Saturday, February 7, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Lab Days.
I'm a little torn about our Thursday lab days.
On one hand, they usually go by pretty quickly because they're interactive, we're up and about doing things, joking around and having a good time. And the faster we get through them the faster we get to Friday, which is obviously a good thing (it was a little better when Fridays were optional). Lab days can be fun.
On the other hand, they are by far the. most. stressful. days of the week. And many times I would rather die than perform a scenario in front of my class that I know I'm going to fail. But that's how we learn, right? So, like everyone else, I just suck it up and do what I can while trying to hide my terror. Doesn't make it any less stressful though.
So I guess those two extremes kind of cancel each other out in a way. I can run through the full range of emotions and stress levels, but at the end of the day I'm neutral again. A strange day indeed.
-AM
just a pocketbook Brando
On one hand, they usually go by pretty quickly because they're interactive, we're up and about doing things, joking around and having a good time. And the faster we get through them the faster we get to Friday, which is obviously a good thing (it was a little better when Fridays were optional). Lab days can be fun.
On the other hand, they are by far the. most. stressful. days of the week. And many times I would rather die than perform a scenario in front of my class that I know I'm going to fail. But that's how we learn, right? So, like everyone else, I just suck it up and do what I can while trying to hide my terror. Doesn't make it any less stressful though.
So I guess those two extremes kind of cancel each other out in a way. I can run through the full range of emotions and stress levels, but at the end of the day I'm neutral again. A strange day indeed.
-AM
just a pocketbook Brando
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Bad Timing.
Of course we would have one of our biggest tests of the year this Monday. The Monday following UFC Saturday and Superbowl Sunday. Gimme a break!
On the bright side, GSP kicked BJ Penn's ass.
-AM
On the bright side, GSP kicked BJ Penn's ass.
-AM
Friday, January 30, 2009
Zen.
Does anyone else do this?
Because this city is small enough that I can walk everywhere, I do walk everywhere. I always listen to music when I walk. I think I've been doing this for a long time, but I've only just recently noticed that I've actually stopped measuring time with, well, actual time. Now I measure it in songs. For example: A walk to the superstore takes, on average, about 4 songs. A walk home from school takes about an album. This has completely changed my life. I actually think of time as a number of songs. I don't think there's any going back now.
I noticed it as I was walking to the store tonight with not much else to think about. Actually, that's why I listen to music while I walk. It clears my head. It sort of stops my mind from wandering into daydreams too much (Which is a bigger problem for me than you might believe). It forces me to stick to observing, rather than analyzing. Example: One day, on my way home from school, the batteries in my MP3 player died. My precious Creative Zen. There is no worse sight than a flashing red bar where the battery charge should be (Am I right?). So I actually cursed quite loudly. Maybe I was in a bad mood because of that, but I found myself mentally cursing all of the people who were walking towards me on the wrong side of the very narrow, snowy sidewalk. And when there was no-one on the walk, I was thinking about those people cutting me off and forcing me into the snow, albeit only ankle-deep.
I know, right? Stupid. Relax.
Then today, while walking to the store, I had my music. Fleet Foxes are the flavor of the week. The only thing I actually remember thinking about is how the crescent moon, in a clear night sky like tonight's, always reminds me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. I'd much rather spend my time comparing life to cartoons, that's for sure.
Well I'm out for now, folks. I'm re-certifying my CPR tomorrow morning, and I have to be up in about, oh, 9 albums or so. 'Til we speak again.
-AM
the stars will rise again
Because this city is small enough that I can walk everywhere, I do walk everywhere. I always listen to music when I walk. I think I've been doing this for a long time, but I've only just recently noticed that I've actually stopped measuring time with, well, actual time. Now I measure it in songs. For example: A walk to the superstore takes, on average, about 4 songs. A walk home from school takes about an album. This has completely changed my life. I actually think of time as a number of songs. I don't think there's any going back now.
