Blood Presure

[btvaine]

I am a junior firefighter and i was courious how to take BP becaue then i could be of some help when i go on ambulence runs.

[montet202]

Put the cuff on the patient. Pump it up. Put the stethascope on. Let the air out. Look at the medic and say, "120 over 80 sir."

[montet202]

OK. If you really want to be helpfull (and I know it doesn't sound too glamerous-sp?) learn you rigs better than anyone and know where everything is and have it out and ready before it is asked for. I can't tell you how valuable it is to have someone on scene who can get me what I need when I need it.

[EMT257]

learn you rigs better than anyone and know where everything is and have it out and ready before it is asked for. I can't tell you how valuable it is to have someone on scene who can get me what I need when I need it.


How bout' it! We have people who've been running for in upwards of 50 years, and they still can't find sh**.

[the1141man]

OK. If you really want to be helpfull (and I know it doesn't sound too glamerous-sp?) learn you rigs better than anyone and know where everything is and have it out and ready before it is asked for. I can't tell you how valuable it is to have someone on scene who can get me what I need when I need it.

Good advice. I know as an Explorer you want to jump in and be in the middle of things, but quite frankly, that isn't your place. Leave vitals, patient care, etc, to the certified people. It'll save them and you some heartache if a QI issue should come up later...or an observant bystander or family member happens to notice the "Explorer" patch and calls your Chief asking what "that kid" was doing hands-on with a real patient...or worse yet writes a letter to the editor publicly flaming the department/company/agency for "letting kids play Paramedic".
Whole lot of bad scenarios can play out from that...
Just remember, as an Explorer, your job is to watch and learn--so you can make a decision about whether Fire/EMS/LE is for you, and so you can have a "leg-up" should you decide to pursue it.

All hijacking aside--auscultating BPs is something best learned from qualified instructors in a formal classroom environment. It's not something you'll ever pick up (successfully, anyways) off the Net or a book. Hell, I've seen guys (FR and EMTs) who've been through the "formal classroom environment with qualified instructors" and still can't get a good BP to save their lives.

[montet202]

Good timing on the thread...

One of our young "Riders" (We don't have a formal program, but do have two late teens that ride and obsrve/learn) took advantage of a part time crew telling them he was allowd to do pressures and vitals if they watch over him. One of the fire captains that does not like us verry well (I'm in a public third service system) ran it up the flag pole and now those guys and the guys to follow have lost their privileges.

Be patient, watch and learn. You will be a better provider for it later.

[fireguy919]

Like lot of the guys here said. Right now at this point your best bet is to learn everything and where it is. I know being young your very eggar to get the hands on part of it. It takes time and although you may feel like a third wheel for a while it is the way it is. Even after your running calls lot of guys will still double check. Don’t take it personally skills take time to learn. These guys will tell you till they trust you they are going to take it before they trust your readings anyway. I’ve been first responder for 8 years. Had my EMT-B for two and worked for the same private ambo. Last week we had new medic my first time running with him. He has 9 years as medic. He double checked my BP. As I would do if he was a new basic working with me. No offense taken or given. Being young you are doing the right thing asking questions. I’m sure you asked here as to not have you own guys look down on you. Jump in if they do trainings and learn the equipment. You will pick up so much by just standing back and watching. Good luck and wish you the best. Just remember time and place for every thing. Yours will come to.

[doughesson]

I'm a former volunteer firefighter just finishing up my EMT-IV training and I agree with the ones saying to watch and learn.Being an Explorer is to give you a taste of firefighting and EMS work without putting you into danger.
For example,during my stick lab,every other word out of my instructor's mouth was"BSI!".If you're taking a BP while the others are sticking a needle into the patient,you CAN get sprayed with blood(BTDT)or worst case,stuck with a needle.It might just seem like a little sting or a liquid to be washed off but needles and body fluids can and do carry diseases I can't spell and do NOT want to catch.I don't want you catching them either.
Like the poster said,stay clear and avoid any legal entanglements over what an Explorer was doing taking vitals.Learn where stuff is and what the order of treatment is so when you do become a full member,you'll have a leg up on how to do stuff,even if you didn't do it on a real patient.
No one is jumping on you.I think we're looking out for a new FF so he can learn all the things a firefighter needs to know without being in too much danger too early.

