No amount of training completely prepares a student for the realities of working in the emergency medical services profession. Experience inevitably reveals the nuances of working in the field that aren’t and can’t be covered in an educational program. As EMS professionals confront similar situations time and again, they learn what works and what doesn’t. When their heads move out of the textbooks and into real-life exchanges with the people who need their services, they begin to understand how to convert knowledge into action that produces the best results. A few tips can help new professionals make a smoother transition. When your clients are new to the field, you may want to share this information with them.
Set Up Organizational Tools
No matter how good a person’s memory is, implementing organizational tools makes them more efficient. The EMS professional is frequently presented with situations that are chaotic or stressful. Sensory overload can derail anyone, making them forget even routine processes and procedures. A checklist is an easy organizational tool that provides a focal point and a trigger for memory recall. It also provides direction for the professional’s next step and improves service delivery and patient care.
Use a Patient-Centered Approach
It is easy for new EMS staff to concentrate on what they learned during their training rather than the specifics of their patient interactions. Shifting the focus to the patient in communications and assessments sets the patient and the paramedic up for a more positive and successful experience.
Communication Techniques
People who contact EMS are often in distress, but many don’t want to feel like a burden. Patient-centered communication eases the stress of the situation. Instead of asking them why they called EMS, paramedics can ask patients what EMS can do for them. Talk with the patient and not at them.
Physical Exam Approach
During a physical exam, new EMS professionals can get caught up in textbook diagnoses or expectations. When this occurs, they may overlook something critical in the patient’s symptoms or in what the patient communicates. Even when they think they know what’s wrong, it’s important to conduct a thorough assessment.
Pay Attention to the Extremities
The smallest details can provide the most significant information. During assessment and treatment, pay attention to the extremities for signs of concern and improvement. The temperature of the feet can reveal whether patients might be in cardiogenic shock or if they have sufficient peripheral perfusion. Mottling in the knees can be a sign of septic shock. While it is tempting to focus on vitals and signs of distress or progress at the core, the extremities provide subtle details to clue the paramedic in on the patient’s status earlier.
EMS professionals provide critical care to people who are in distress. Making the transition from student to staff can be challenging because new professionals deal with real people in real situations. Following these pro tips can make the transition easier.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.