I noticed it as I was walking to the store tonight with not much else to think about. Actually, that's why I listen to music while I walk. It clears my head. It sort of stops my mind from wandering into daydreams too much (Which is a bigger problem for me than you might believe). It forces me to stick to observing, rather than analyzing. Example: One day, on my way home from school, the batteries in my MP3 player died. My precious Creative Zen. There is no worse sight than a flashing red bar where the battery charge should be (Am I right?). So I actually cursed quite loudly. Maybe I was in a bad mood because of that, but I found myself mentally cursing all of the people who were walking towards me on the wrong side of the very narrow, snowy sidewalk. And when there was no-one on the walk, I was thinking about those people cutting me off and forcing me into the snow, albeit only ankle-deep.
I know, right? Stupid. Relax.
Then today, while walking to the store, I had my music. Fleet Foxes are the flavor of the week. The only thing I actually remember thinking about is how the crescent moon, in a clear night sky like tonight's, always reminds me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. I'd much rather spend my time comparing life to cartoons, that's for sure.
Well I'm out for now, folks. I'm re-certifying my CPR tomorrow morning, and I have to be up in about, oh, 9 albums or so. 'Til we speak again.
-AM
the stars will rise again
Monday, January 26, 2009
Just Watched...
Slumdog Millionaire. It was... meh. Entertaining I guess, worth a watch. But I don't see what all the hype is about when you compare it to other movies that have come out recently. It sort of reminded me of City of God, a Brazilian film. Check it out. I actually liked it quite a bit more than Slumdog.
The Wrestler was great. A very different style for Darren Aronofsky. That is, it was normal. Love his movies. If you're bored or high or both, and you feel like a really slow, artsy kind of poetic film then watch The Fountain. I think I ruled out a lot of people with that last sentence, but give it a shot! It's one of those movies that you should watch alone at 2AM. So take that as you will.
Most of all, if anyone is reading this go rent or download The Fall. And get Boy A while you're at it. Two of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I can't remember the last time I didn't want a movie to end. You won't regret watching them.
'Night.
-AM
(slow clap)
The Wrestler was great. A very different style for Darren Aronofsky. That is, it was normal. Love his movies. If you're bored or high or both, and you feel like a really slow, artsy kind of poetic film then watch The Fountain. I think I ruled out a lot of people with that last sentence, but give it a shot! It's one of those movies that you should watch alone at 2AM. So take that as you will.
Most of all, if anyone is reading this go rent or download The Fall. And get Boy A while you're at it. Two of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I can't remember the last time I didn't want a movie to end. You won't regret watching them.
'Night.
-AM
(slow clap)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Hail To The King, Baby.
Dream Job:
To work in Marketing for Burger King. Because, apparently, you can just do whatever the hell you want. They are truly heroes for bringing us one of the creepiest mascots of all time, and for making commercials like this:
(Yeah, that's Hootie.)
...and this:
...and this and this...
This is what happens when I get bored on Sunday afternoon.
-AM
the princess is in another castle
To work in Marketing for Burger King. Because, apparently, you can just do whatever the hell you want. They are truly heroes for bringing us one of the creepiest mascots of all time, and for making commercials like this:
(Yeah, that's Hootie.)
...and this:
...and this and this...
This is what happens when I get bored on Sunday afternoon.
-AM
the princess is in another castle
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Better Get Used To It.
I learned today that one of my favourite, albeit troublesome, patients that I had met twice during my four days of ride-alongs had passed away. Not long after we had had last taken him to the hospital. I know I've only been on the ambulance four times, but I met some interesting and troubled people. It was hard not to become attached to them in some way. This was the first time I had heard such a grim follow-up for one of "my" patients.
