emergency dept staffing with paramedics/emts

mattsmom81 · Apr 27, 2005

paramedics and emts make good techs, but that is all

Gotta agree and this is how they should be looked at in ER. They should never replace a nurse. I worked ER in DFW waaay back when they brought in parameds to replace nurses as a 'cost saving measure.' The nurses were told they were responsible for the paramedics...yeah that went over real well. :uhoh3:

I moved to ICU and never looked back. They lost 6 nurses over this little cost saving measure...hope it was worth it.

I have nothing but respect for paramedics, and their expertise in stabilization out in the field, but that role does not fit well in the ER setting IMHO.

RoxanRN · Apr 27, 2005

We also do Emergency cut downs for airways, Chest tube insertion, Needle decompression, ETT, Central lines, and run all in-house codes, to name a few things that nurses can't do. (These are the things that fall under the MD license).

What state teached medics to do central lines? Personally, I don't know of any and believe it is totally out of the EMT-Ps scope of practice.

I understand your point about being a 'Physcian Extender,' but I think you are embelishing the EMT-P abilities just a bit.

Please don't take offense. It's just my :twocents: . Please take note of my signature line *before* you flame.

Roxan

EMICT, RN

This arguement has been around since before Adam was even a twinkle in God's eye. This topic is so :deadhorse Please let us grow past being playground enemies.

FirewalkerRN · Apr 27, 2005

I don't feel threatened in the least that medics are working in the ED. I have worked in different settings and some have them working as techs which I think is absurd!!! I currently work in a ED that lets them do what they are trained to do. I think it is very handy to have someone who can and will tube someone in the blink of an eye. The mask will rarely touch the patients face which I can appreciate. I don't think it is about us vs them. It's a matter of focusing on each of our strengths and working as a TEAM. I have learned a lot from Medics in the past while working in the fire service and I am sure I have been able to help them with some things/processes that are not taught in EMT-P school.

The medics I work with I would trust with my life or the life of my children. Yes, they are that good!!! I also feel they would say the same about me.

Everywhere I go there is always a nurse who feels threatened by someone who should be their colleague.

I say hats off for the help the Medics can provide and I shall fax an order for Miralax to the nurses who can't deal with it.

$.02

Scott

ufmedic · Apr 28, 2005

What state teached medics to do central lines? Personally, I don't know of any and believe it is totally out of the EMT-Ps scope of practice.
I understand your point about being a 'Physcian Extender,' but I think you are embelishing the EMT-P abilities just a bit. [end QUOTE]
FL and GA both train paramedics to do central lines, rapid sequence intubation, needle thoracostomy, ventilators,and surgical/needle crics for the ground paramedics. The flight medics can also do chest tubes/cook catheters. You can check out the Volusia County, FL protocols on the EVAC ambulance website
http://www.evacamb.org
Look under the documents section, there is the protocol for internal jugular, subclavian, and femoral central lines, as well as pericardiocentesis.
RN,BSN,NREMT-P

rosky · Apr 28, 2005

I for one am very thankful to have paramedics and EMT's working with me anytime in the ER. I have been an ER nurse for 20 years, and the medics enhance our staff. We staff our ER with all RN's, but when we are scheduled short due to lack of staff...they help us, not by taking over our jobs, but doing what they do best, and helping us through a crazy shift. Maybe people should get over their big egos....we are not better than each other...we might not be able to do everything each other can do...but we can work together to do whats best for the patient....THAT IS WHY WE'RE THERE!!! :)

P.S. I am not a medic or an EMT...strictly a nurse.....My husband is a firefighter/paramedic....I have a great respect for them.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Apr 28, 2005

I think the question that ntg asked is unbeliveable!!! Do you want a paramedic working on your loved one? Well let me remind ntg, if you ever call 911, you will most likely get a paramedic and/or emt. And the day they save you or your loved one's life, maybe you will realize the importance of the paramedic/emt. As a paramedic and a nurse, I know the importance of both education and experience. Because of my background in both fields, I can say that there are both good and bad paramedic's and nurse's. Depending on the competency of the person, that is who I would want taking care of me (not because of the initial's after the person's name)! Nurse's need to stop feeling threatened by the paramedic in the ER, ICU or CCU. I know many doctor's that would rather have me assisting them in the ER (because of my paramedic experience) than any other nurse. I think every nurse who is interested in critical care (ER or floor), should be required to have their paramedic licensure or have prehospital experience!!

This happens all the time. In my nursing program, we had a medic who stated "I already work as a nurse anyway. The ER I work at uses medics as "second nurses" all the time. I can do everything a nurse can do better."

True quote, my friends.

mattsmom81 · May 1, 2005

Personally I don't feel threatened by EMT's...I just don't believe they should replace a nurse; nor do I want to be responsibile/liable for them.The ER setting I worked at did both, so I made an informed decision: I resigned.

I hear paramedics and MA's say stuff like that all the time Jeepgirl...then they wonder why some nurses get aggravated at 'em... :rolleyes:

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 3, 2005

Like others have said, I am not intimidated by techs or medics. Ive been there done that. Come to think of it, nothing intimidates me at all anymore. With maybe the one exception of Arnie the Gubernator running for president.

MAGIK GIRL · May 8, 2005

like others have said, i am not intimidated by techs or medics. ive been there done that. come to think of it, nothing intimidates me at all anymore. with maybe the one exception of arnie the gubernator running for president.

after 15 years of doing this i am not intimitated, offended by anything, surprised by anything, or made sick by anything (well, just eye stuff).

i don't judge you, like you, dislike you, envy you or get angry at you. it is just business.

so along those lines i don't care if you are an md, rn, lpn, emt, crt, empt or a house keeper. just watch my back and i will watch yours. everyone is there for the same goal. not subculture oriented goals. sometimes we forget!

"can't we all just get along?" life is short so enjoy it. see thru rose colored glasses and you will find what a beautiful place this world is! :balloons: :balloons: