July 2, 2009 @ 11:20 pm
Jim Hoffman came on the live call tonight to chat about his new EMS Bootcamp program (MedicCast.com/bootcamp). We had a bunch of live participants in the call via the chatroom and listening on the phone lines.
I enjoyed all of the great questions that happened on the call. Here are some of them from the chat room:
- Are you going to be talking about things to help people who are just poor test takers in general in the EMS Boot Camp?
- Will you be able to get a recording if you can’t make the live call?
- What resources do you have for EMT or paramedic students who have not passed the test in previous attempts?
- Do you have any advice for test anxiety or other testing problems in the EMS Bootcamp program?
- Why did you (Jamie Davis, the Podmedic) choose this program to talk about and advertise?
All of these questions are answered on the call which lasted nearly 45 minutes.
Listen to the EMS Bootcamp preview sneak peak here.
Sign up for the EMS Bootcamp right now at MedicCast.com/bootcamp
About MedicCast EMS Advertisers and Products:
I’d like to address the last question here as well. I will never promote a product or service that I haven’t used or tried myself. I value my listeners and readers too much to do anything else. My goal here is to provide resources (free and paid) to give every EMT, Paramedic, Student, and Instructor the tools they need to be the best EMS providers they can be.
Jim Hoffman and Greg Friese (EMS Bootcamp Founders) are amazing educators and I have known them long enough to know that they are just regular guys like you and me. They will provide you an excellent service and product that will give you way more than your money’s worth.
If you ever have a problem with a product or service I promote or produce, contact me right away and I’ll go to bat for you to make it right!
June 30, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
Ready for your EMT program to start? Gearing up for your paramedic test?
I know exactly what kind of thoughts you are having.
I Need Tips for EMS Student Success!
Your success in a program often depends less on the major issues in anatomy and cardiology and more about the little tweaks and lessons in test taking and study skills.
Here are just a few of the common concerns I hear about:
- “I just freeze up on tests”
- “I no good at studying”
- “How do I remember so many terms from my text book and lecture?”
- “I’m great at tests but always flunk the practical segments”
- “I want to become an EMS provider but I’m afraid of failure!”
Do any of these sound like you?
I have had more than a few of these concerns myself over the years and I have to tell you that what is often needed is a new perspective. You know, like when someone else explains something in slightly different way.
Often when that happens lightbulbs go on, understanding dawns on you and you know that success is right there in arms reach! (scroll down for a special offer!)
EMS Bootcamp!
My good friends Jim Hoffman and Greg Friese are two of the most well known EMS online educators. Jim is the originator of the excellent TurboMedic Software (GetTurboMedic.com) and Greg is one of the most prolific EMS education writers with many, many CEU programs, videos, and web articles to his credit.
They have created the EMS Summer Bootcamp program and I have to tell you, it is one of the most exciting programs to come along in quite a while. Their next program is all about EMS Exams.
Here’s just a few of the topics they’ll be covering:
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Testing Anxiety - discover how to overcome this often crippling exam side effect and the two key factors that can eliminate it. |
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Exam Basics - how should you REALLY prepare and why your study habits may not be a problem. Get powerful study techniques that you may be surprised are at your fingertips. |
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Exam Formats - What formats can you expect from both your instructors and state agencies. How each can hurt or help your outcome. |
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NREMT CBT - Watch live as we go underground and dispel the myths and facts on this often stressed yet vital exam process. |
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Exam Breakdown - You get front row seats as we dissect exam questions and break down the barriers that mean the difference between passing and failing. |
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Live Q&A - Even though we’re sure to cover everything you could ever think of. We are opening up the session to your questions and will answer them in real time. |
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Get a Sneak Peak at the EMS Bootcamp!
Many of you will want to sign up right away. You can get there by going to MedicCast.com/bootcamp
OR -
Sign up for the MedicCast Newsletter and I’ll send you a reminder of the call on Thursday with instructions on how to connect to the show.
Can’t make the live call? Sign up for the Newsletter anyway and I’ll send you a link to the recording the next day so you don’t miss anything. But you have to sign up to say you want to join in on the sneak preview call right now.
June 28, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
Welcome to Episode 173
The MedicCast is a proud member of the ProMed Podcast Network.
Right Click here to download (Macs Ctrl Click)
Subscribe with iTunes here!
A podcast for EMT’s, Paramedics, and other medical providers of all kinds.
Get the Brand New Commercial Free Version of the MedicCast!
Just $2 a month gets you enhanced podcasts, no commercials, and delivery via iTunes!
Sign up now and get the first week free!
—————————-
Sponsored by the MedicCast Extra, MedicCast Store, and Lexi-comp
Extra Content for MedicCast Listeners for less than $1 per day (via monthly subscription)
- NREMT Study and Prep Tips
- All Tips and Meds segments from the MedicCast and Nursing Show as separate downloadable files
- Special iTunes Podcast Feed for Members — Get the segments as a podcast
- Extra Members-Only content added monthly
Lexi-Comp, the premium provider of mobile medication reference software including new iPhone and iPod Touch apps, Lexi Tox and many other Lexi-Comp products.
Visit www.Lexi.com/mediccast and sign up to win a free iPod Touch and Lexi-Comp software.
———————————
EMS News-
House Health Hearing Interrupted by Collapsing Intern
Advanced Life Support Competition Held in Miami
Studies Show Early Angioplasty Reduces Complications
EMS Chief Narrates Train Crash Response
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Tip of the Week– Anatomy of Abdominal Pain for EMTs & Paramedics
Abdominal pain, also known as stomach ache, tummy ache, or belly pain, is one of the most common complaints of people seeking medical help in the ER. In the U.S. Government Census Data on ER visits in the year 2005, abdominal pain figures are high on the list for adults.
Paramedics and EMTs see many different types of patients whose chief complaint is abdominal pain every day. But one person’s abdominal pain is not the same as another person’s pain. It is important to know which organs are present in the various quadrants and what each different area’s pain means.
There are a number of organs found in the abdominal cavity so the pain can originate from any one of those. However, there are certain conditions not related to those organs, that can cause abdominal pain like shingles, pneumonia and strep throat in children.
Proper assessment and asking the right questions may help identify the possible cause of abdominal pain. Some of the questions may pertain to the characteristic of the pain (is it dull, knife-like, cramping, or twisting?), location (specific region of the abdomen), frequency (how often does it happen), duration (how long does each episode take), and intensity (is it tolerable or unbearable). Asking if there are other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and fever may also help. Instances cited below makes it an emergency situation:
- vomiting with inability to pass stool (may indicate intestinal obstruction)
- vomiting blood or maroon, dark, tarry black stool (indicates internal bleeding)
- chest, neck, or shoulder pain
- sudden, sharp abdominal pain
- pain in your shoulder blades with nausea
- belly is rigid, hard, and tender to touch (usually associated with ruptured appendix)
Specific treatment can not be started unless the real cause of the pain is identified through diagnostic tests.
Abdominal Pain in Adults by eMedicineHealth
Abdominal Pain in Children by eMedicineHealth
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
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Rate the podcast at iTunes and help others find the MedicCast
Get the MedicCast Newsletter — Sign up now — it’s free!
Other Podcasts:
Contact Me!
Call the Voice Mail Line — (941) 306-3342
email me at podmedic@mac.com
——————————–
Song this week:
Music from The Podsafe Music Network
“Streetlight Flicker” by Winter Circle
Click here to check out other Songs from the MedicCast Network Podcasts at the iTunes Store.
———————————
Until next time, Scene safety, BSI!
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
June 21, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
Welcome to Episode 172
The MedicCast is a proud member of the ProMed Podcast Network.
Right Click here to download (Macs Ctrl Click)
Subscribe with iTunes here!
A podcast for EMT’s, Paramedics, and other medical providers of all kinds.
Get the Brand New Commercial Free Version of the MedicCast!
Just $2 a month gets you enhanced podcasts, no commercials, and delivery via iTunes!
Sign up now and get the first week free!
—————————-
Sponsored by the MedicCast Extra, MedicCast Store, and Lexi-comp
Extra Content for MedicCast Listeners for less than $1 per day (via monthly subscription)
- NREMT Study and Prep Tips
- All Tips and Meds segments from the MedicCast and Nursing Show as separate downloadable files
- Special iTunes Podcast Feed for Members — Get the segments as a podcast
- Extra Members-Only content added monthly
Lexi-Comp, the premium provider of mobile medication reference software including new iPhone and iPod Touch apps, Lexi Tox and many other Lexi-Comp products.
Visit www.Lexi.com/mediccast and sign up to win a free iPod Touch and Lexi-Comp software.
———————————
EMS News-
London Ambulance Has Busiest Year
Rescuers Recognized for Saving Girl’s Life
Polish Woman Wakes in Morgue
Torn Gloves Cause Problems for Patients
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Tip of the Week– Respiratory Management for EMTs & Paramedics
Good patient management goes way beyond just making an assessment and giving a treatment. In order to graduate from being an okay EMT or paramedic to becoming a great paramedic you need to go above and beyond.
How far above and beyond?
Actually, not all that far. This week, I’ll discuss respiratory patients but you can apply these techniques to all of your patients. When we discuss good patient care, many of us assume that means the mechanics of taking care of a patient. Taking vital signs, doing a head to toe assessment, getting a good patient history, and so on.
All of us need to be good at patient care basics but we also need to remember that our patients are more than just a collection of signs and symptoms and a disease that we treat. They also have hopes and fears, family members and friends, and they are people who hope that you will help them live to see more of all of those things.
When you care for a patient, remember to care for the whole patient. Develop a list of good questions to ask when you have a patient to help take their mind off of their problems. You might have to carry some of the conversation for respiratory patients so be prepared to tell an appropriate funny story. Lightening the mood can do a lot to alleviate respiratory anxiety and decrease workload on the body’s systems.
Got a grandparent in the back of the unit, they all love to talk about their children and grandchildren. Ask them to tell you about their grand kids. That distraction can help reduce the level of distress. Use your skills as an EMT or paramedic, too, but remember that your patient has feelings. Don’t be that provider who gives a neb, puts the patient on oxygen and then ignores them all the way to the hospital.
EMS Respiratory Emergencies Slideshow
Tips for talking to patients
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Rate the podcast at iTunes and help others find the MedicCast
Get the MedicCast Newsletter — Sign up now — it’s free!
Other Podcasts:
Contact Me!
Call the Voice Mail Line — (941) 306-3342
email me at podmedic@mac.com
——————————–
Song this week:
Music from The Podsafe Music Network
“Wasting My Time” by Matthew Ebel
Visit Matthew Ebel here — Let him know you heard it on the MedicCast
Or you can click on the link below to go right to iTunes to check out his music!
Click here to check out other Songs from the MedicCast Network Podcasts at the iTunes Store.
———————————
Until next time, Scene safety, BSI!
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
June 20, 2009 @ 6:52 am
This past week, I got to share some really funny EMS stories with the the gang on the EMS Garage Podcast. Chris Montera, Mark Glencorse, Gary Wingrove and I had a good time talking about the recent developments in the Paramedic / Oklahoma State Trooper scuffle.
We all applauded the professionalism and calmness of Paramedic White in the face of a rapidly deteriorating situation. We differed on the disposition of the trooper involved but ultimately called for the opportunity to cross train with our local police agencies.
Then came the good stuff. I’ll never be able to look at a slupee straw the same way again after the hillarious discussion we had about suction, airway management and vomit. Don’t miss this one but make sure you aren’t driving while you listen because it is just that funny!
Thanks to Chris for inviting me to participate on his show!
Check out the EMS Garage Podcast Here.
Find Mark Glencorse’s Medic Blog 999 here.
June 14, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
Welcome to Episode 171
The MedicCast is a proud member of the ProMed Podcast Network.
