I became an EMT-B in March and I have been running ambulance calls since November/December, I am still really nervous about running calls and Im not sure if this is normal or not. I know my skills but whenever I get on a call its like I freeze. How do I get over this feeling? I don't want to get on a life or death call and freeze because that isn't good for the patient or the patient's family. I think this field is for me and I hope it is because I enjoy it but it seems that when I get on the call the medic/paramedic is doing the work and Im standing there looking stupid because I freeze. I know I havent been an EMT for very long but this worries me. Please help if you have experienced the same thing.
2006-07-30 16:23:10 · 8 answers · asked by enitsirhc 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
What you are experiencing is very much the same as stage fright. As has already been mentioned you may want to consider pulling some additional clinical hours in the ER, riding third man, or backing down to a BLS truck till you feel confident with your skills. Also letting your partner know whats going on will help tremendously, they can't help you unless they know what the problem is.
Once you feel a little more confident things will come easier. As the driver on an ALS truck you are going to be the medic's assistant, the medic is ultimately responsible for the patient but your skills and help will make their job a lot easier. You really have no idea how much of a relief it is to have an extra set of hands to take the vitals, apply the monitor, set up an IV, etc., these are all simple no pressure tasks but help so much. There's a lot going on in a medics mind on a "hot" call so someone just handling the basics makes things much easier.
2006-08-01 04:41:19 · answer #1 · answered by paradoc_va 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being an EMT is not easy. Using your skills, mind, and that gut feeling at 4am in the morning, when you haven't slept at all is a very aggrevating and stressful. I am a paramedic and I had to start out as an emt-basic. I remember standing there watching the paramedic, feeling like I was a total idiot and that I was totally helpless to my partner and the patient. That's normal! And like I have been told by veteran paramedics, if you don't get nervous anymore and you think you know everything, it is time to get out of the business. If you have noticed by now, there are super medics and medics who are always learning. Every day is a learning experience and I never know everything that is going on with the patient. If you think you know everything, one day something will happen that will sneak up behind you and the patient will have to pay the price. Hang in there and realize that you are just feeling like almost everybody in the profession feels every shift they walk in the door. And remember that regardless of your skill level, emt-basic or paramedic, that without a partner, the job is impossible.
2006-07-31 15:57:38 · answer #2 · answered by keebler 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just became a paramedic this June. I completely understand what you are going through. On my first few calls, I would let the fire dept. medics run the call, and I would kind of stand to the side, out of the way. I was afraid of messing things up.
It took some time to become even semi-comfortable working as a medic. My heart still races everytime I hear the tones go off.
Just remember the basics - scene safety, airway, breathing, circulation. When I focused on what to do, it helped a lot. It's OK for your partner to be running the show, esp. if he or she is a medic or more experienced basic. Just ask him or her what needs to be done. It takes a lot of time (years) to be comfortable running the call. No one expects you do do it in a few months. Don't worry; the more calls you participate in, the less nervous you will be, and over time, that "freeze" feeling will go away.
Hope this helps!
2006-07-31 04:38:27 · answer #3 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your system allows it, maybe you could work a BLS car for a while until you get more comfortable. This is not a criticism, but when I was on an ambulance I hated having a partner that was not able to anticipate what I needed and what to do next. You can't be a good EMT on an ALS bus until you are a good EMT on a BLS one. I needed my EMT partner more than anything to do BLS without being told to do it. If I had to tell them to go get a backboard or put the pt on O's then something is wrong. Confidence will come with experience and familiarity. Hang in there and you'll be fine.
Good Luck
2006-08-01 00:44:12 · answer #4 · answered by GVD 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am an EMT-I, and a medic in the US Army. It is 100% natural, the first time i responded as a medic to anything i froze for a second or hour i not sure which and my fellow medic who knew i was new reached over and grabbed me and pulled me into the action. It is a natural response our bodies/minds have called fight or flight. My suggestion since i know there are other EMT's on the crew's with you is to confide in one of them you trust and have them pull you down and get your mind flowing. The ability is there you just need a friend to "jerk your *** into gear" in a matter of speaking. Its what gets us all moving and after that you'll be the one jerking others into gear. I hope it works out, good luck and do a good job they deserve it.
Cpl Rush
US Army Combat Medic
2006-07-30 16:28:25 · answer #5 · answered by Militarywiccan110 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's natural. I'm a paramedic in NYC, and I get nervous sometimes too. When you panic, just remember this words: ABC (that's all you need to keep the person alive) and Do No Harm.
2006-07-30 20:08:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you need to unfreeze, try working in an ER for a while with complete backup... also, ask if you could ride with a partner... tell the partner what is going on... and have them help push you through it. I have gone through something simliar as I finish my doctor training... you just have to push through it.. and you will stop freezing... but having a partner in crime.. if you will... really helps.
2006-07-30 16:31:49 · answer #7 · answered by PreviouslyChap 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NORMAL is the word!! I get nervous before my shift in the ER and been doing it for 20 years..the best thing to do is take each case as it comes. Use your head, your training to get through each task..and you aren't alone at work either so use your colleague's minds too.
Best thing to do....ASK QUESTIONS!! We never ever know everything. You won't learn if you don't ask!! Good luck :)
2006-07-30 16:28:19 · answer #8 · answered by caz_v8 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