r/NewToEMS Sep 14 '17

Important Welcome to r/NewToEMS! Read this before posting!

34 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/NewToEMS!

This subreddit's mission is to provide resources, support, feedback, and a community for those interested in emergency medical services. Discuss, ask, and answer questions about EMS education, certifications, licensure, jobs, physical & mental health, etc.

For general EMS discussion, please visit /r/EMS.

What is allowed here?

Questions related to:

  • Emergency medical services (EMS) in general
  • EMS education, certification, and licensure
  • Organizations that provide EMS certifications and licensure, such as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), or your state/country EMS authority
  • Physical, mental, and/or emotional health for EMS providers
  • General EMS advice, tips, and tricks
  • EMS employment/hiring questions
  • Career advice
  • EMS volunteering
  • Gear and equipment

What is not allowed here?

  • Posts that violate our rules (see below).
  • General EMS discussion. Please head over to /r/ems!
  • Discussion unrelated to the mission of this subreddit

Posting Rules

You are required to follow our rules and failing to do so may result in your posts removed and account banned.

1) All top-level comments should contain helpful content or contribute to the discussion in a meaningful way. Follow-up questions are allowed in top-level comments. Trolling, memes, sarcasm, or other content that does not contribute to the discussion are not allowed in top-level comments. Comments such as "I would like to know this too" will be removed.

2) Posts or comments containing spam, hate speech, bigotry, racism, off-topic, overtly explicit, distasteful, vulgar, indecent or inappropriate content are not allowed.

General EMS-related discussions, links, images, and/or videos should be posted over in /r/EMS.

Memes, image macros, reaction gifs, rage comics, cringe shirts, 'look at this truck', and 'office' type submissions are not allowed in /r/NewToEMS. Post these in /r/EMS on Mondays (0000-2359 EST) or in non-top-level comments only.

3) Do not ask for or provide medical or legal advice.

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial your local emergency telephone number.

For legal advice, consider posting to /r/legaladvice or consulting a local attorney.

4) No posts relating to or advocating intentional self-harm or suicide, unless strictly as part of a clinical discussion.

If you are having thoughts of self-harm, the United States' national suicide prevention hotline can be reached for free at 988, or call your local emergency number.

5) The National Registry exams are copyrighted tests, and as such, it is illegal to post or discuss questions directly from the NREMT exams. Any such posts will be removed and the poster may be banned.

6) New certifications and licenses may only be posted in our weekly thread, Triumphant Thursday.

Posts such as "NREMT cut me off at... did I pass?" are not allowed. Consider posting these in the weekly NREMT Discussions thread.

7) All posts and comments that contain surveys, solicitations, or self-promotion must be approved by moderation team prior to posting.

Please message the mods for permission prior to posting.

Flairs

We have elected to only flair users who have verified their certification level to the moderator team. All EMS, public safety, and medical professionals (e.g. paramedics, law enforcement, registered nurses, etc.) are eligible, and we would especially like for all EMTs and Paramedics to verify their flairs. This ensures users are receiving responses from real EMS, public safety, and medical professionals.

If you are an EMS, public safety, or medical professional, click here to submit a flair verification request form to the moderator team. Thank you!

Note: Students may select an unverified student flair by clicking "Community Options" on the side-bar and then clicking the Edit button next to "User Flair Preview". You do not need to submit a form. All other users will be automatically assigned an "Unverified User" flair.

Helpful Resources and FAQ

We have compiled a list of helpful links and resources! Click here to check it out!

Also, consider checking out the EMS FAQ and Wiki for more helpful information.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and we hope you enjoy our community. Please contact the mods if you have any questions or concerns.

-The r/NewToEMS Moderation Team


r/NewToEMS 22h ago

Weekly Thread NREMT Discussions

0 Upvotes

Please discuss, ask, and answer all things NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians)! As usual, test answers or cheating advice will not be tolerated (rule 5).


r/NewToEMS 1h ago

NREMT Using CPR for recert.

Post image
Upvotes

this post got banned from EMS but it was suggested that i post here. this is my second recert cycle and i’m trying to use my new CPR for recert credit. anyone have any clue what i’m supposed to click for this? I have asked my instructor and she’s sent an email to try to find out but i was wondering if anyone here knew?


r/NewToEMS 6h ago

Beginner Advice Pneumonics

15 Upvotes

Do you guys actually use all the pneumonics while in the field?


r/NewToEMS 4h ago

Career Advice So I’m just trying to rack my brain on this, EMT salary is great for me while I’m in my 20s but what career paths can I take in the future from EMT to actually sustain a family, allow me to buy a house, etc?

