paramedics in the ER?

[BlueAvenue]

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[NateintheED]

In the several ED's I've worked in, the paramedics basically function as ED techs. They do stuff like patient transport, splinting, wound care, taking vitals, putting patients on monitors and stuff like that. Some places let them start IV's and basic fluids as well, but that's state- and facility-dependent. They DON'T give meds.

I've never worked anywhere that has paramedics working in the ICU's. If they did, I think they'd probably function more like CNA's. There really isn't a whole lot of use for the specific skill set of a paramedic (especially a new grad paramedic) in that environment.

 

[racerwad]

I worked as a medic in a local ER and our scope was identical to our field scope and our drugs were limited only to what the pharmacy had on hand. Wait, I forgot, we weren't allowed to give PO meds. I always thought that it was weird I could give an ICU drug but not Tylenol. 🙄 I often was asked to intubate or get the more "difficult" IVs because those are the things medics tend to be good at. There is also a lot of other work similar to techs (ie-splinting, transporting, etc).

We had RNs sign off on our charts in a similar manner to LPNs. Overall it seemed like a good system. Medics got a lot of great experience in the world outside the medic unit and the department got skilled, motivated people to help with the less acute patients.

One caveat: the ER required at least 2 years of 911 experience. There were no new grads and while it was/is a great place to learn, it isn't the place for new medics. Some will counter that ERs take new nurse grads but it's different. For the department and the nurse there is a lot better return on that investment. Most medics don't want to work in a clinical setting long term; if they do, they often move into a different portion of the field (like nurse, doc, etc).

Anyhoo, I think it is a great relationship for the ER to build with its pre-hospital providers. Good luck!

 

[BlueAvenue]

thanks for the replies they were very helpful.

 

[BlueAvenue]

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[jbar]

I went to med school after two years in EMS. Didn't find the transition too hard, other than having to get use to sitting in lecture. But with grades you might want to find out how long they are good for, same with MCATs. MCATs only last like three years.
Anyway, it's also up to you how academic you are during your time in EMS. I think if you want to go to med school it's worth pushing your education beyond what is expected as a medic. So I took biochem on the side, went to conferences, taught continuing ed to fire departments. It all kept my brain going beyond the minimun needed to get through a shift on the truck.

 

[BlueAvenue]

I know MCAT scores expire but does your undergrad GPA expire after x amount of years too? that would really change my plans, I've busted my butt to keep my GPA competitive for medschool and Id rather not have to take anymore classes. does anyone know if this is true?

 

[gutonc]

I know MCAT scores expire but does your undergrad GPA expire after x amount of years too? that would really change my plans, I've busted my butt to keep my GPA competitive for medschool and Id rather not have to take anymore classes. does anyone know if this is true?

Not true. Relax.

 

[jbar]

I know for PA school some things expire, but worth asking a few people about premed. Again I don't know but most people who have taken multiple years off (more than three) seem to have done a post bac just before applying because they hadn't done pre med in college. I just wonder what an admission office would say looking at someones grades and saying "but they took those classes ten years ago."

 

[BlueAvenue]

I am finishing all my premed requirements with a 3.5 gpa so I'm hoping this will be sufficient even if I take a few years off to work and save up some money. I'm also a URM which I figured couldnt hurt

 

[reedman]

You should definitley consider some D.O schools. I found that considerable time was spent discussing clinical experience during my interviews at osteopathic schools (which made me think it is weighted a litle heavier), and a 3.5 is great as long as you do reasonably well on the MCAT.

 

[BlueAvenue]

I have considered D.O. schools but due to geographic reasons its not an option. my SO's job makes us bound to maryland. I'm not going to turn this into one of those "what are my chances?" threads found in pre-allo, I'm just going to do the best with what I have and worst comes to worst I'll look into post bacc

 

[gutonc]

I know for PA school some things expire, but worth asking a few people about premed. Again I don't know but most people who have taken multiple years off (more than three) seem to have done a post bac just before applying because they hadn't done pre med in college. I just wonder what an admission office would say looking at someones grades and saying "but they took those classes ten years ago."

They will only care if you've been busy as an investment banker or malpractice attorney during those years. If you spent your time doing anything remotely medical or scientific, it won't be much of an issue. Post Bac programs are for those who don't complete their pre-med requirements during undergrad. As long as you do your time, take the right courses, get the right grades and score well enough on your MCAT (just typing those 4 letters made me shudder...15y later), it won't really matter when you graduated (assuming <10y or so).

 

[BlueAvenue]

you've all been very informative, this is why I do not even bother with the pre-allo programs unless Im looking for a laugh. it's hard to get resonable answers from people who know as little as I do. gutonc I'm going to assume you're an oncology fellow? how do you like the field? and how did you like your internal medicine residency? just curious I've always been interested in internal medicine

 

[gutonc]

gutonc I'm going to assume you're an oncology fellow? how do you like the field?

Love it.

and how did you like your internal medicine residency?

The residency was just fine, great program, great training, great people, no complaints. General IM? Hated it.

 

[Aerin Sol]

I'd recommend you check out http://www.emtlife.com/index.php. They have several threads on this topic. (I know because I was looking at being an ER tech and just recently read them!)

 

[BlueAvenue]

thanks for the link Aerin that site looks pretty cool! and how come you hated it? I shouldn't be surprised as it does seem to not be a favorite amongst this forum but from what I've read hospitalist medicine sounds very interesting. but my lack of experience could be influencing my optimism, along with my internist mother