Skills Camp - Day 5

Thursday.  Jamie & Luke left in the morning....sad moment... Love that little guy!! We were buddies...I helped him with his breakfast, and he would run up to me whenever he saw me. During one of our classes, he came up to me and begged me to 'Come and Play!!' Oh, how I wanted to!! I want a whole house full of little boys...may God help me to train them up to be God-Fearing, hardworking men!!!

Luke wore this child-size C-Collar for about 10 minutes..just wandering around :)

After listening to Luke's heart rate, I let him use my stethoscope to listen to mine. After about 3 minutes of this, his mommy came into the room, and I told him to go listen to his mommy's baby (Jaime is due in mid- October)
So precious!!!

Of course, then he had to listen to HER heartbeat... :)

All day long, we worked on honing our Medical & Trauma Skills. It was then, that Sinclair and I took our first Trauma Assessment (since we were a team)...the scenario was a motorcycle accident, with multiple injuries including a flail chest.

Pretty cool moulages don't ya think??

A closer look at the arm

And the leg

The day went great. I passed my Trauma Assessment on the first try, though it was still really choppy...so we kept practicing all day, with our instructors and then also in little mini-groups. I listened/watched on a lot of Assessments as well, and learned a lot that way too.

One of our instructors-Shane...doing an ET... No..it's not THAT hard!! ;p

In the afternoon, we each had an exit interview with the Directors & received our Certificates of Completion after passing all the skills...woohoo!!

BACK: Scott Reasor, Kyle, Mark, Ken Bookamer, Devon, Shane Andersen, ?? (patient), Chaz, Kyle (patient)
MIDDLE: Andrew, Ryan, Efren, Ashlee (patient), Heath, Cheryl Boss (patient), Sinclair, Ryan Asher, Tom Hiltenbrand, Adam Knight, Luke
FRONT: Sarah, Kirsten, Arantzazu, Cass, Jenn, Me, Russ, Dwayne

We literally worked/studied/practiced scenarios all day, and into the night...with hardly any breaks...just trying to get those Assessments memorized....they're pretty long!! Since today was the last day, everything started getting packed up, and I was able to help a little with that...

Scott helped us all set up our NREMT accounts for getting our National Certification...Macs rule!! :)

After dinner, somehow, the guys started a water balloon fight-towards Sarah & I (our cabin dorms are separated by about 15 feet). Of course, being EMS students, guess what they used as balloons? Exam gloves of course!! ;p

I startle really easily...and somehow, I got soaked...which pumped my adrenaline. Then, since I was already headed to talk to Scott (our always good-natured/humored Director), they asked me to tell him they 'needed' him at the dorms...
I couldn't stop laughing all the way down....my adrenaline was so up, and all the students studying in the main room knew something was up outside... I was able to control myself (to just a big smile), while talking to Scott, and then gave him the message...

Always a smile..even in the most stressful of times...

Of course, being Scott, and a longtime firefighter (who knows how to play pranks), he KNEW something was up, and asked me so... But he came up anyway, and but outwitted the guys by climbing up by the back of the cabins (5-floors) and getting on the top portico, defeating any hopes to soak him. That was pretty hilarious.

A few of us went through and practiced all the main skills on each other for tomorrow's big National Skills Test. The last one we did was the Supine Immobilization. On Wednesday, we had to carry strap the person in, and then work as a team to carry them around the building, up and down stairs, etc. And, since I was one of the smallest, I had gotten to be the guinea pig for a bunch of stuff (which I loved).

It's amazing how calm people can be...this truck is backing up, past the Ambulance, with almost 0" clearance....we are all watching (calmly) from inside.   :-O

So I jokingly asked if they were going to do it again tonight...no. As part of the procedure, to make sure that you strapped the 'patient' tight enough, they tip the whole board over, to see if the patient falls. Well, knowing I'd enjoy it, instead of just tipping it over, they tipped it every way imaginable, including upside down and feet/head first. Already pumped, I was laughing so hard, my vision got blurry!!! :P
Then, it was my turn to do Immobilize my patient, and I was still laughing so hard, it took me about 15 minutes to complete!! (The carpet wasn't helpful either, with the velcro straps).