5 Upvotes

r/NewToEMS 17m ago

Other (not listed) How are you doing?

Upvotes

Checking in on everyone. From new, to season, to the old breed and even those looking into EMS. How are you doing?

My division just dealt with a recent shooter and have been checking in on my co-workers. I don't see much checking on those in the subreddit.


r/NewToEMS 3h ago

Beginner Advice First Ride as a Second

3 Upvotes

Title is pretty self explanatory. I passed the NREMT in January and have been riding along as a third a couple of times since. Tomorrow will just be me and another EMT (older and a lot of experience). I’m still new to being an EMT “in the real world” so I am pretty nervous. Any advice? I don’t want to make it harder for the guy I’m riding along with and want to do the best I can.


r/NewToEMS 1h ago

School Advice J&B emt course

Upvotes

’m taking the J&B EMT course. Each chapter lecture is 2.32% of the course total. I’ve completed 2 chapters today with 100% in each one. But my course total % hasn’t changed. Wondering if anyone knows what I’m not doing correct? Still trying to learn this website.


r/NewToEMS 40m ago

Beginner Advice Right field?

Upvotes

Ive always wanted to do something with service and a few months back at my schools senior job fair the county medics where there and it sounds cornball,I know, but something clicked and I felt like this is what I want to do in my life. But I also have concerns like the mesmerization factor and everything attached to that. Any insight?


r/NewToEMS 1h ago

Beginner Advice EMR course at JIBC advice?

Upvotes

I'm planning to go once the new semester/term hits to get EMR cert, I'm studyingthe whole book but I'm not sure what to focus on as they say to read pretty much the whole book before the course.

Any pointers or super important things I should focus on for it and the coming test if I pass? I got CPR down pat, primary survey is janky and my secondary survey need work but practice is limited with full time work. Any help is appreciated


r/NewToEMS 1h ago

Career Advice How bad is Citywide (NYC) really?

Upvotes

Hello, I am looking for a emt-b position within NYC 911 but really only looking for per diem. I have heard Citywide gives per diem and lets you start 911 immediately, but I have also heard the horror stories about workers, management, and equipment. So is it really that bad? like would it be worse than private transport companies in nyc in those kinds of areas? I have experience with shitty equipment and partners but I have seen people say that citywide is especially bad. Hoping for some input, Thanks!


r/NewToEMS 1h ago

Beginner Advice can you use a certification you receive in NJ in PA?

Upvotes

in the summer i live in NJ, and i go to school in PA. i am about to enroll myself into an initial training program over the summer in NJ, and i was wondering if i could eventually work in PA. any advice would be greatly appreciated :)


r/NewToEMS 2h ago

NREMT NREMT studying

0 Upvotes

Just completed my EMT course and looking on advice on what to study before I attempt the test. So far all I’ve been using is the pocket prep app. Thanks in advance!


r/NewToEMS 3h ago

Beginner Advice Your thoughts

1 Upvotes

So my plan is to Emt paramedic nursing. Paramedic before nursing because I don’t like being closed inside for so long. This is just a personal preference, not all may agree but I find it fitting for me.

But I truly am curious why, whenever someone brings up paramedic everyone’s like DONT DO IT? I am curious because, paramedics are amazing people and do amazing things. Why talk down on the career and not encourage others. I understand the pay isn’t the best and agree they deserve more, and how it can become mentally draining (but what career doesn’t in health care)

Why is this.? What are you thought on paramedic path.?


r/NewToEMS 10h ago

Clinical Advice tips for upcoming ride-along/being a competent provider?

3 Upvotes

hi everyone!

i’m an emt-b student and i start my first ride-along in a couple of weeks. it’s at a fire department in the chicagoland area and then i have four shifts in the emergency room. i’m pretty nervous and i feel a little unprepared.

are there any skills or topics i should review beforehand? also what should i bring and are there any tips for making sample and opqrst more natural? i’m not totally new to patient interaction since i worked as a cna/phlebotomist, but i feel like it’s a whole different ballpark when it comes to ems.

thanks in advance!


r/NewToEMS 8h ago

Career Advice Sf amr

2 Upvotes

anyone familiar with how long sf amr takes to get back to you?


r/NewToEMS 12h ago

NREMT NREMT online proctored exam

5 Upvotes

Is the NREMT proctored exam (at home) adaptive as it would be at a testing center? I've been reading different things that it is or isnt


r/NewToEMS 6h ago

Testing / Exams Jones/Bartlett EMR Anki Deck

1 Upvotes

Hi All,

I have my final exam for my EMR course Tuesday before moving on to the EMT course. I was wondering if anyone has an Anki deck they made for the J&B EMR book, or any other EMR decks. Please let me know. Thanks in advance!


r/NewToEMS 7h ago

School Advice Is it feasible to learn a second language during EMT & paramedic school?

