I do not know if I ever mentioned before, but each Battalion is responsible for one of two items: A bronze bell, and our class flag. EMT is responsible for the flag, and fire is responsible for the bell. If you lose either item (leave it unattended), you have to earn it back.
Well....last week, we lost the bell and today was judgment day. It was our responsibility to come up with a fitting punishment to earn the bell back, and let me say...it was definitely a tough assignment that we came up with.
Today, for PT...we did a dressing drill on the tower. Definition....Up and down the tour, each time putting on one piece of gear.
#1. Getting our gear to the top of the tower
#2. Left fire boot
#3. Right fire boot
#4. Bunker pants
#5. Nomex hood
#6. Bunker coat
#7. SCBA Airpack
#8. SCBA Face piece
#9. Left fire glove
#10. Right fire glove
#11. Helmet
#12. Get our gear bags and sneakers
In all, we ran 12 towers........which was all we did for PT besides stretching.
The remainder of the day was spent learning about ropes and knots....clove hitch, half hitch, overhand safety knot, figure eight, figure eight on a bite, figure eight on a follow through, becket bend, bowline......I must admit that I'm not too bad at knots.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Week 11: Day 1
Today, we learned all about "Fire Behavior." We covered areas that address what a fire is made up of, combustion, the hidden dangers of smoke, flashover, backdraft, etc. It was a very LONG and DRY lecture. Once everything was covered, things got a little more interesting though. We went out to the burn pad and watched some demonstrations, where a miniature house that had been constructed was lit on fire and used to show how to starve and feed a fire, create a backdraft and so on.
All in all....it was a LONG day....but nothing too exciting happened.
All in all....it was a LONG day....but nothing too exciting happened.
State EMS Certification Test - Update
I received the results from the EMS Test over the weekend. The State provides your score, the high score out of everyone that tested, and the low score.
I passed all of the skills/practical stations, and passed the written test with the highest score (92%).
I am officially an EMT - B
I passed all of the skills/practical stations, and passed the written test with the highest score (92%).
I am officially an EMT - B
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Week 10: Day 5
0700 PT in the weight room. It was probably the fastest pace and the hardest I've worked out in the gym.
We then had the Assistant Dean for the Fire Science Dept from an area Community College. He spoke to us about career advancement and educational requirements.
If I wanted to go get a degree in Fire Science, I would have to take about 36 credit hours (no general education requirements since I already have a degree) and depending on my grade in the courses, the County would pay for the entire thing.
All in all...it was a low key day to wrap up a very hectic week. I am glad that the weekend is here....but unfortunately it is going to be a busy weekend also.
WEEK 10 COMPLETE.....15 WEEKS TO GRADUATION!!!
We then had the Assistant Dean for the Fire Science Dept from an area Community College. He spoke to us about career advancement and educational requirements.
If I wanted to go get a degree in Fire Science, I would have to take about 36 credit hours (no general education requirements since I already have a degree) and depending on my grade in the courses, the County would pay for the entire thing.
All in all...it was a low key day to wrap up a very hectic week. I am glad that the weekend is here....but unfortunately it is going to be a busy weekend also.
WEEK 10 COMPLETE.....15 WEEKS TO GRADUATION!!!
Week 10: Day 4
No PT...too much to get through.
We ran more maze drills, except this time one recruit went in the entrance to the maze and another recruit went in through the exit. We met up in a large room where we ran through drills, connecting each others air back up, to our air supply, etc.
We also ran some dressing drills in which we would get dressed, jump into the engine, put on our SCBA and seatbelt to simulate getting ready to respond to a call. For midterms, we have to do it in 1 min 45 sec. For finals, we have to do it in 1 min 15 sec. My first time, I misunderstood one of the things we had to do, but was able to complete it in 1 min 36 sec. After clarifying some of the things we had to do, I was finishing around 1 min 4 sec.....so as of right now, I do not need to worry too much.