He was what you would call a "frequent flyer". One of those people that seems to call 911 simply because they're bored or lonely or just need some interaction. However, these people also call when they think they need help. Even if it is every day, like this particular patient. It sounds annoying and unnecessary, like a waste of everyone's time. That's exactly how most people see it at first. My instructor, though, once told us something that made me rethink the whole notion of a "frequent flyer". He reminded us all that no matter how unimportant some calls may sound, no matter that they had no medical problems at all, they called 911 because they believed they needed help. In their minds they genuinely thought that they were sick or injured. They're worried about themselves, and calling 911 is the right thing to do in that case. No matter how small the problem. It's hard to keep that in mind sometimes. I believe this is exactly what he was doing. I can't say I knew him all too well, but I got the feeling that sometimes people just weren't taking him seriously. Maybe it was something of a "boy who cried wolf" scenario, maybe he brought it on himself. I guess we'll never know what his intentions were.
The way the paramedics and hospital staff talked about him, you knew they considered him more of a hassle than anything else. But they all knew him. They all talked about him, laughed about him. I could always pick up on a small hint of affection when they did. They'll always remember him, that's for sure. He wasn't a bad person. He'll be missed.
-AM
pale blue colored iris
He was what you would call a "frequent flyer". One of those people that seems to call 911 simply because they're bored or lonely or just need some interaction. However, these people also call when they think they need help. Even if it is every day, like this particular patient. It sounds annoying and unnecessary, like a waste of everyone's time. That's exactly how most people see it at first. My instructor, though, once told us something that made me rethink the whole notion of a "frequent flyer". He reminded us all that no matter how unimportant some calls may sound, no matter that they had no medical problems at all, they called 911 because they believed they needed help. In their minds they genuinely thought that they were sick or injured. They're worried about themselves, and calling 911 is the right thing to do in that case. No matter how small the problem. It's hard to keep that in mind sometimes. I believe this is exactly what he was doing. I can't say I knew him all too well, but I got the feeling that sometimes people just weren't taking him seriously. Maybe it was something of a "boy who cried wolf" scenario, maybe he brought it on himself. I guess we'll never know what his intentions were.
The way the paramedics and hospital staff talked about him, you knew they considered him more of a hassle than anything else. But they all knew him. They all talked about him, laughed about him. I could always pick up on a small hint of affection when they did. They'll always remember him, that's for sure. He wasn't a bad person. He'll be missed.
-AM
pale blue colored iris
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Cardiology, Part Deux.
Hey there.
So, things went well today! I think. I suppose if there's one thing I've learned during my time in school, it's that however I feel I scored on a test, the result is usually the opposite. So I guess now I feel like it maybe didn't go so well. Which would mean it did. Which would mean it didn't....
Anyway. I also wanted to stop back in to leave you with this neat-o interweb link to a fancy-pants little free game that you do have to download and install yourself (I know a lot of you just aren't into that), but which is more than worth it. It's called "Gravity Bone". The name really has no relation at all to the game itself, as far as I can tell, so no judging! It's some kind of silly, first-person, block-headed, mystery/espionage thing(?). It's also tiny and about 10 minutes long so there's really no excuse to not play this. You can thank me later.
-AM
i'd really like to help you, man
So, things went well today! I think. I suppose if there's one thing I've learned during my time in school, it's that however I feel I scored on a test, the result is usually the opposite. So I guess now I feel like it maybe didn't go so well. Which would mean it did. Which would mean it didn't....
Anyway. I also wanted to stop back in to leave you with this neat-o interweb link to a fancy-pants little free game that you do have to download and install yourself (I know a lot of you just aren't into that), but which is more than worth it. It's called "Gravity Bone". The name really has no relation at all to the game itself, as far as I can tell, so no judging! It's some kind of silly, first-person, block-headed, mystery/espionage thing(?). It's also tiny and about 10 minutes long so there's really no excuse to not play this. You can thank me later.
-AM
i'd really like to help you, man
Monday, January 12, 2009
Back To The Grind.
Well the Holidays are over, and I think I now fall under the "recovering alcoholic" demographic. Along with many of you, I bet. Good times in the Maritimes.