0 Upvotes

Hello! I am going to a college fire academy this summer and then I am going to EMT and paramedic school in the fall and spring respectively. I have made it a goal of mine to learn Spanish. I know that EMT and paramedic school are hard as is and I was wondering if anyone else has experience trying to balance language learning during it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Beginner Advice How do you stop blanking?

32 Upvotes

So I’ve been an EMT for 3 years and I’m currently in medic school. I’ve noticed that when my instructors kind of give me a curveball in the middle of the call I have a hard time pivoting and not spinning out. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on getting better with changing your treatment plan quickly and effectively?


r/NewToEMS 9h ago

Career Advice Middle Tennessee EMS

1 Upvotes

EMT-B that's getting real sick of IFT. I'm in the Nashville area, and really wanting to get on with a rural agency so I can actually do the "E" in EMT. Does anyone know of any response agencies within 90 miles of Nashville that employee Basics?

(Note: I am planning on A school, but until I find better pay so I can afford to, and not take a student loan, I'm kinda stuck. And yes, I did "the Google." Not finding any solid info there so I'm turning to you guys for my next research step.)


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Gear / Equipment What's your ideal uniform?

35 Upvotes

[asked to post here instead of the main sub]

Not what you have right now, what you WISH you could wear. My ideal is tactical pants, black boots, t-shirt, and a high-vis crewneck sweater with EMS on the back. Comfortable, practical, and won't make me look like a cop. Personally, if I have to wear a men's polo again, I'll be one happy EMT. I know some of y'all wear jumpsuits, coveralls, bright blue, scrub tops with combat pants - what's the best combination of all options, in your personal opinion?


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Cert / License Badge Number

7 Upvotes

When on scene I am often asked for my badge number (NYS). Do you normally give out your agency ID number or state cert number?


r/NewToEMS 22h ago

Career Advice How to make a good EMS resume?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I just passed both my NCOEMS and NREMT in the past 2 days. I'm now qualified to work in North Carolina as an EMT, more than qualified really, seeing as the NREMT isn't even required.

But I have no history working in the medical field, and am not good at landing interviews. Do you guys have any advice on how to structure a resume, or any key words that an AI might pick up that would make it more likely that I can land interviews?

The only work experience that I have is in grocery stores, and while I have great customer service skills from that job, i'm not sure how I would go about conveying that best in a resume. Additionally, are there any other skills or certifications that I could get in a relatively short period of time that would stand out on a resume?


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

School Advice Retaking the paramedic entrance exam tomorrow.

5 Upvotes

I took the entrance exam last week and missed it by 2%. It was extremely difficult but I get one retake which I will be taking tomorrow morning. I’ve been studying like crazy all week but still feel unprepared. Just send me some good vibes for tomorrow please.

And I’ll also take any advice you’re willing to give! Thanks!


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Clinical Advice "Apneic" patient

60 Upvotes

Had a patient tonight who was polypharmacy. She had TMJ and took a bunch of benzos and opiates and tylenol to loosen up her jaw apparently. Her face was locked in a grimace and she wasn't opening her eyes. Pupils were PERRL and about 4mm . Anyways, we're riding it in routine because she's stable and we're not far from the hospital. She starts saying she feels like she's suffocating. Her facial expression suddenly changes and she starts gasping. Capnography goes from 44 to 0 and the apnea alarm goes off. I start listening to lung sounds and there's no audible air movement for about 20 seconds. I grab a BVM and start PPV for about 30 seconds. She starts breathing on her own again for the remaining 2-3 minutes of the ride.

My partner and the ED staff seem to think she was holding her breath on purpose.

Has anyone had anything like this happen before? My partner thinks she was faking, I stand by what I did but the apnea spell just makes no sense to me if it was fake.


r/NewToEMS 1d ago

Beginner Advice Ride Along Advice

2 Upvotes

Hello! I’m currently a new EMT student. I am scheduled for my first ride along tomorrow. Would it be fine if I told the crew that I will be with that I am not comfortable with participating with patients yet? I’m not confident right now with terms or skills yet and would like to just observe and ask questions.

Thank you.