BTW,I had trouble getting a good BP until I figured out that I'd assembled my stethoscope incorrectly.I don't do it quickly but I make sure that I got it correctly,which is what it's all about.Johnny and Roy,and Doc and Carlos don't have any worries about me.

[RyanEMVFD]

Unless you know the crew and know what they expect, sit back and ask what they want and what can you do. Don't be one that gets in the way without asking.

[the1141man]

One of the fire captains that does not like us verry well (I'm in a public third service system) ran it up the flag pole and now those guys and the guys to follow have lost their privileges.


Exactly. Only takes one complaint to screw things up for everyone. Sad situation there.

[JonathanGennick]

I am a junior firefighter and i was courious how to take BP becaue then i could be of some help when i go on ambulence runs.

Ask the EMTs that you run a call with. Just be sure to ask them *after* the call is all over and things have calmed down. You don't want to ask distracting questions while they're with a patient. (I'm sure you know that)

Taking a BP is kind of fun, and it's interesting--at least I found it so--how the process works. I would be very surprised if your EMTs were not happy to take the time to show you how it's done. Whether they let you practice on a live patient, well, that's a whole 'nother issue. But practice on the EMTs, your friends and neighbors, your fellow firefighters. Learn the process. I can't see anything wrong with that.

[THEFIRENUT]

Ask the EMTs that you run a call with. Just be sure to ask them *after* the call is all over and things have calmed down. You don't want to ask distracting questions while they're with a patient. (I'm sure you know that)

Taking a BP is kind of fun, and it's interesting--at least I found it so--how the process works. I would be very surprised if your EMTs were not happy to take the time to show you how it's done. Whether they let you practice on a live patient, well, that's a whole 'nother issue. But practice on the EMTs, your friends and neighbors, your fellow firefighters. Learn the process. I can't see anything wrong with that.

Hear hear!! Never stop trying to learn. (Just don't be so eager that you get in the way.)

[RFRDxplorer]

How bout' it! We have people who've been running for in upwards of 50 years, and they still can't find sh**.


Okay, well I guess that would definatly be a problem. Our probationary explorers have to be signed off on each truck 5 times by their FTO (Field Training Officer - one of the explorer officers) and then pass a test over the apparatus and tools as a part of their probie period. The first time, they do not get signed off but are shown each tool in each compartment, its use is explained, etc. Then as a part of their probie packet they will recieve an inventory of every piece of apparatus with pictures. They are not expected to get it 100% right every time, nor know everything immediatly, but we are changing to this from another system and hope that it ends up working well.



And as for those people saying that explorers dont need to know how to perform BP........what exactly do your explorers do? We use the UDOT standards for First Responder and a Brady EMT book in our drills and training sessions and most of us could pass the First Responder test with little effort. We do BP screenings at a local church once a month, at the dept. open house, and dept. pancake breakfast. We also recieve the roughly the equivalence of a Ohio Firefighter I-A certification. Some of us do more training and reading on our own time and learn other skills not taught directly in our drills. Everyone is saying that the explorers need to learn everything they can, but then don't let them at least LEARN to take Blood Pressures? The BP screenings are always after mass and there have been quite a few times when someone has passed out, not felt good, etc. And well whaddya know, I've got my uniform on and bp cuff next to me. By the time any of the FF's who regulary attend my church come or the squad, I can usually have a pt. assesment done (including BP). Maybe I'm lucky, but I've never run across someone who wasn't damn glad to see me and a few have spoken to my advisor (who is an EMS Lt on the dept. ) and commended myself and others on a job well done and how it is great that us kids know how to do this stuff in a professional manner.

[the1141man]

And as for those people saying that explorers dont need to know how to perform BP........what exactly do your explorers do? We use the UDOT standards for First Responder and a Brady EMT book in our drills and training sessions and most of us could pass the First Responder test with little effort. We do BP screenings at a local church once a month, at the dept. open house, and dept. pancake breakfast. We also recieve the roughly the equivalence of a Ohio Firefighter I-A certification. Some of us do more training and reading on our own time and learn other skills not taught directly in our drills. Everyone is saying that the explorers need to learn everything they can, but then don't let them at least LEARN to take Blood Pressures?
(emphasis mine)

RFRD: please don't take this personally...I've noticed a penchant for that among these forums, and I don't want you to feel like I'm dinging you or downtalking you...

For the record, my department doesn't have an explorer program, however I've worked with police explorers, as well as several military cadet programs, including NJROTC, Sea Cadets, and the Civil Air Patrol, all in the capacity of an adult leader in charge of cadet training programs. I do understand where you're coming from, being a "cadet" and chomping at the bit to "do it 'for real'", BTDT myself. It's a dues all cadets and explorers get to pay in exchange for their early induction into whatever service they're a cadet/explorer for...

That being said, I emphasized what I did in your post because I wanted to illustrate some key points that you yourself acknowledge in a sidelong manner, but I want to bring them out into the light so you can see them for what they are, and maybe understand a bit about "why things are the way they are".

You said that most of you "could" pass the First Responder course...and while I'm sure that many of you can, the fact is that you have not, yet. There's an old saying amongst EMS folks that "Certified doesn't equal qualified," meaning that while you may know the skills for your particular cert level, you don't truly understand them until you have to put them to use in the field on real calls and real patients... and at this point, none of you are even at the "certified" point. Certifications exist to ensure that you're trained to a standard and tested for that standard...if you have not been tested, then you're only halfway there, regardless of how much you train on the subject.
Along with this point, if you participate in patient care as an uncertified provider, and your EMTs or yourself are called to testify for your actions in front of a QI board, or worse yet a court hearing/trial, you cannot honestly say that you are certified to perform that skill.
Any semi-astute lawyer will bury you and your agency based upon that one piece of testimony alone.

Also, "roughly the equivalent" is again, not the same thing as the actual course or certification. As a military medic, I have "roughly the equivalent" skill set as an EMT-Intermediate (minus manual defib)...but again, I would not be recognized as such until I complete the actual EMT-Int course of training and receive a certification. So as it is, while I may have additional training & skills above and beyond EMT-B (or -1 as we say in CA), I cannot legally use them until I am certified to do so.

As for doing additional reading or coursework (USFA or FEMA) on your own, outstanding. I do, however, have one question for you: if you're doing additional reading and learning of "skills" (your word, there), how do you know if you're performing the skill properly unless you're practicing it with qualified supervision and instruction? I can read all the fireground hydraulics manuals in the world, that doesn't make me an Apparatus Engineer...it might be a good start, but in and of itself, it's just a very basic foundation upon which to build the "actual" (again that evil word, huh? ;) ) skills of an FAE.

Lastly...I never said you shouldn't learn to do BPs or any other vitals. I do not, however, believe that uncertified persons should be doing patient care in any way, shape, or form, unless a bona fide extenuating circumstance exists that justifies it (a large MCI that exceeds your resource capability, for example)... or they are students in an EMT training program doing their "hands-on" internship time. Even then, students should be observed when performing any skill on a patient, and their actions and results double-checked for completeness and accuracy...because if they screw up, it isn't their license, it's yours.

Again, just my 2¢ on this whole issue...

[RFRDxplorer]

(emphasis mine)


There's an old saying amongst EMS folks that "Certified doesn't equal qualified," meaning that while you may know the skills for your particular cert level, you don't truly understand them until you have to put them to use in the field on real calls and real patients... and at this point, none of you are even at the "certified" point. Certifications exist to ensure that you're trained to a standard and tested for that standard...if you have not been tested, then you're only halfway there, regardless of how much you train on the subject.