Towards the end of the day, we went up to the police shooting range and prepared to be exposed to CS (tear) gas. The purpose of the exercise was to show us (without causing permanent damage) what it is like in a toxic/dangerous environment and the effects of popping your regulator in order to breath. If you do so in a fire, you will breath in superheated gases that can damage your respiratory system, either killing you or leaving you wishing you were dead. It also shows us what victims are going through waiting for us to save them. The exposure wasn't the greatest...but it wasn't horrible. Breathing CS gas in, it completely takes your breath away and causes you to violently cough. All exposed skin begins to burn. Water and cool air help slightly...but the effects wore off after about 20 minutes. We then cleaned everything down in order to decon our gear.
We ran more maze drills, except this time one recruit went in the entrance to the maze and another recruit went in through the exit. We met up in a large room where we ran through drills, connecting each others air back up, to our air supply, etc.
We also ran some dressing drills in which we would get dressed, jump into the engine, put on our SCBA and seatbelt to simulate getting ready to respond to a call. For midterms, we have to do it in 1 min 45 sec. For finals, we have to do it in 1 min 15 sec. My first time, I misunderstood one of the things we had to do, but was able to complete it in 1 min 36 sec. After clarifying some of the things we had to do, I was finishing around 1 min 4 sec.....so as of right now, I do not need to worry too much.
Towards the end of the day, we went up to the police shooting range and prepared to be exposed to CS (tear) gas. The purpose of the exercise was to show us (without causing permanent damage) what it is like in a toxic/dangerous environment and the effects of popping your regulator in order to breath. If you do so in a fire, you will breath in superheated gases that can damage your respiratory system, either killing you or leaving you wishing you were dead. It also shows us what victims are going through waiting for us to save them. The exposure wasn't the greatest...but it wasn't horrible. Breathing CS gas in, it completely takes your breath away and causes you to violently cough. All exposed skin begins to burn. Water and cool air help slightly...but the effects wore off after about 20 minutes. We then cleaned everything down in order to decon our gear.
Week 10: Day 3
0700 PT. We did the combat challenge in full gear while wearing SCBA.
We then went out to the burn pad to do more dressing drills, emergency SCBA operations, confined space, etc. I've learned my way around the maze and what to do, so it isn't nearly as bad as it was initially. The pace has changed quite a bit though....now when we go through, instructors disconnect our air, unstrap our air packs, unclip our helmet, sound our alarm on the air pack, shut off the tank, etc....sometimes all together and sometimes just one thing at a time. You have to remain calm and go through emergency procedures to check what is wrong with the air pack in order to be able to breath, or you have to pop your regulator and drop to call out a "mayday."
We also had our faces covered and had to run through similar drills, where they would disconnect our air and someone else had to reconnect it (also blindfolded), and vice versa. This was all done to get us confident in ourselves and our air packs.
We also had to do some pushups while in full gear.....not that I particularly enjoy pushups...but adding 50 lbs of weight and doing pushups is even less fun.
We then went out to the burn pad to do more dressing drills, emergency SCBA operations, confined space, etc. I've learned my way around the maze and what to do, so it isn't nearly as bad as it was initially. The pace has changed quite a bit though....now when we go through, instructors disconnect our air, unstrap our air packs, unclip our helmet, sound our alarm on the air pack, shut off the tank, etc....sometimes all together and sometimes just one thing at a time. You have to remain calm and go through emergency procedures to check what is wrong with the air pack in order to be able to breath, or you have to pop your regulator and drop to call out a "mayday."
We also had our faces covered and had to run through similar drills, where they would disconnect our air and someone else had to reconnect it (also blindfolded), and vice versa. This was all done to get us confident in ourselves and our air packs.
