iamme445

When I had medical command priveledges at Passavant Hospital near Pittsburgh I was required to spend 8 hours a year in the ED doing patient care and assisting and getting to know staff. These were the staff members I would be talking to on the radio and bringing patients to. I did vital signs, 12 lead EKGs, started IVs, assisted with most procedures including in the cast room, helped with arrests, cleaned glass from cuts, drew blood, took patients to x-ray, gave meds, took patients to the floor when admitted and of course bedpans and urinals were included too along with holding babies and chatting with young children. Ocasionally babysitting a 302 prior to transport to a psych facility was in there too. None of this was paid time, just a required continuing education thing. There are a lot of things a paramedic can help with, kinda an enhanced aid. I can see where this could be very helpful if done apropriately. As far as what meds can be given etc. that will depend on what your state allows, as long as it is within the states scope of practice and there are guidelines for the job and a policy for the procedures etc. for the paramedic at your facility then there shouldnt be any problems. Hope this answers your question. Deanna RN, PHRN, EMT-P