Ok, I can see where you are coming from, but I have put some of the skills I have learned while being "not certifed" into use in real life. Not with the dept. on a responding apparatus but as a bystander. I introduce myself and my training but do not claim to be a First Responder, EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, Orthopedic Surgeon, or God.




Where did I claim, that I knew everything about Firefighting, EMS, Rescue, etc. just because I read books or did work by myself. If I did claim that I would be in a crapload of trouble at my dept. and with my Dad.

And are CPR and First Aid certifications acceptable for explorers to attain, because since they aren't FR, EMT, EMT-P they don't know jack?

I happen to have both of those and more, so what exactly are you saying I should do with these.

[the1141man]

RFRD: I'm guessing you didn't read the whole post, particularly the opening statement, to wit: "Don't take this personally," cause you seem to have done just that.

but I have put some of the skills I have learned while being "not certifed" into use in real life. Not with the dept. on a responding apparatus but as a bystander.

Well, as a bystander, you're a bystander. You're under a different legal category than if you were in an official capacity with your department or responding on a call... what you do as "joe schmoe bystander" on your own time is your own business, and sadly, your own ass if you happen to get sued over something you did or didn't do.

Where did I claim, that I knew everything about Firefighting, EMS, Rescue, etc. just because I read books or did work by myself. If I did claim that I would be in a crapload of trouble at my dept. and with my Dad.


Again, nobody said that anywhere. Then again, I also don't recall anyone saying "You shouldn't learn to do BPs," but you imply that was stated in this forum. All that was said was that you shouldn't be practicing on real patients...
All I asked you was: How do you know you're learning the skills correctly unless you practice them and demonstrate them for a competent, qualified instructor?
I can read all the books on ventilation that I want, but until I actually grab a saw, go up on a roof, and get it signed off by someone qualified to do so, I'm not qualified to perform that skill in a "real-life" situation.

And are CPR and First Aid certifications acceptable for explorers to attain, because since they aren't FR, EMT, EMT-P they don't know jack?

Go talk to an NP, PA, or *gasp* MD/DO sometime--they'll all be more than glad to tell you that even EMT-Ps "don't know jack". ;)
This is an analogy I was told by a Paramedic Supervisor who was a co-instructor for my EMT class 5 yrs ago, and I think that it's a very fitting one, and maybe help put things in perspective for you...

First Aid--we tell you that bandages exist.
EMT-1--we show you the bandage.
EMT-2 (Intermediate)--we show you how to put the bandage on.
EMT-P--we tell you why we put bandages on.

Believe it or not, there is a vast gap of knowledge between someone trained in First Aid and even an EMT-1/B...and a likewise vast gap of knowledge between an EMT-1/B and an EMT-P. Believe it or not, and contrary to what some people may try to tell you, even EMT-P is not the "end-all, be-all" of medical knowledge and skills... I've been privileged to know and befriend RNs and PAs, and trust me, there's a gap of knowledge between EMT-P and an RN (let alone a APRN/NP, PA, or MD/DO), as well.

Just remember, young Padawan--there's always a bigger fish, even in the world of Fire/EMS. ;)

[RFRDxplorer]

RFRD: I'm guessing you didn't read the whole post, particularly the opening statement, to wit: "Don't take this personally," cause you seem to have done just that.



Well, as a bystander, you're a bystander. You're under a different legal category than if you were in an official capacity with your department or responding on a call... what you do as "joe schmoe bystander" on your own time is your own business, and sadly, your own ass if you happen to get sued over something you did or didn't do.



Again, nobody said that anywhere. Then again, I also don't recall anyone saying "You shouldn't learn to do BPs," but you imply that was stated in this forum. All that was said was that you shouldn't be practicing on real patients...
All I asked you was: How do you know you're learning the skills correctly unless you practice them and demonstrate them for a competent, qualified instructor?
I can read all the books on ventilation that I want, but until I actually grab a saw, go up on a roof, and get it signed off by someone qualified to do so, I'm not qualified to perform that skill in a "real-life" situation.