We also had to do some pushups while in full gear.....not that I particularly enjoy pushups...but adding 50 lbs of weight and doing pushups is even less fun.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Week 10: Day 2
0700 PT and then the weight room.
After the weight room, we went down to the burn pad for dressing drills with SCBA. We spent a few hours doing that, then went on to "BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS." We went into the maze (confined space) and also learned escape tactics if we were ever trapped in a room.
First things first....the maze is INTENSE. You are army crawling through most of it, with your full gear and air tank on. Everything is PITCH BLACK and you are relying on your sense of touch to get through. Areas are cramped and sometimes you have to completely turn around to go feet first down some drop-offs.
The escape tactics addressed how to get out of a room that you cannot access the windows or doors. If you are asking yourself "how the hell do you get out?".....it's simple. KICK OUT THE DRYWALL and go through to the next room. There are certain maneuvers in order to fit through studs. We practiced these moves and went through a standard 16" stud opening...and then for fun, we tried (and I was successful) in getting through an opening about 10." The rule of thumb (generally) is that if you can get your helmet through, the rest should follow.
After wearing an additional 45(ish) lbs all day today, I am exhausted/fatigued.
Tomorrow is going to be even worse......they are going to be disconnecting our air while we go through the maze. It is either panic.....or fix the problem.
After the weight room, we went down to the burn pad for dressing drills with SCBA. We spent a few hours doing that, then went on to "BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS." We went into the maze (confined space) and also learned escape tactics if we were ever trapped in a room.
First things first....the maze is INTENSE. You are army crawling through most of it, with your full gear and air tank on. Everything is PITCH BLACK and you are relying on your sense of touch to get through. Areas are cramped and sometimes you have to completely turn around to go feet first down some drop-offs.
The escape tactics addressed how to get out of a room that you cannot access the windows or doors. If you are asking yourself "how the hell do you get out?".....it's simple. KICK OUT THE DRYWALL and go through to the next room. There are certain maneuvers in order to fit through studs. We practiced these moves and went through a standard 16" stud opening...and then for fun, we tried (and I was successful) in getting through an opening about 10." The rule of thumb (generally) is that if you can get your helmet through, the rest should follow.
After wearing an additional 45(ish) lbs all day today, I am exhausted/fatigued.
Tomorrow is going to be even worse......they are going to be disconnecting our air while we go through the maze. It is either panic.....or fix the problem.
Week 10: Day 1
0700 PT.....We ran quite a bit today. Everyone thought we were done and ran hard at the end when they saw the driveway to the Academy. It was right about then when the instructors quickly detoured us down a long driveway for some more running.
After PT, we had lecture for SCBA. We learned all about the components, how to operate it, troubleshoot, etc. Then we moved out to the high bay for some drills with SCBA.
All in all, it wasn't a bad day.....but the week will get MUCH tougher.
After PT, we had lecture for SCBA. We learned all about the components, how to operate it, troubleshoot, etc. Then we moved out to the high bay for some drills with SCBA.
All in all, it wasn't a bad day.....but the week will get MUCH tougher.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Week 9: Day 5
STATE EMT CERTIFICATION TEST.....I will know the results sometime next week (probably mid-week)
Now that EMT is done, we move into Fire starting Monday.
We will begin by learning SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). SCBA is the air pack that firefighters wear while fighting fires and doing overhaul.
Upcoming events include:
Controlled suffocation
Confined spaces and maze
Tear gas chamber
WEEK 9 COMPLETE.....16 WEEKS TO GO!!!
Now that EMT is done, we move into Fire starting Monday.
We will begin by learning SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). SCBA is the air pack that firefighters wear while fighting fires and doing overhaul.
Upcoming events include:
Controlled suffocation
Confined spaces and maze
Tear gas chamber
WEEK 9 COMPLETE.....16 WEEKS TO GO!!!
Week 9: Day 4
0700 PT...and a nice 3 mile run through the woods at a park near the Academy.
After the morning PT, we followed up the day with practicals. You can tell that both recruits and instructors were getting burnt out with practicals as they began to turn into sessions where we would share stories and just converse.
Tomorrow is the big state certification test....EMT is officially over and fire training begins Monday.
After the morning PT, we followed up the day with practicals. You can tell that both recruits and instructors were getting burnt out with practicals as they began to turn into sessions where we would share stories and just converse.
Tomorrow is the big state certification test....EMT is officially over and fire training begins Monday.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Week 9: Day 3
0700 PT followed up with a 4 mile run
Then we had practicals....ALL DAY LONG!!
Nothing exciting happened today.......one more day of practicals left until the State test on Friday.
Then we had practicals....ALL DAY LONG!!
Nothing exciting happened today.......one more day of practicals left until the State test on Friday.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Week 9: Day 2
Today we had our second PT Assessment. I am happy to say that I had market improvements from the last assessment held during Week 2. I improved in every category (sit and reach, pushups, situps, pullups, 1.5 mile run, weight, leg press).
After our PT Assessment concluded, we did practicals. To change things up a bit, we had a scenario out on top of the tower to simulate the real world a little more. We were "dispatched" to find 4 victims. (The victims were 165lb dummies, with instructors present acting as and speaking as the victim). We had to assess, backboard, and carry the patient down the 6 flights of stairs and then give a report to the hospital as what to expect upon arrival of the patient.
More practicals tomorrow......
After our PT Assessment concluded, we did practicals. To change things up a bit, we had a scenario out on top of the tower to simulate the real world a little more. We were "dispatched" to find 4 victims. (The victims were 165lb dummies, with instructors present acting as and speaking as the victim). We had to assess, backboard, and carry the patient down the 6 flights of stairs and then give a report to the hospital as what to expect upon arrival of the patient.
More practicals tomorrow......
Monday, September 15, 2008
Week 9: Day 1
As I said before....this week is going to be filled with practicals. We are practicing the skills we are being tested on for the State Certification Test.
If you are looking for excitement, it won't be posted this week.....SORRY!!
Tomorrow is our second PT Assessment to see how we have progressed during the last few weeks.
If you are looking for excitement, it won't be posted this week.....SORRY!!
Tomorrow is our second PT Assessment to see how we have progressed during the last few weeks.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Week 8: Day 5
Today was the County Test....aka Final Exam. In order to pass, you have to get a 80% and a "Pass" on the practicals.
I am happy to say that my partner and I passed all the practicals on our first attempt, and my written test score was a 95%. The written test is 100 questions that cover the entire EMS course from beginning to end.
For the remainder of the day, we sat around talking with the instructors about what we say in the field and stories that they wanted to share with us regarding what they have seen over the years.
Starting Monday, we will have practicals everyday until Friday, at which point we will take the State certification test for EMT-B.
A story to share.....
One recruit told us about a woman that had to be transported to the hospital. She was a rather large woman that lived in absolute filth. They had to put on tyvek suits in order to enter the house. (A tyvek suit is a protective suit that will keep you "clean" and protect/isolate you). They then lifted her out of her bed and onto a stretcher. Upon lifting her up, her leg split open because of the gangrene that had set in. Upon transport to the hospital, another recruit had the "pleasure" of working with her. He had to elevate her leg for some reason or another. Upon lifting her leg (and smelling a putrid odor) the woman said "if you smell anything, that's urine!!"
WTF!!!!
THE END.
We have finished EMT, with just the state test left. On Monday, Sept 22, we will begin Fire School......
WEEK 8 COMPLETE!!
I am happy to say that my partner and I passed all the practicals on our first attempt, and my written test score was a 95%. The written test is 100 questions that cover the entire EMS course from beginning to end.
For the remainder of the day, we sat around talking with the instructors about what we say in the field and stories that they wanted to share with us regarding what they have seen over the years.
Starting Monday, we will have practicals everyday until Friday, at which point we will take the State certification test for EMT-B.
A story to share.....
One recruit told us about a woman that had to be transported to the hospital. She was a rather large woman that lived in absolute filth. They had to put on tyvek suits in order to enter the house. (A tyvek suit is a protective suit that will keep you "clean" and protect/isolate you). They then lifted her out of her bed and onto a stretcher. Upon lifting her up, her leg split open because of the gangrene that had set in. Upon transport to the hospital, another recruit had the "pleasure" of working with her. He had to elevate her leg for some reason or another. Upon lifting her leg (and smelling a putrid odor) the woman said "if you smell anything, that's urine!!"
WTF!!!!
THE END.
We have finished EMT, with just the state test left. On Monday, Sept 22, we will begin Fire School......
WEEK 8 COMPLETE!!
Week 8: Day 4
Well....we are down to 39 recruits now.
During our morning PT, the instructors asked us if we had any issues finding the hospital or stations we were assigned to, and if any of us were late. A LONG time ago, they said "If we ask you a question, we probably already know the answer...so it pays to be honest." Everyone answered that there were no issues.
One of the recruits was pulled out of formation and we were instructed to begin our morning PT. After a little while, one of the instructors and the Lieutenant walked up into the gear lockers, packed up all of his stuff and ripped his name tag off from the locker. After we finished with our morning PT and convened in the classroom we were instructed that the recruit had been given the opportunity to resign.
The recruit was assigned to a hospital on Thursday, but while he did report to A hospital...it was the wrong one!! The instructor had informed us before that if we were at a hospital, bring gym shoes. You cannot wear steel toe boots into the OR. The recruit brought his gym shoes with him but he decided that he would wear them in the ER. And to put the icing on the cake, at about 3:45 the charge nurse told him that he could go home if he wanted to. Well....he decided he would go home early. The problem is that we do not work for and are not paid by the hospital....we work for the Fire Dept. Any orders/instructions should come from Fire Dept personnel.
During our morning PT, the instructors asked us if we had any issues finding the hospital or stations we were assigned to, and if any of us were late. A LONG time ago, they said "If we ask you a question, we probably already know the answer...so it pays to be honest." Everyone answered that there were no issues.
One of the recruits was pulled out of formation and we were instructed to begin our morning PT. After a little while, one of the instructors and the Lieutenant walked up into the gear lockers, packed up all of his stuff and ripped his name tag off from the locker. After we finished with our morning PT and convened in the classroom we were instructed that the recruit had been given the opportunity to resign.
The recruit was assigned to a hospital on Thursday, but while he did report to A hospital...it was the wrong one!! The instructor had informed us before that if we were at a hospital, bring gym shoes. You cannot wear steel toe boots into the OR. The recruit brought his gym shoes with him but he decided that he would wear them in the ER. And to put the icing on the cake, at about 3:45 the charge nurse told him that he could go home if he wanted to. Well....he decided he would go home early. The problem is that we do not work for and are not paid by the hospital....we work for the Fire Dept. Any orders/instructions should come from Fire Dept personnel.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Week 8: Day 3
What do you do when you have a problem and you don't know who to call???.......you call the Fire Dept.
That was the overall theme for today while I was on my ride-a-long. I was staffed on an Engine at a different Station than yesterday. We had 3 calls....but only 2 worth noting.
Call #1
A gentleman fell out of his bed (according to the dispatch...but it was actually he fell off his couch) and needed help getting back up onto it. We were sent out to assist. When we arrived, we found the patient sitting on the floor just beside the couch. We put our gloves on, spoke to the gentleman, and began to lift him out onto the couch. Upon lifting him up, the sheet covering his lower half began to slip off and we quickly realized that all he was wearing was his t-shirt. We set him down onto the couch, recovered him with his sheet, and made sure he was ok before departing.