I would resolve to start posting more around here, but that requires making a little decision about this place. See, the reason my posts were so sparse is because I had always tried to aim for quality over quantity. I didn't want this site to get too ridiculous. Unfortunately I feel like I write more crap than anything else so I haven't had a lot of worthwhile stuff to put here. Anyway, I think I might just start writing in little bursts and we'll see how I like it. I'll try not to be too annoying. I'm not annoying am I..?
So... Cardiology 1 went pretty well, with a 90%. Thought I'd scored a bit higher but I certainly ain't complaining. Cardio 2 is tomorrow morning, and this entire post is basically me procrastinating. But I guess I'd better get to studying, I've said enough. Back to my ECG strips... I'll let you know how things go tomorrow.
-AM
a tunnel, from my window to yours
I would resolve to start posting more around here, but that requires making a little decision about this place. See, the reason my posts were so sparse is because I had always tried to aim for quality over quantity. I didn't want this site to get too ridiculous. Unfortunately I feel like I write more crap than anything else so I haven't had a lot of worthwhile stuff to put here. Anyway, I think I might just start writing in little bursts and we'll see how I like it. I'll try not to be too annoying. I'm not annoying am I..?
So... Cardiology 1 went pretty well, with a 90%. Thought I'd scored a bit higher but I certainly ain't complaining. Cardio 2 is tomorrow morning, and this entire post is basically me procrastinating. But I guess I'd better get to studying, I've said enough. Back to my ECG strips... I'll let you know how things go tomorrow.
-AM
a tunnel, from my window to yours
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Laws of EMS.
I'm sure most people in EMS have probably seen this, but for those who haven't:
The Laws of Emergency Medical Services:
1. Skin signs tell all.
2. Sick people don't bitch.
3. Air goes in and out, blood goes round and round, any variation of this is a bad thing.
4. Newbies have their own way of doing things.
5. The more equipment you see on a paramedic's belt, the newer they are.
6. There is no rule 6.
7. When dealing with patients, supervisors, or citizens: If it felt good saying it, it was the wrong thing to say.
8. All bleeding stops... eventually.
9. All people will eventually die, no matter what you do.
10. If the child is quiet, be scared.
11. Always follow the rules, but be wise enough to break them sometimes.
12. If the patient vomits in the rig try to hold their head to the side of the rig with the disposable equipment, not the stuff you have to clean.
13. If someone dies by chemical hazards, electrical shocks or other on-scene dangers it should be the patient, not you.
14. Any EMT, FF, and/or scene chief who is more drunk (or more stupid) than the patient is the real problem.
15. There will be problems.
16. You can't cure stupid.
17. If it's wet and sticky and not yours, LEAVE IT ALONE!
18. If at all possible, avoid any edible item that firefighters prepare, especially the tuna casserole.
19. Heaven protects Fools and Drunks.
20. EMS is extended periods of intense boredom, interrupted by occasional moments of sheer terror.
21. Every Emergency has three phases PANIC, FEAR, AND REMORSE.
22. You are bound to get a call either during dinner, while you are on the can, or at 2:00am in the middle of a great dream.
23. Rocket scientists that get into stupid car crashes are the first ones to complain how bumpy the ambulance ride is.
24. The severity of the injury(s) is directly proportional to the difficulty in accessing, as well as the weight, of the patient.
