Medics in the ER

[Surfnurse]

What are your medics job description in the ER, do they pass meds, if so, how you determine which ones they are allowed to pass? Our medics are working along side nurses with pretty much the same job duties as RN's, this doesn't seem quite right.

[neneRN, BSN, RN]

Our medics cannot pass meds, and can only hang NS. Medics are paired with an RN on our critical care side of the ER, but can take their own assignment in intermediate care. They can triage EMS pts, start lines, EKGs, foleys, splints, transport tele pts, compressions in a code, and d/c pts. EMTs can do the same with the exception of starting lines and triaging.

[veetach]

we dont have medics in our ED. (unfortunately)

[BayMae10]

we used them in one of the er's i worked in a job ago and the did just want they could do in the field, push some meds and lines and all that other stuff...they used them to help the nursing shortage.......hhhmmmmm:confused:

[debx]

Our medics do not give meds, do assessments or chart. They can do EKGs, IVs, foleys, blood draws, vitals, and transport.

Most of all they harrass the nurses:chuckle :chuckle

[Medic946RN]

The paramedics that work in the ED I'm familiar with operate to their scope of practice as determined by the state's paramedic law. They can intubate, start IV's, IO's, do 12 leads, chest decompressions, needle cric's, hand fluids, pass any med, including drips, in the ED that they are certified for in the field. They just can't be

"in charge" of a patient's care, the RN is responsible for that. A nice combo is a few regular ED nurses, a paramedic and couple of PHRN (Prehospital Nurse) an RN that has been certified as a paramedic or a medic that received their RN. The PHRN can do all the normal nursing routines and the "advanced" paramedic skills.

Makes your ED a real "can do" place, espcially when the critical patients roll in.

[StokoRN]

We do not use medics in our ED. We do use EMTs. They can triage, do ekgs, transport pt, apply most of our splints, d c lines, insert foleys and give general assistance.

I have mixed feelings about this. It is unfortunate that they cannot work up to there training, and their professional scopes of practice. However, I prefer to do my own assessments, start my own lines and give my own meds. I feel it helps me establish a closer, more familiar relationship with my patients.

Stoko

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