Call #2
We were working out at a local gym when we received a call for a "water hazard." We grabbed our crew and left to the address provided. Upon arrival, we found the tenant outside waiting. It seems that he developed a water leak and it was flooding the house he rented. After entering the residence, we found standing water in the kitchen and as we walked across the carpet, footprints would appear with puddles in them. We then went to the basement, where it was similar to a shower. Streams of water were falling from the ceiling, paint was bubbling off and leaking water, and the drop ceiling in one of the rooms had fallen apart. We shut off the electricity and advised him to call his landlord.
Honestly....we typically FLOOD houses with water.....how are we supposed to know what to do to get rid of water!?!?
Back to the Academy tomorrow......
I'm sure some of the recruits did something stupid, or forgot some gear somewhere in the County......so we shall see if and how we are punished.
That was the overall theme for today while I was on my ride-a-long. I was staffed on an Engine at a different Station than yesterday. We had 3 calls....but only 2 worth noting.
Call #1
A gentleman fell out of his bed (according to the dispatch...but it was actually he fell off his couch) and needed help getting back up onto it. We were sent out to assist. When we arrived, we found the patient sitting on the floor just beside the couch. We put our gloves on, spoke to the gentleman, and began to lift him out onto the couch. Upon lifting him up, the sheet covering his lower half began to slip off and we quickly realized that all he was wearing was his t-shirt. We set him down onto the couch, recovered him with his sheet, and made sure he was ok before departing.
Call #2
We were working out at a local gym when we received a call for a "water hazard." We grabbed our crew and left to the address provided. Upon arrival, we found the tenant outside waiting. It seems that he developed a water leak and it was flooding the house he rented. After entering the residence, we found standing water in the kitchen and as we walked across the carpet, footprints would appear with puddles in them. We then went to the basement, where it was similar to a shower. Streams of water were falling from the ceiling, paint was bubbling off and leaking water, and the drop ceiling in one of the rooms had fallen apart. We shut off the electricity and advised him to call his landlord.
Honestly....we typically FLOOD houses with water.....how are we supposed to know what to do to get rid of water!?!?
Back to the Academy tomorrow......
I'm sure some of the recruits did something stupid, or forgot some gear somewhere in the County......so we shall see if and how we are punished.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Week 8: Day 2
Today was my first day (of two total) for ride-a-longs in the County. I was staffed on an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Medic. In all, it was a great learning experience. I was finally about to see some of what we have been learning put to real use, rather than a book form and "scenario" format where things are obviously staged a bit. Doing things in real life and with real "emergencies" add something that you cannot find in the safe environment of an Academy.
Shift starts at 0600...but if you are on time, you are late. I reported at 0530 to perform gear checks, equipment checks, and assist in checking out the unit.
Call #1: 0625
76 y/o/M with difficulty breathing
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, he had a rapid pulse and a somewhat lower BP. We administered a breathing treatment and the pt stated his breathing and chest felt better. Nothing else pointed to a major problem. After admitting him to the hospital, they ran their own tests. Later in the day we found out he was most likely having a heart attack. It was a "silent" MI (Myocardial Infarction). All of our tests did not show any flags to indicate that it was a heart attack, and he was not complaining of the typical symptoms associated with a heart attack (crushing chest pain, pain in the jaw, shooting pain in the left arm).
Call #2: 0845
9 y/o/F with difficulty breathing and limited speech
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, we found NOTHING wrong with this girl. The girl was in school and was pulled down to the nurse's office. Her grandmother arrived and we gathered some information from her about the girl. It seems that the girl likes to try and get attention, and this may have been an anxiety attack/need for attention. The grandmother did not want to seek further care
Call #3: 1240
(I was in the middle of working out when this call came in. I quickly stopped what I was doing, grabbed my station boots and jump suit since I was in my PT clothes, and jumped in the rig)
56 y/o/F with pain in the back and left leg
Pt was bed ridden with pain that started 2 days ago.....(my question is why are you waiting 2 days!!!) After taking vitals, we had to transport the pt to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a bulging disk, among other problems..so this may have been part of the issue. We put her into a flexible stretcher, carried her downstairs, and loaded her onto the cot. While en route, she was drugged up with some morphine. I'm not quite sure the final outcome of this lady...