A few guys came by to study for the test tomorrow, and watched us do the Immobilizations (I guess it was entertaining, since we were cracking jokes every other second). After I finished, I looked up and see 6'5" Mr. Exterminator himself in all of his gear!! :-) That was pretty funny....

All in all, it was a good, busy, packed full day....some people would call it stressful, though I didn't see it as that... It sure was a lot to get straight though, and make sure you're not missing any of the long list of Critical Criteria (instant fail)...I think we got to bed around 11pm. Totally worth it.

Skills Camp - Day 4

Wednesday. I was at the cafeteria eating, when a dear friend of mine-Alyssa called me, and said she was here at Camp MiVoden to see me!!! I was shocked! She had said that she wanted to come out, but I guess I'm internally pessimistic sometimes, and doubted it would actually happen..especially since I'm an hour from Coeur d'Alene, and she's a Night Shift Nurse....  We were able to spend 45 blissful minutes together, which was so much fun, before my first Session started. Thanks Lyssie for coming to see me!! That was SO special!!! :)

A friend gave me this quote...I like it a lot:

"The capacity to care is the thing that gives life its deepest meaning and significance."

Today, we worked on the following skills:
Overview on EPI Pens/MDI & all other meds we EMTs are allowed to give.

Meet Eddie. XD (The Ped's size name is Eddie Jr.)
This is a Nasopharyngyeal Airway...This picture just strikes me funny for some reason...

Doing it double!!! (Heath, Mark, & Sinclair) Too funny!

Reviewed CPR/AED skills

After we practiced the CPR/AED, we acted out a scenario as a group. One thing that I really like about this class, is that they strive to have each one of us know what it is like to be the patient--by putting us in their devices, being carried all around, etc. etc. The scenarios we acted out were incredibly helpful, not only for learning the skills, but for preparing ourselves for what might happen in real life.

First of all, 4 people were volunteered to be the 'EMTs', and were sent out so we could discuss the scene details.

Tom informing our 'EMTs' (Chaz, Dwayne, Heath & Sarah) abt the scenario.

The goal of this, was for us all to get a feel of what an accident scene could look like, and how important it is to find the patient immediately, get a grips on what happened, and keep focused, even when the crowd is going crazy--making sure that you yourself are not in an unsafe scene at the same time.

The Scenario:
Every summer, here in N. Idaho, we have a Classic Car Show called the 'Car d'Lane'. The patient was an older gentleman (a dummy), who was participating in the show with his 2 sons, in hopes to be able to sell their Classic. However, when the dad went to get something from the trunk, he collapsed in Cardiac Arrest.

EMS arrives on the scene 2 find both sons in hysterics, the one actually starts sobbing on an EMT's shoulder, asking "What took you so long? Will you be able to save him? Ohhh...., etc." (2 awesome actors!!)

Dwayne found the patient, and both sons are going crazy (see the one blubbering on him?) ;p

Meanwhile, the busy crowd finally notices what is going on, and starts swarming around making a ruckus and being extremely disruptive...maybe even dangerous!! An AED is brought (by me), and defibrillation is started. A 'doctor' pushes her way into the front, and tries to manipulatively take control, giving all sorts of bad advice, while some of the throng start being almost violent towards the Control Officers.

Crazy crowd (Dr. Arantzazu "Arancha" wants to step in)

Dr. Arantzazu overseeing CPR attempts & giving inaccurate advice

Then Law Enforcement shows up and helps keep the crowd back (to the back of the room), and are able to remove the sons from the immediate scene & calm them down enough to try to find out any pertinent history.

An upward approach

Meanwhile, we nosey bystanders (just for kicks) decide to watch through the windows of the building....so they closed the curtains. ;p

We then went over Obstetrics/Birth, and what a normal birth would look like, versus any complications we might come across. I'm always amazed to find how different people handle the thought of birth differently. We had a visual aid (rubber) up there, and I think every one handled it well, at least outwardly. Still it strikes me funny, because to me, it is just a natural, beautiful, normal process of life.