25. Turret mounted machine guns usually work better than lights and sirens.
26. Make sure the rookie paramedic knows that a med patch is a radio term, and not a medicated bandage.
27. Paramedics save lives; But it's EMT skills that save Paramedics.
28. When a patient vomits outside, be sure to aim it at the citizens who wouldn't back up.
29. Never trust your rig, drug box, or airway bag to be fully stocked. In spite of the assurances of the offgoing crew.
30. If you don't have it, don't give up. Adapt, Improvise, Overcome, (then call for a second unit).
31. There is no such thing as a "textbook case".
32. Newbies always look for large things in the smallest compartments and vice-versa.
33. There is no such thing as a bad call. Only calls that didn't go the way you planned.
34. If there are no drunks at a Motor Vehicle Accident after midnight, keep looking, someone is missing.
35. Just because you're paranoid does not mean the Supervisor isn't around the corner.
The Laws of Emergency Medical Services:
1. Skin signs tell all.
2. Sick people don't bitch.
3. Air goes in and out, blood goes round and round, any variation of this is a bad thing.
4. Newbies have their own way of doing things.
5. The more equipment you see on a paramedic's belt, the newer they are.
6. There is no rule 6.
7. When dealing with patients, supervisors, or citizens: If it felt good saying it, it was the wrong thing to say.
8. All bleeding stops... eventually.
9. All people will eventually die, no matter what you do.
10. If the child is quiet, be scared.
11. Always follow the rules, but be wise enough to break them sometimes.
12. If the patient vomits in the rig try to hold their head to the side of the rig with the disposable equipment, not the stuff you have to clean.
13. If someone dies by chemical hazards, electrical shocks or other on-scene dangers it should be the patient, not you.
14. Any EMT, FF, and/or scene chief who is more drunk (or more stupid) than the patient is the real problem.
15. There will be problems.
16. You can't cure stupid.
17. If it's wet and sticky and not yours, LEAVE IT ALONE!
18. If at all possible, avoid any edible item that firefighters prepare, especially the tuna casserole.
19. Heaven protects Fools and Drunks.
20. EMS is extended periods of intense boredom, interrupted by occasional moments of sheer terror.
21. Every Emergency has three phases PANIC, FEAR, AND REMORSE.
22. You are bound to get a call either during dinner, while you are on the can, or at 2:00am in the middle of a great dream.
23. Rocket scientists that get into stupid car crashes are the first ones to complain how bumpy the ambulance ride is.
24. The severity of the injury(s) is directly proportional to the difficulty in accessing, as well as the weight, of the patient.
25. Turret mounted machine guns usually work better than lights and sirens.
26. Make sure the rookie paramedic knows that a med patch is a radio term, and not a medicated bandage.
27. Paramedics save lives; But it's EMT skills that save Paramedics.
28. When a patient vomits outside, be sure to aim it at the citizens who wouldn't back up.
29. Never trust your rig, drug box, or airway bag to be fully stocked. In spite of the assurances of the offgoing crew.
30. If you don't have it, don't give up. Adapt, Improvise, Overcome, (then call for a second unit).
31. There is no such thing as a "textbook case".
32. Newbies always look for large things in the smallest compartments and vice-versa.
33. There is no such thing as a bad call. Only calls that didn't go the way you planned.
34. If there are no drunks at a Motor Vehicle Accident after midnight, keep looking, someone is missing.
35. Just because you're paranoid does not mean the Supervisor isn't around the corner.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Oh Dear God Thank You!
I passed my Pharmacology test.
Trying to study with the power out sure didn't help...
- AM
Trying to study with the power out sure didn't help...
- AM
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Motivation.
Oh, hello there.
Didn't forget about me did you? I've come out of my cave to share a few things. Just some thoughts that have been kicking around the ol' mental note pad. I've been extremely busy with school for the last few weeks, but I guess that's no excuse for not writing in, what, like 3 months?! That's ridiculous. I know. I've realized why I haven't been writing though, and why I was able to write for my old blog, years ago. Back then I had an audience. Audience = motivation. A reason to write, other than to just to post some "Dear diary's" to myself when I'm bored. I didn't have an audience here because no one knew about this. So I think it's time to roll it out from the shadows. Hi, everyone.
Things at school are heating up, and it's getting harder and harder to keep up. I wish I knew someone who took the course last year so I could ask them just how they did it. I mean, we start a new section every week and just when I feel like I'm beginning to fully understand the material... Bam! We write the test on Monday and move on to something entirely new. If you don't devour your textbook every week, you're toast. There's no time to say, "I'll get the hang of this eventually". You figure it out now or you forget about it until it comes back to smack you in the face when you write your final exam, and you fail. $12 000 down the drain. That's some motivation right there! That being said, though, I've been doing alright. A teeny-tiny bit lower than where I'd like my grades to be but I'm happy, and I usually feel pretty confident going into the tests. Right now I'm studying Pharmacology for the test on Monday. Unfortunately I missed the review day on Friday so I need to focus extra hard on figuring this stuff out on my own. *Gulp*.
