Saturday, August 28, 2010
Rename my Blog
OK I need a new name for my blog...Any suggestions or ideas? Nothing negative please. So start thinking away and shoot me your thoughts.
The future of paramedicine
Take a look back 5 years ago; remember ACLS back then? Amazing how its changed. Look at all the advances in technology we have and the tools we have at our disposal. It is an exciting time to be practicing prehospital medicine...Or is it?
Yes I've griped about education and I am a firm believer in education. There is however, a darker trend that seems to be creeping into our world. Maybe I've just been oblivious to the fact but it is something that seems to becoming more and more prevalent. Do you remember when you first started into this field? Do you remember why you started in this field? Did you have an individual who for no personal gains take you under their wing and guide you along your path? Do you remember when everything clicked? Wasn't it a great feeling? Not only did you feel accomplished and dare I say proud that you made it through and helped someone in need? Isn't it amazing to see that look on someone else's face when it clicks for them?
I feel that society has warped some folks in the prehospital world. That mentorship which was an important part for so many of us early on isn't there any more. There are a handful of individuals out there that still feel like I do and want to see this field grow and mature but it seems many have fallen victim to society. "It's all about me and forget everybody else." People often times forget their humble beginings. Why is it that when someone either gets a title or is the "senior" medic on shift they develop medial caudal rectal supression?
It seems that priorities have shifted, money is the priority or it's all about "me", and in some instances they Hypocratic oath seems to be an elective in medical school. Am I saying all practitioners are money hungry heartless bastards? No I'm not; I'm blessed to work with some wonderful individuals doing a job that many people still want to do. Not only that but I get to see students from the begining of their training up till graduation and see how they have learned and developed new skills and confidence. I guess what I'm getting at is many people need to face that individual in the mirror and take a good hard long look at themselves and see if they can find that young, eager and scared half to death person they were years ago and remember how things were then.
Yes I've griped about education and I am a firm believer in education. There is however, a darker trend that seems to be creeping into our world. Maybe I've just been oblivious to the fact but it is something that seems to becoming more and more prevalent. Do you remember when you first started into this field? Do you remember why you started in this field? Did you have an individual who for no personal gains take you under their wing and guide you along your path? Do you remember when everything clicked? Wasn't it a great feeling? Not only did you feel accomplished and dare I say proud that you made it through and helped someone in need? Isn't it amazing to see that look on someone else's face when it clicks for them?
I feel that society has warped some folks in the prehospital world. That mentorship which was an important part for so many of us early on isn't there any more. There are a handful of individuals out there that still feel like I do and want to see this field grow and mature but it seems many have fallen victim to society. "It's all about me and forget everybody else." People often times forget their humble beginings. Why is it that when someone either gets a title or is the "senior" medic on shift they develop medial caudal rectal supression?
It seems that priorities have shifted, money is the priority or it's all about "me", and in some instances they Hypocratic oath seems to be an elective in medical school. Am I saying all practitioners are money hungry heartless bastards? No I'm not; I'm blessed to work with some wonderful individuals doing a job that many people still want to do. Not only that but I get to see students from the begining of their training up till graduation and see how they have learned and developed new skills and confidence. I guess what I'm getting at is many people need to face that individual in the mirror and take a good hard long look at themselves and see if they can find that young, eager and scared half to death person they were years ago and remember how things were then.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Another distance education opportunity
Just finished reading a JEMS article this month and found that the University of Pittsburgh offers a BS in Emergency Medicine through their School of Health & Rehab Medicine. I've put the link below for your curiosity. Also just a heads up you would have to attend the senior seminar on campus in Pittsburgh but hey it's the only time you have to go on campus.
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/embs/
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/embs/
Friday, July 16, 2010
Where are we going?
Needless to say its been an interesting ride so far with all the changes our class and campus has been through. I am please to see that many of you are getting more involved with the class and securing the future of the program.
I would like to see some form of a BS degree available in the state for emergency services. Our class is very unique and everyone has grown to know each other quite well since last fall. Many of you have discussed with me what your future plans are and I could not be happier for each of you. My only request is no matter where you go or how far up the ladder you climb do not lose yourself or forget where you came from. Many folks once they have some form of power forget their humble beginings. Always do what's right for the patient, stand up for your partner and your crews as long as they are in the right.
Guess I really don't have much else to say that I haven't put in an email at like 0200. Stay safe.
I would like to see some form of a BS degree available in the state for emergency services. Our class is very unique and everyone has grown to know each other quite well since last fall. Many of you have discussed with me what your future plans are and I could not be happier for each of you. My only request is no matter where you go or how far up the ladder you climb do not lose yourself or forget where you came from. Many folks once they have some form of power forget their humble beginings. Always do what's right for the patient, stand up for your partner and your crews as long as they are in the right.
Guess I really don't have much else to say that I haven't put in an email at like 0200. Stay safe.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What to do what to do
Well to the small mass that follow this crazy thing we all know what bit of info was given to us a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure I'm sticking my neck out but hey I want what's best for the student's and the possibility of a future program. I want to help out as much as possible but I am limited in what I can do given my role as a faculty member.
I can help put something together whenever we meet again if you'd like but I can at least provide statistics that may help...
I can help put something together whenever we meet again if you'd like but I can at least provide statistics that may help...
- 3,336 certified paramedics are certified in Indiana at the end of the 2009 final quarter (source IDHS)
- Indiana has a population of approximately 6.4 million (US Census)
- I am unable to find numbers but Ivy Tech has the most amount of available training sites for EMS, IUPUI also has a medic program. While some hospitals are able to maintain their programs the fact is that since the state mandated accreditation there are less and less training institutes.
- I feel that a college level education with EMS is essential to advancing the career of the individual as well as the profession itself.
- If Indiana passes licensure for paramedics, then there is no option WE must have a college degree to become licensed. I'm not counting those folks who are "old timers' that will be grandfathered in.
- Looking back at the numbers of paramedics; most of them are in the larger metropolitan areas and there are very few in the rural setting. I consider our surrouding area as rural despite Bloomington being a decent sized town.
I'm at a loss for anything more than this, if you have ideas or thoughts let me know.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Support Indiana House Bill 1153
I'm sure many a folk are sick of this one. House Bill 1153 would change paramedics from being certified to licensed. I feel that this would be a huge step for us not only in Indiana but as a profession. I am uncertain when this matter will go for a vote this year but please find out who your house representative is and write them to support this bill.
Those representatives who are from the central part of the state whose areas were impacted by the flood I feel would be more than happy to support this bill, so remind them of our dedication and sacrifice many of us had to make during that time. There is a link to the Indiana General Assembly below.
http://www.in.gov/legislative/index.htm
Those representatives who are from the central part of the state whose areas were impacted by the flood I feel would be more than happy to support this bill, so remind them of our dedication and sacrifice many of us had to make during that time. There is a link to the Indiana General Assembly below.
http://www.in.gov/legislative/index.htm
Monday, February 8, 2010
More higher education opportunities
Ok so I found some more options of getting a BS, MS, and even a PhD. The link is through FEMA and the areas of concentration are either Homeland Security or Emergency Management. A good portion of these are online and accredited. The link is:
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu/collegelist/
Hope this helps out. I can forsee these areas being a "critical needs" in the future and there will be opportunities in government, civlian, and education settings.
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu/collegelist/
Hope this helps out. I can forsee these areas being a "critical needs" in the future and there will be opportunities in government, civlian, and education settings.
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