Call #4: 3:15
62 y/o/F possible stroke
Pt walked up to the Fire Station (not ours..but we reported to it since it was an ALS call) complaining of tingling and numbness in her right fingers. After assessing the woman, we noticed some facial droop (typically seen in stroke victims) but not much else. The woman was disoriented and kept asking "Is it really 3 o'clock?".....to which I assured her it was. We dropped her off at the hospital since there wasn't much we could do aside from take vitals and monitor the patient to make sure she was ok until we transferred care to the hospital.
It was a good day......I got to meet some of the career firefighters out in the County and run some calls. They showed me around and were very patient/helpful. They let me assist as much as possible, without creating a sense of urgency and making me nervous. I was also included in lunch...which was great!!! For $3, I had 2 chicken breasts, a salad, bread rolls, and green beans and potatoes. They were also VERY appreciative of the bagels and cream cheese I brought in for breakfast.
Hopefully tomorrow steps up the pace a little bit.....
Shift starts at 0600...but if you are on time, you are late. I reported at 0530 to perform gear checks, equipment checks, and assist in checking out the unit.
Call #1: 0625
76 y/o/M with difficulty breathing
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, he had a rapid pulse and a somewhat lower BP. We administered a breathing treatment and the pt stated his breathing and chest felt better. Nothing else pointed to a major problem. After admitting him to the hospital, they ran their own tests. Later in the day we found out he was most likely having a heart attack. It was a "silent" MI (Myocardial Infarction). All of our tests did not show any flags to indicate that it was a heart attack, and he was not complaining of the typical symptoms associated with a heart attack (crushing chest pain, pain in the jaw, shooting pain in the left arm).
Call #2: 0845
9 y/o/F with difficulty breathing and limited speech
Pt was having trouble breathing. After taking vitals, we found NOTHING wrong with this girl. The girl was in school and was pulled down to the nurse's office. Her grandmother arrived and we gathered some information from her about the girl. It seems that the girl likes to try and get attention, and this may have been an anxiety attack/need for attention. The grandmother did not want to seek further care
Call #3: 1240
(I was in the middle of working out when this call came in. I quickly stopped what I was doing, grabbed my station boots and jump suit since I was in my PT clothes, and jumped in the rig)
56 y/o/F with pain in the back and left leg
Pt was bed ridden with pain that started 2 days ago.....(my question is why are you waiting 2 days!!!) After taking vitals, we had to transport the pt to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a bulging disk, among other problems..so this may have been part of the issue. We put her into a flexible stretcher, carried her downstairs, and loaded her onto the cot. While en route, she was drugged up with some morphine. I'm not quite sure the final outcome of this lady...
Call #4: 3:15
62 y/o/F possible stroke
Pt walked up to the Fire Station (not ours..but we reported to it since it was an ALS call) complaining of tingling and numbness in her right fingers. After assessing the woman, we noticed some facial droop (typically seen in stroke victims) but not much else. The woman was disoriented and kept asking "Is it really 3 o'clock?".....to which I assured her it was. We dropped her off at the hospital since there wasn't much we could do aside from take vitals and monitor the patient to make sure she was ok until we transferred care to the hospital.
It was a good day......I got to meet some of the career firefighters out in the County and run some calls. They showed me around and were very patient/helpful. They let me assist as much as possible, without creating a sense of urgency and making me nervous. I was also included in lunch...which was great!!! For $3, I had 2 chicken breasts, a salad, bread rolls, and green beans and potatoes. They were also VERY appreciative of the bagels and cream cheese I brought in for breakfast.
Hopefully tomorrow steps up the pace a little bit.....
Week 8: Day 1
Well...today was our last day of lecture for EMT.
It has been a rapid pace of learning......but I can't wait for Fire to start and EMT to be done.