OB Class

In the EMS field, actually delivering a baby during transport is not very common, but it does happen. There were many things that I could have expounded upon, or added to--especially about Breech or VBAC births (I had the chance to, but didn't), but the thing is, most EMTs will never have the opportunity to, and for a lot of them, all they can really handle are the basic details/techniques...not all the garbage I'd throw at them. Besides, I came to learn, not to teach. :)

See?! They think it's normal....in fact, they're so bored, they're reading the paper!! ;p

It was neat though, because the instructor and I got along really well, and he questioned me afterwards, and asked why I didn't say anything...and I told him like I said above, that I came to learn, not teach...and then we had a really good discussion on how we would 'really' deliver a baby (he has delivered one before in EMS), etc. It was neat and refreshing, because we had very similar views.

We then worked on Patient Assessments: Medical & Trauma

After rehearsing them as a group, we started doing moulaged scenarios by twos. I teamed up with the other Sarah (who is about my age & my height) for the medical, and with Sinclair for the Trauma.

Our Medical scenarios took place in a boat on the very choppy lake, with 2 of our instructors acting as the proctor/bystander & patient. Our scenarios dealt with Cardiac and Diabetes/hypoglycemic shock patients.

Its really neat, because all of our instructors want us to succeed. They all have fun humor as well, and are genuinely care that you do well, and want to help you. Thus, these scenarios are not only fun, but you learn a ton in a good setting. With us girls, they decided to throw different complications at us, to see how we would respond...which made it a lot of fun. :)

Troy--one of our awesome Instructors

 That afternoon, Jaime & Luke-Adam's wife and 2.5 y/o son came to spend the night....boy was that a blast!!! We became buddies...

Luke had no problem with the Pediatric Backboard...even when they carried him around, tipped it foot first, etc. He even let us take his brachial pulse!!

That night, a bunch of us studied together, doing more scenarios, etc. That was a blast!!

Efren, Ryan, Cass, & Kirsten

Now THIS is the way to study!! Using a cardboard splint as a cushion and good old Dummy as a footstool :)

Skills Camp - Day 3

Tuesday. Primary Elections Day...which meant I had to get up extra early, drive an hour to my Voting Station, vote, and drive the hour back to Camp. Sessions start at 0815, and unfortunately, now that the State has taken voting over, Voting doesn't open until 0800 (it used to open at 0700). Thankfully, being 45 minutes late wasn't a problem! :)

We learned and passed the following Skills:
Long Bone Immobilization
Joint Immobilization
KED (Seated Spinal Immobilization)
FYI, In case I ever get in an accident and need Spinal Precautions taken, I have to use a Pediatric size C-Collar. :)

I found the KED actually pretty comfortable!

Instructor Ken watching as Devon & Cass fasten the KED to Kirsten.

Lifting & Carrying Patients using the Stair Chair, Backboard, Gurney, etc.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to show you, but we learned so much (thanks to our amazing instructor-Tom), and it was awesome. It was definitely interesting learning how to counteract height differences .... for us 'vertically challenged' ;p.
The Stair Chair was especially a lot of fun....being the passenger.
Tom (one of my favorite instructors) acted as our patient when we practiced using the gurney. This was not the new hi-tech powered gurneys...no it was an old-fashioned one with levers..much more 'fun' to use. :) It was hilarious though, because he had a ton of 'whims' as the patient...being lowered and highered, and wanting his back support at a certain position, etc.... Lots of laughter.

We also had a small intensive on Vital Signs (which I already knew)...it was neat though, because you always learn new things from new perspectives.

Most of the students probably considered themselves religious to some extent, but 2 of the people I found the most  fellowship was Sarah & Russ (who is actually a pastor in Oregon). It was precious to be able to fellowship in the Lord, even during class!

After dinner, we had our official CPR Class, which covered all the qualifications to be re/certified (since mine expired 2 years ago).

Instructor Tom teaching CPR (awesome instructor!!)

Teamwork!! with Sinclair

Then, some of us went wake boarding (not me) and tubing (yes!) on the lake. The dusky weather was perfect, and the water was considerably warm! I love tubing....something about it.....

Camp Mivoden

Skills Camp-Day 2

Monday. Breakfast was at 0730. By Lunch, I was able to pass the Skills tests for:

Basic Bleeding/Shock care

Vital Sign Taking (not actually a skills sheet)

Checking and assembling O2 tank, and administering it via non-rebreather mask to patient

Shane teaching Bleeding/Shock & Vital Signs

Troy teaching O2 & Non-Rebreather Mask Techniques

That afternoon, I passed the Skills tests for:

BVM (Bag-Valve Mask) Ventilation of an apneic patient

Spinal Immobilization (using a backboard)

Robert teaching BVM/Oro/Naso Airways & Spinal Immobilization Techniques

Practicing the BVM

My buddies for the day: Heath (from ID), Ryan & Devon.

While we Basics learned our skills, the "I"s learned about IVs & Advanced Airways Techniques.

The one really neat thing about this class, is that they strive to help us know what it is like to be the patient, and really try to set us up for success. Part of that, was driving around on bumpy, windy roads, taking turns being the patient on the the gurney, and taking B/Ps on each other... I thought it was actually quite comfortable...though others didn't.... :)

Wow my hair is lightening!

Preparing to do Spinal Stabilization

 Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of me on the Backboard, but because of my "small stature", I was  a perfect candidate for being the guinea pig....It was awesome and so much fun...one thing we found out though....I have to use a Pediatric C-Spine Stabilization Collar, not an Adult size. ;p Remember that if I'm ever in an emergency!! :)

That night, we got off early, after dinner, and a big game of Volley Ball was played. Since my soft tissues don't appreciate that type of sport, I went down to the dock and did some wading, etc. I really wanted to go swimming, but it's no fun to swim by yourself, and everyone else wasn't sure about the water (it was actually quite warm!!)

Eventually, I went inside the main room, and got volunteered to be poked by one of the I-students-Ashley (not part of the May Class). She gave me the best IV job I've ever had done, even in the hospital!! Glad she's from around here! I voted for the full 250 ml of Sodium Chloride to be given, since I know I can always use a little more hydration! ;p

Excellent Job Ash!

Skills Camp-Day 1

We had a wonderful Mother's Day...before I left to go to my week long EMT Skills Camp, located at Camp Mivoden on Hayden Lake. After an hour long drive on a very windy road (fun!), I arrived at 1645, got settled in, and Introductions & Orientation started at 5pm.

There are 17 of us...11 guys, 6 girls, 13 EMT-Basics, and 4 EMT-Intermediates, most all are ranging on their 20-30's and are single. The food is great, beds are excellent (in my opinion), bugs are few (just carpenter ants), and weather is perfect....pretty hot, actually.

There is another Sarah here--just about my age and my size from CA. We all live in a dorm type situation, but were lucky enough to each get a whole room to ourselves (with 4 bunk beds in it). She lives right across the hall.

Dinner was served at 1730 (scrumptious!)

Our first Session started at 1815 regarding NREMT Registration and Exam Overview.
We started the session with a short video clip...that I thought you'd enjoy as well. :)

When I purchased the course originally, I knew that it was one of the best courses on the market--especially for an online-based course. However, I didn't know HOW much was really included in the price...these guys bent their backs over for us!! They made every penny worth it, and I can't recommend it enough. Their committal to seeing us through getting our certifications is outstanding, and they even cover our first $70 entrance fee for the NREMT Written Test. On top of that, they made it possible for us to test out for our NREMT Skills Test on Friday Morning.

From the start, I personally think we have one of the best Fire Departments....especially after hearing the other EMT's situations....Praise God for North Idaho!!

Praying that I will be able to be a light and witness for Jesus here.....I love these opportunities to hopefully be an example of what Christ can do....with humility, joy, and acceptance. I'm going to enjoy this week immensely!! The Instructors are awesome!!!