Right Click here to download (Macs Ctrl Click)
Subscribe with iTunes here!
A podcast for EMT’s, Paramedics, and other medical providers of all kinds.
Get the Brand New Commercial Free Version of the MedicCast!
Just $2 a month gets you enhanced podcasts, no commercials, and delivery via iTunes!
Sign up now and get the first week free!
—————————-
Sponsored by the MedicCast Extra, MedicCast Store, and Lexi-comp
Extra Content for MedicCast Listeners for less than $1 per day (via monthly subscription)
- NREMT Study and Prep Tips
- All Tips and Meds segments from the MedicCast and Nursing Show as separate downloadable files
- Special iTunes Podcast Feed for Members — Get the segments as a podcast
- Extra Members-Only content added monthly
Lexi-Comp, the premium provider of mobile medication reference software including new iPhone and iPod Touch apps, Lexi Tox and many other Lexi-Comp products.
Visit www.Lexi.com/mediccast and sign up to win a free iPod Touch and Lexi-Comp software.
———————————
EMS News-
Oklahoma State Trooper and Paramedic Clash
More Trooper-Paramedic Video Released
NY EMT Charged With Theft From Patient
Boca Raton Paramedic Save Life During Beach Outing
———————————-
Tip of the Week– Intraosseous Access Review
Clinical Guide to I/O Access
eMedicine I/O Guidelines Overview
Maryland EMS Protocols
—————————-
Rate the podcast at iTunes and help others find the MedicCast
Get the MedicCast Newsletter — Sign up now — it’s free!
Other Podcasts:
Contact Me!
Call the Voice Mail Line — (941) 306-3342
email me at podmedic@mac.com
——————————–
Song this week: Edwin Holt - Down To the Bone
Click here to go to Edwin’s Site or use the link below to buy his music on iTunes
———————————
Until next time, Scene safety, BSI!
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
June 12, 2009 @ 7:16 am
During the recent military conflict we have seen the role and demand of the IO route used time and time again, to save lives and to provide rapid intervention to critical patients. I only know of three common devices on the market, the EZ-IO drill, FAST1 and BIG manual device.
Any of you got any comments about the ease of use, pro’s & cons of these three devices?
Jerry
June 7, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
Just a heads-up for the listeners of the MedicCast. This week there will be no MedicCast Episode showing up in your podcast in-box. I went to put together a new studio set up to help streamline the process so I can produce even better podcasts and discovered a hole in the equipment list.
Don’t worry, though. I’ll have things back together early in the week and ready for next week’s show.
In the meantime, take a moment and enjoy one of the past episodes from the EMT Podcast Archives here at the MedicCast EMS podcast for EMTs and Paramedics.
Also, make sure you stay in touch here at the MedicCast for our summer of EMS Fun! We’ll have special updates and educational features throughout the summer so check back here often to find out how you can participate!
Jamie Davis, the Podmedic
podmedic@mac.com
May 31, 2009 @ 9:16 pm
Welcome to Episode 170
The MedicCast is a proud member of the ProMed Podcast Network.
Right Click here to download (Macs Ctrl Click)
Subscribe with iTunes here!
A podcast for EMT’s, Paramedics, and other medical providers of all kinds.
Get the Brand New Commercial Free Version of the MedicCast!
Just $2 a month gets you enhanced podcasts, no commercials, and delivery via iTunes!
Sign up now and get the first week free!
—————————-
Sponsored by the MedicCast Extra, MedicCast Store, and Lexi-comp
Extra Content for MedicCast Listeners for less than $1 per day (via monthly subscription)
- NREMT Study and Prep Tips
- All Tips and Meds segments from the MedicCast and Nursing Show as separate downloadable files
- Special iTunes Podcast Feed for Members — Get the segments as a podcast
- Extra Members-Only content added monthly
Lexi-Comp, the premium provider of mobile medication reference software including new iPhone and iPod Touch apps, Lexi Tox and many other Lexi-Comp products.
Visit www.Lexi.com/mediccast and sign up to win a free iPod Touch and Lexi-Comp software.
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Link of the Week- Boys Life Saved by Household Drill
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EMS News-
Florida ER Texts Wait Times
Computer Dispatch Errors and Stroke Patients
Paramedic Patient Card Scams
Hurricane Preparedness Week
CPR and AED Week
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Tip of the Week– Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
A ToxTidbits Segment with Lisa Booze from the Maryland Poison Center
About Ciguatera
Ciguatera fish poisoning (or ciguatera) is an illness caused by eating fish that contain toxins produced by a marine microalgae called Gambierdiscus toxicus. People who have ciguatera may experience nausea, vomiting, and neurologic symptoms such as tingling fingers or toes.
They also may find that cold things feel hot and hot things feel cold. Ciguatera has no cure. Symptoms usually go away in days or weeks but can last for years. People who have ciguatera can be treated for their symptoms.
Fish like barracuda, black grouper, blackfin snapper, cubera snapper, dog snapper, greater amberjack, hogfish, horse-eye jack, king mackerel, and yellowfin grouper have been known to carry ciguatoxins.
Find more info for nurses and other health care providers at the CDC page on Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
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Rate the podcast at iTunes and help others find the MedicCast
Visit the MedicCast EMS Study Aids Store
Get the MedicCast Newsletter — Sign up now — it’s free!
Other Podcasts:
Contact Me!
Call the Voice Mail Line — (941) 306-3342
email me at podmedic@mac.com
——————————–
Song this week:
Michael Heaton’s “I Know What I Know”
————————————-
Until next time, Scene safety, BSI!
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
May 29, 2009 @ 6:31 am
Yesterday, I covered a sample NREMT review study plan for EMS students in part two of this three part series. The day before, I started the series with some advice on setting out a NREMT study plan and getting organized.
Today, we’ll review what you should do the day before and the day of the NREMT test.
Final Prep for the NREMT Exam
This part may be the hardest part of all. You may be tempted to get out your study materials and review “just one more time.” I will now tell you - no, don’t do that.
Take the day off before the test. No studying! Here are a few suggestions:
- Go out to a movie with some friends
- Read a book
- Play your favorite video game
- Re-arrange your Facebook page
- Watch your favorite comedies on DVD
- Go outside and do some gardening
- Get together a pickup game of basketball
- Go out to dinner
Whatever you decide, make sure you relax, and don’t stay out too late. Get to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.
The next morning, make sure you have a good breakfast and get moving early enough that you aren’t rushed. If you are one of those people who likes to play chicken with the snooze button, ask a friend or two to give you a wake up call and to make sure you are up if you tend to ignore your alarm.
Getting There is Half the Battle
Do you know how to get to the testing center? Print out both google maps and mapquest versions of the directions and compare them. If they don’t agree, call the testing center and ask them for directions. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to the testing location.
Bring everything you need with you!
Make sure you have all of the documentation you will need to test. That may be a picture ID, a birth certificate, or passport, etc. If you are not sure what to take, contact the testing center or review your confirmation letter to find the list of identification required.
I hope this NREMT testing tips series has been useful to you. If you haven’t done so, make sure you check out the other segments of this three part series.
Studying for the NREMT Exams
Sample NREMT review study plan for EMS students
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I hope this helps you out. If you are looking for some good test review guides, here are a few of the test books and resources I recommend and their links:
Jim Hoffman’s excellent Turbo Medic Software (GetTurboMedic.com)
How to Prepare for the EMT Paramedic Exam
Paramedic Review Manual for National Certification
Barron’s Paramedic Exam: with CD-ROM (Barron’s How to Prepare for the Emt Paramedic Exam)
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If you are looking for additional study aids, sign up for the MedicCast Extra and use the study tools there to review specific treatments, medications, and skills that you find a need to study some more. It’s a bargain at just $24.95 for 30 days of access.
http://MedicCastExtra.com
Licensed Distributor of the
WANTYNU EMS Oxygen Wrench
