a few tips on how you can get better sleep quality:
- Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
- Creating a calm and quiet sleep environment
- Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants before bed
- Developing healthy sleep habits to wind down after work and manage stress
Grab our guide that offers more tips and tricks with a little something extra special for you. Then come back here and get the tools that will help you.
Sleep deprivation is a real issue, especially for first responders and EMS personnel. The consequences of sleep deprivation can have severe impacts on our overall health and wellbeing. It is essential that we take the necessary steps to improve our sleep quality, thus reducing their risk of accidents, cognitive decline, and mental health issues. Improving sleep hygiene, developing healthy habits, and seeking help where necessary can all go a long way towards ensuring that we receive the quality sleep needed for effective service to our communities.
Now go get some rest.
Diving into the world of emergency response can be exhilarating, daunting, and everything in between. But remember, you're never alone in this journey. To ensure you're equipped with the latest tips, suggestions, and camaraderie, there's no better place to be than with your peers. That's why we invite you to join our Facebook group so wittingly called, After AVPU. It is dedicated to medical first responder knowledge. Here, the exchange of information is limitless, and you'll find discussions that directly address how to polish your skills and learn from others' experiences. Click the link to fly straight into our caring community. Connect with fellow first responders and elevate your skills today!
Journee and Lisa
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel perform critical life-saving work during emergencies, but their job doesn't end there. Once they arrive on the scene, medical personnel have to treat patients, transport them to a hospital, and keep detailed records of every step of the process. Documentation is an essential aspect of EMS because it provides accurate information about the patient's condition and medical history. Let's explore the top five reasons why documentation is essential in emergency medical services.
1. To track patient care
One of the most crucial reasons for documentation is to track and maintain a record of the patient's care. Medical personnel document information about vital signs, medical history, initial assessment, and treatment provided. This information acts as a medical history of the patient and helps the medical staff provide better care, especially if the patient is unconscious or unable to provide necessary medical information.
2. To communicate with other medical personnel
To ensure that there is a smooth transition of care between the EMS team and hospital staff, accurate and timely documentation is crucial. By documenting every detail from the scene, the hospital staff can understand the medical condition of the patient and provide better care. The information available in the patient's documentation helps the medical team make informed decisions and provide the best possible care.
3. To avoid legal liability
EMS personnel may be held legally accountable for the treatment provided to the patient. Documentation provides a record for the medical team, and it also protects medical personnel against legal suits. The documentation acts as proof that medical staff followed the standard protocols and best practices throughout the treatment process.
4. To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment
EMS personnel need to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment provided to the patient. Documentation helps medical personnel identify areas that require improvement and helps EMS personnel make evidence-based decisions about the treatment provided. In the long run, this information helps EMS personnel provide better care and improve the overall quality of their services.
5. To ensure accurate billing
Last but not least, thorough and accurate documentation helps ensure proper billing for medical services provided. EMS personnel must document all essential medical details and procedures to prevent inaccurate billing. EMS services such as ambulance transport, equipment usage, and medical procedures require accurate documentation for proper billing purposes.
EMS personnel have a challenging task that includes saving patients' lives while maintaining detailed records and documentation. The documentation process may be tedious but is essential in emergency medical services. It helps medical personnel maintain a detailed record of the patient's condition, communicate with other medical professionals, track patient care, avoid legal liability, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and ensure proper billing. By valuing documentation, EMS personnel can provide better care and improve the quality of their services.
Perfect Practice makes Perfect
If you are looking for the easy button, (I mean who wouldn't want that), grab the 911 template here that we use every single time, yes every single time we write our PCR report. You're welcome.
Lisa and Journee
Become a Superhero EMT | What You Need to Know
Are you ready to take the leap and become an Emergency Medical Technician?
OK, let me get VERY real here, at first, it will freak you out. But don’t stop reading because you will have great people to get you there, I promise!
We are the unsung heroes of every community. First to respond to emergencies, providing medical care and often saving lives.
If becoming an EMT really sparks your interest keep reading. I will give you the ins and outs of what you will be required to know.
I’ve been in this business for over 20 crazy, great years. It is my passion and I want to turn it into your passion. It gets in your blood. Even those who have moved on say they would love to come back and at least do it occasionally. This is such a rewarding job and I would love to see you succeed.
In about 6 months’ time you will learn what it takes to do the job of an EMT. You will spend time both in the classroom and out in the field grabbing great experience from veteran EMT’s.
To effectively do the job, EMTs embark on a journey of learning about the intricate workings of the human body. You will dive into a comprehensive exploration of the body systems including the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems. Then gain insights into the essential organs and how they function. By mastering the basic fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, EMTs are equipped to provide timely and accurate assessments and treatment to patients in need.
You will learn how to provide basic medical care for patients. From taking crucial vital signs like blood pressure and pulse to providing effective wound care, mastering these essential skills will save lives. EMTs also must gain knowledge and expertise in administering key medications such as epinephrine and nitroglycerin. Acquiring a solid foundation in basic medical care treatment measures can truly be the game-changer in any patient's critical situation.
You will discover the abilities that EMTs master to save lives. From CPR to utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED), these techniques are vital when a patient's heart ceases to beat. Additionally, EMTs acquire the knowledge to effectively manage a patient's airway and breathing, providing life-saving assistance in choking or drowning emergencies.
You will learn how to ensure a patient's airway stays clear and unobstructed which is vital in emergency situations. As an EMT, your training will equip you with the skills to assess and prevent blockages in the airway. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively open a patient's airway if it becomes blocked.
EMTs use a variety of medical equipment to help us provide care for our patients. This includes backboards for immobilizing injured patients, pulse oximeters for monitoring oxygen levels in the blood, and neck braces for stabilizing neck injuries along with other important tools. Knowing how to use them properly can help EMTs provide the best care possible.
If you've ever dreamed of becoming a superhero in your community, becoming an EMT could be the perfect path for you. EMTs are skilled in both basic and advanced medical care, from understanding the human body to performing life-saving procedures. If you're eager to become an EMT, you can start by looking into training programs offered by your local community college or fire department. Get ready to be prepared for emergencies and make a real difference by saving lives.
How’s that for what is expected?
See you next time and have a great day!
Lisa