We have our County test on Friday the 12th, and our State Certification on the 19th. If anyone fails either...they are allowed one makeup....if they fail that, they are out of a job.
Tomorrow and Wednesday are our ride-a-longs in the County and Thursday will be spent doing practicals to prepare for Friday.
So far so good.....
It has been a rapid pace of learning......but I can't wait for Fire to start and EMT to be done.
We have our County test on Friday the 12th, and our State Certification on the 19th. If anyone fails either...they are allowed one makeup....if they fail that, they are out of a job.
Tomorrow and Wednesday are our ride-a-longs in the County and Thursday will be spent doing practicals to prepare for Friday.
So far so good.....
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K Run
On September 6, 2008, we participated in the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K Run.
There were originally about 35 recruits that had signed up to run, but due to Tropical Storm Hanna passing through and some of the recruits no longer being with the Dept., only about 12 of the recruits showed up to participate.
Our team was made up of recruits and some of the career firefighters in the Dept. I am happy to say that we (as a Dept.) came in first place for the Firefighter Division. One of our runners was also first place overall for firefighters (he ran the 5K in 18:36).
I am happy with my performance, although I did have to slow down to a walk for a very brief period. I completed the run in 23:50, with an overall 302 place (out of 2009). In the firefighter division, I was 30 place (of 105). Only 2 other recruits from my class finished ahead of me (by about 50 seconds).
There were originally about 35 recruits that had signed up to run, but due to Tropical Storm Hanna passing through and some of the recruits no longer being with the Dept., only about 12 of the recruits showed up to participate.
Our team was made up of recruits and some of the career firefighters in the Dept. I am happy to say that we (as a Dept.) came in first place for the Firefighter Division. One of our runners was also first place overall for firefighters (he ran the 5K in 18:36).
I am happy with my performance, although I did have to slow down to a walk for a very brief period. I completed the run in 23:50, with an overall 302 place (out of 2009). In the firefighter division, I was 30 place (of 105). Only 2 other recruits from my class finished ahead of me (by about 50 seconds).
Friday, September 5, 2008
Week 7: Day 2, 3, 4, 5
Not a whole lot happened this week...just lectured a bunch and did practicals to get ready for County and State testing.
Our County test is next Friday, and the State test is on the 19th. From the 15th through the 19th, we will be doing practicals all week in order to prepare.
I managed to get a 100% on 3 of the 4 quizzes we took this week. I am going into finals with a great academic standing. (Overall, I am second in the class. I am 1% lower than the highest girl, who is a certified Medic).
On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, we are going to be out in the field. I will be riding on a Medic Unit all day Tuesday, and an Engine all day Wednesday. I am in two of the busier stations, with a major highway running through....so hopefully I will have some exciting news to share.
One of the chapters we lectured on and learned about was Obstetrics / Gynecology. Let me tell you.....Childbirth is not a miracle, and it is definitely not beautiful!!!
Tomorrow we are running a 9/11 memorial 5K near the pentagon. Wish me luck......
WEEK 7 COMPLETE!!
Our County test is next Friday, and the State test is on the 19th. From the 15th through the 19th, we will be doing practicals all week in order to prepare.
I managed to get a 100% on 3 of the 4 quizzes we took this week. I am going into finals with a great academic standing. (Overall, I am second in the class. I am 1% lower than the highest girl, who is a certified Medic).
On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, we are going to be out in the field. I will be riding on a Medic Unit all day Tuesday, and an Engine all day Wednesday. I am in two of the busier stations, with a major highway running through....so hopefully I will have some exciting news to share.
One of the chapters we lectured on and learned about was Obstetrics / Gynecology. Let me tell you.....Childbirth is not a miracle, and it is definitely not beautiful!!!
Tomorrow we are running a 9/11 memorial 5K near the pentagon. Wish me luck......
WEEK 7 COMPLETE!!
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