Go talk to an NP, PA, or *gasp* MD/DO sometime--they'll all be more than glad to tell you that even EMT-Ps "don't know jack". ;)
This is an analogy I was told by a Paramedic Supervisor who was a co-instructor for my EMT class 5 yrs ago, and I think that it's a very fitting one, and maybe help put things in perspective for you...

First Aid--we tell you that bandages exist.
EMT-1--we show you the bandage.
EMT-2 (Intermediate)--we show you how to put the bandage on.
EMT-P--we tell you why we put bandages on.

Believe it or not, there is a vast gap of knowledge between someone trained in First Aid and even an EMT-1/B...and a likewise vast gap of knowledge between an EMT-1/B and an EMT-P. Believe it or not, and contrary to what some people may try to tell you, even EMT-P is not the "end-all, be-all" of medical knowledge and skills... I've been privileged to know and befriend RNs and PAs, and trust me, there's a gap of knowledge between EMT-P and an RN (let alone a APRN/NP, PA, or MD/DO), as well.

Just remember, young Padawan--there's always a bigger fish, even in the world of Fire/EMS. ;)


Ok, if you read the title of my above post you will see that I was not taking it personally I was just asking reasonable questions.

Ok, where to start. First of all, I am not going to worry about being sued if someones life is on the line. That will be the furthest thing from my mind. If I let someone die just because I "may" get sued, I'm not sure how I would live with myself. At my school they teach us to be Christian Gentlemen and do for others etc etc etc. Nowhere in there is there a disclaimer that states " Unless possibility of lawsuit".

Secondly, where did I say that I go off in my uniform solo and set up a table at the local Mc Donald's for BP's. We are trained under EMT-B and EMT-P (take your pick depending on the day usually both) we are also supervised most times while doing BP screenings etc. Also, what about explorers that perform rehab functions on the fireground? What are they supposed to do??? Is it that you don't trust explorers? Here is a question for you, (not trying to come off as a smart ass, but realisticly). Ok you have a rookie who has just graduated from EMT school, he has passes his practical, written and is a state/NREMT Basic, Paramedic what have you........while he is trained and tested on his knowledge, he is not 100% proficent at every skill needed to be the best Basic or Paramedic possible. Even as an explorer I can tell you that there is no way on God's green earth that someone can be 100% proficent coming out of school, hell, maybe ever....during a Pediatrics class that I took today at a confrence the instructor started by introducing himself then stating that he doesn't know everything and that there is alot that he still has to learn. But the instructor of the next class summed it up the best. He asked the top graduate of his dept's academy if he felt prepared for the world of firefighting. The usual response he got was Hell YEAH I'm ready. This cadet told him, "If you've got 6 pallets burning in the corner of a concrete room, I can go in and kick it's ass."

Go talk to an NP, PA, or *gasp* MD/DO sometime--they'll all be more than glad to tell you that even EMT-Ps "don't know jack".

Done. My best friend's dad who also happens to be my Dad's best friend just happens to be an MD and he thinks that the explorer program is a great thing. In fact, I have told him what I have done and he knows what I have been trained in and he feels that I have done exceptional.

Also, where did I state that I knew "Jack" hell I don't even know "Jill" I am just an explorer who happens to like the fire service more than most and has an amazing appetite for fire service/EMS knowledge. Our instructors were amazed today that there were kids my age in their classes full of older firefighters and that we were answering questions, comprehending, and participating in their classes. I never said that I can kick every EMT's ass. All I said was that I feel as do our advisors that I could pass the First Responder test with little effort. This doesn't mean that I am the God of EMS, this simply was trying to say that my training is about equivalent to that. And I know, you already highlighted eqivalent and could, probably, etc, etc. I guess in short, I pose one question to you, What do you have against explorer's learning skills and putting them to use at the proper time under the proper supervision. I'm sorry but you were quick to jump the gun on me for no reason.


p.s.-

Believe it or not, there is a vast gap of knowledge between someone trained in First Aid and even an EMT-1/B...and a likewise vast gap of knowledge between an EMT-1/B and an EMT-P. Believe it or not, and contrary to what some people may try to tell you, even EMT-P is not the "end-all, be-all" of medical knowledge and skills... I've been privileged to know and befriend RNs and PAs, and trust me, there's a gap of knowledge between EMT-P and an RN (let alone a APRN/NP, PA, or MD/DO), as well.

Again, I'm sorry, but please do not insult my intelligence.

[the1141man]

RFRD--I can see this is going nowhere, fast. I may's well be beating my head into a pulp against a reinforced concrete wall.
You are reading way too much into what I wrote. Pure and simple.
Regardless of your denial that you're taking it all personally, your responses to my posts don't reflect that.

I cannot argue with you, since you insist upon attributing statements to me that I haven't made, sentiments that I don't feel, etc...look up "straw man" as it relates to logic and debate, and consider your recent posts to me in light of that.

If it makes you feel any better, when I taught for NJROTC, cadets there were only allowed to tour military facilities, not do anything of any sort "active operational" with them...likewise Civil Air Patrol. Sea Cadets, at the time I was involved, was a whole different story, but even then, you were very limited as to what evolutions you could participate in and under what circumstances.
Police explorers around here basically attend the COP (Citizens on Patrol) academy, and that's about the extent of their training. During ride-alongs, they don't do a damned thing on calls...they might be allowed out of the car if it's a "cold call" or report-only call, but that's it.

I offer you that information so you can see for yourself just how good you have it at your department that you can ride out and participate, even in a support role, in calls. Hell, you should be glad you guys even have an Explorer program--around here, FD Explorers are unheard-of.

Lastly, and I'll bold it for ya, so you will hopefully notice it:
I have no problem with Explorers learning and practicing skills in a controlled, supervised environment. However, the scene of a real medical aid, rescue, or fire call is not the correct environment for learning/practicing skills.

Clear enough for you?

[TheChicagoKid]

Lastly, and I'll bold it for ya, so you will hopefully notice it:
I have no problem with Explorers learning and practicing skills in a controlled, supervised environment. However, the scene of a real medical aid, rescue, or fire call is not the correct environment for learning/practicing skills.

Clear enough for you?


I was an explorer for 2 years..and let me tell you, that is the most correct piece of information i have pretty much ever heard pretaining to it. Im an EMT-B student, i JUST learned how to do blood pressures and believe me, i still cant get them right on my fellow students quite yet. Now imagine not only that you're trying to figure it out on someone sitting down letting you do it. but you're doing it on someone whos drunk, combative and getting other procedures performed on them by the EMT-P. it's just not safe for someone who is not insured, licensed, and declared a professional. Also, remember something about you using your training and skills when you see someone go down...when you step up to help someone in need, and you aren't employed by a department or anything, you're taking a big risk. I can tell you from experience, there are scarry scarry people out in the world who carry jump bags and O2 in their cars and stop at every car accident they see. Don't become one of those people and remember what you are doing before you jump on it, your future in EMS or FFing could depend on it. Sometimes instead of jumping in and trying to use what you know or think you know in an emergency you should just simply call 911, step back and do what you absoutely can, example CPR and Hemorrhage Control (WITH PPE ONLY IF YOU HAVE IT).

[RFRDxplorer]

I was an explorer for 2 years..and let me tell you, that is the most correct piece of information i have pretty much ever heard pretaining to it. Im an EMT-B student, i JUST learned how to do blood pressures and believe me, i still cant get them right on my fellow students quite yet. Now imagine not only that you're trying to figure it out on someone sitting down letting you do it. but you're doing it on someone whos drunk, combative and getting other procedures performed on them by the EMT-P. it's just not safe for someone who is not insured, licensed, and declared a professional. Also, remember something about you using your training and skills when you see someone go down...when you step up to help someone in need, and you aren't employed by a department or anything, you're taking a big risk. I can tell you from experience, there are scarry scarry people out in the world who carry jump bags and O2 in their cars and stop at every car accident they see. Don't become one of those people and remember what you are doing before you jump on it, your future in EMS or FFing could depend on it. Sometimes instead of jumping in and trying to use what you know or think you know in an emergency you should just simply call 911, step back and do what you absoutely can, example CPR and Hemorrhage Control (WITH PPE ONLY IF YOU HAVE IT).


Well thats the beauty of this world, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

As I have said in the Entering Home without SCBA thread, I am not just going to sit back and relax when someone needs help or when their life is in danger. Sure, I will not go charging into a house that has major fire showing or is way too damn hot, but I am going to at least do my best under the circumstances. And I will also not hesitate to perform anything that I have learned on a person that needs my help, I don't really care much if someone is mad because I saved a life without my medic card or Doctorate in Medicine or showed them that teenagers aren't worthless ( It's happened about 4-5 times in the past year alone). My dad has been in the service almost 30 years and fully understands as most of what I think has been influenced my him. I'm sorry that our advisor's teach us these skills not to have them go in one ear and out the other but to actually use them if the situation arises. Like I said before, to each his own.

[CaptainMikey]

just ask the medic to teach you.

[jayjaymires]

I think the point is don't become part of the problem become part of the solution. Now obviously if they're not breathing and there's no puls and you're the first one there start CPR. But if there are higher trained people around you or close. Do not go out of your scope of practice. There is a reason for certifications. Just because you have a dad in the fire service and you think you know enough to be out there working already YOU DONT. If you did you would be certified. Not to mention your lack of training is a risk to you, the patient and your entire department. Don't get ahead of yourself especially in this game. It can cost lives and careers. States have laws against you responding to a call and doing certain things. As for being a bystander I hope you do all that you can but remember to do things you're certified for only because you do not yet have the ability to accurately treat certain patients.

[Wyomingmedic]

Let me give this a WHIRL,

I was an Explorer with my local FD for 6 years. AS an explorer I got my emt-b AND my FF1.

Here I am now 7 years later and Im now a medic and FAO and extrication instructor ETC ETC. BUT STILL there are those that are more qualified and experienced because they had to teach me.

Take this to heart from somebody who is more qualified and experienced than you. -------------------Just because you can take a BP doesnt mean that you can TAKE A BP. Let me explain. Do you who what the term "precipitous drop in BP"means or signifies? How about "narowing pulse pressures"? Or perhaps the "pulseless paradoxus (sp)" Or how to even hear the 10 TORR drop in BP with respiration.

Sure, you know the mechanics of taking a BP and Im sure that you get the numbers right. But BELIEVE me. There is FAR more too it than you are seening. I myself am only scratching the surface AS A MEDIC..

The first time that you take a BP on a person and tell them they are FINE, then realize that they are on beta blockers and they actually arent fine, it hurts your ego and perhaps your wallet (when they sue you).

Im sure that you dont (because NOBODY on earth totally knows, including myself) know how every medication will present itself in BP and assesment.



Keep doing what your doing. Learn everything. I now teach my Explorers just as I was taught. I allow my cadets to help with PT assesment and take vitals. Most of them are good at it too. But there are WAY too many facets for them to see at that stage. I would NEVER (even with supervision) allow them to do BP checks on random people even if I am standing RIGHT THERE. There are too many legal ramifications. If I let them do that then I would be irresponsible and probably legally liable for ANY mistakes. Now if they are in their civillian clothing and just around town and they see somebody GO DOWN, then YES, by all means. Do everything within their training to help.

I commend you on your wanting to learn, but remember that things come with time. I and every other cadet in the world have gone through what you are going through. Nobody here is singling you out. We are speaking from our experience and trying to help you.