Lab scenarios are more or less the same story. It's much harder to prepare at home though. I had a really bad day about a month ago that served as one of those oh-so-dreaded reality checks. I bombed my trauma scenario. I just froze and forgot everything in front of my group and my instructor. It started when I realized that I had forgotten to put on the Oxygen. The more I worried and tried to remember what I thought I was forgetting, the more I forgot. It was one of the most embarrassing days of my life, and one that I won't soon forget. I promised myself that it would never happen again. So I've been studying and practicing scenarios and for the last few weeks I've been nailing them. Well, I mean they aren't perfect. But for where we are now I think they're pretty good, and I've cut my trauma scenario time in half. Yay.
Motivation is a great thing. I don't mean to sound like a broken record here and drill that word into your head, but lately I just haven't been able to ignore the impact it's been having on my life. I suppose it's what causes the motivation that's really important. It's interesting to dig down to find the real reasons we do the things we do. It's never quite as simple as it seems. Think about it. But that's definitely a different story for another time. Right now I focus on passing my tests, not humiliating myself in my labs, and, of course, trying to keep the readers happy.
How did I do?
-AM
Didn't forget about me did you? I've come out of my cave to share a few things. Just some thoughts that have been kicking around the ol' mental note pad. I've been extremely busy with school for the last few weeks, but I guess that's no excuse for not writing in, what, like 3 months?! That's ridiculous. I know. I've realized why I haven't been writing though, and why I was able to write for my old blog, years ago. Back then I had an audience. Audience = motivation. A reason to write, other than to just to post some "Dear diary's" to myself when I'm bored. I didn't have an audience here because no one knew about this. So I think it's time to roll it out from the shadows. Hi, everyone.
Things at school are heating up, and it's getting harder and harder to keep up. I wish I knew someone who took the course last year so I could ask them just how they did it. I mean, we start a new section every week and just when I feel like I'm beginning to fully understand the material... Bam! We write the test on Monday and move on to something entirely new. If you don't devour your textbook every week, you're toast. There's no time to say, "I'll get the hang of this eventually". You figure it out now or you forget about it until it comes back to smack you in the face when you write your final exam, and you fail. $12 000 down the drain. That's some motivation right there! That being said, though, I've been doing alright. A teeny-tiny bit lower than where I'd like my grades to be but I'm happy, and I usually feel pretty confident going into the tests. Right now I'm studying Pharmacology for the test on Monday. Unfortunately I missed the review day on Friday so I need to focus extra hard on figuring this stuff out on my own. *Gulp*.
Lab scenarios are more or less the same story. It's much harder to prepare at home though. I had a really bad day about a month ago that served as one of those oh-so-dreaded reality checks. I bombed my trauma scenario. I just froze and forgot everything in front of my group and my instructor. It started when I realized that I had forgotten to put on the Oxygen. The more I worried and tried to remember what I thought I was forgetting, the more I forgot. It was one of the most embarrassing days of my life, and one that I won't soon forget. I promised myself that it would never happen again. So I've been studying and practicing scenarios and for the last few weeks I've been nailing them. Well, I mean they aren't perfect. But for where we are now I think they're pretty good, and I've cut my trauma scenario time in half. Yay.
Motivation is a great thing. I don't mean to sound like a broken record here and drill that word into your head, but lately I just haven't been able to ignore the impact it's been having on my life. I suppose it's what causes the motivation that's really important. It's interesting to dig down to find the real reasons we do the things we do. It's never quite as simple as it seems. Think about it. But that's definitely a different story for another time. Right now I focus on passing my tests, not humiliating myself in my labs, and, of course, trying to keep the readers happy.
How did I do?
-AM
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