An EMT in Progress

Last week, I finished my EMT Course: my 1500 page EMT-Basic Manual....my beloved "Orange Book"...the handbook all EMTs are supposed to know backwards and forwards.... (I have the forwards part down, but am still working on the backwards) ;p, the Final Exam, and 4 required Certificates (Helicopter/LZO Cert, HazMat, ICS-100 [Incident Command System], & IS-700 [Overview on NIMS]).

Best Online Course on the Market...HIGHLY recommended!

Thursday, I started doing ride alongs (required observations) with our local Fire Department/EMS System. I learned so much, was able to do some hands on, and had an awesome time with the crew...

Sunday evening (also Mother's Day) starts the beginning of my weeklong Skills Camp in Hayden, Idaho.
At the Skills Camp, I will pretty much be getting hands on experience practicing all the skills I've been learning over the last 6 months, and at the end, will take the Practical Exam test, so that all I'll have left is sit for the Adaptive National/State Test.

I have always loved most anything medical, but all that changed and deepened when I stepped into the EMS world, starting at a family member's injury on the ski slope a few years back, when the Ski Patrol had to get involved... Medical and Veterinary books were like candy to me on long road trips, but now, I live, breathe, and even dream of it....in pretty much everything...especially after starting ride alongs. It's a whole new world to me...one that has fascinated me for years, and one that I have now fallen in love with.

Grace Standards

I love finding little Biblical gems...little truths that are invaluable and priceless. This last year, God showed our family one of these pearls of great price:

Scripture is clear that God is and wants to be active in every aspect of each believer's life. He guides us and gives direction to our lives, often with very clear statements from the Bible and at other times, by giving us "promptings" that are very personal, and that should be obeyed in faith but should not be interpreted as obligations for all Christians. People often assume that how God has led them, is how He is leading others; this bring bondage to both parties.

Some Christians use a form of religious speak that can intimidate other believers, especially when a claim is made that, "God told me to tell you..." This can be intimidating to new Christians who are eager to do things right and please their Savior.

As God leads us into a certain style or emphasis based on our unique gifts and experiences, these "leadings" should never be used as the basis for judging another's spirituality.
Proverbs 6:22 says:

When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

So, the question is, how can we not be judgmental and at the same time have the freedom to be who we are in Christ? How do we apply grace in the context of standards of contact and choices?

This brings us to:

THE THREE P's

(Think of this like a pyramid)

Precepts are the explicit Commands written in the Word of God--the "Thou Shalts" & "Thou Shalt Nots". For example, the 10 Commandments in the Old Testament, and Christ's 49 Commands in the New Testament.

Principles are the priorities that the Bible inculcates: things we all agree are important but are applied in very personal ways, through the Conviction of the Holy Spirit, such as stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, the number of our children, ministry participation, the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. There are certain "Blessings" & "Cursings" for each one.

Preferences are personal styles and likes. Often, these preferences are actually off shoots of the principles, and when built upon a Biblical Foundation, many times, your preferences will reveal what your gifts are. It is at this level (and the one above) that personal perspectives often threaten healthy relationships, when taken out of balance.

Why is this important?? 1 Corinthians 4:5-7 says:

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Growing in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" that results in Him receiving glory "now and forever" (2 Peter 3:18) is the path of the maturing Christian life!

Recently, I came upon two similar thought lines, that are not as condensed as above, but add some more food for thought:
4 Step Pyramid:
Precepts (God's Commands-like above)
Principles (Like above, except it is just those things that are Biblically important but are applied personally-like stewardship.)
Promptings (Similar to Principles, except are distinctly the convictions that God speaks to us--as in what ministry He calls us to.)
Preferences (Styles & Likes)

5 Steps Pyramid:
Prayer (For the Spirit to help us understand the Word of God)
Precepts (Like above-Our Foundation)
Principles (Biblical priorities-importance of prayer and Bible reading)
Providence (Set Limitations-If it makes you sick to hear about medical procedures, you probably aren't cut out to be a doctor)
Preference (Like above)

I hope this is a blessing to you as it has been to me...if understood and applied correctly, these pearls can be life changing, and extremely freeing. The dilemma is applying these truths in every situation.....

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement, and equity; to give subtility to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

~ Proverbs 1:2-4, 7 ~

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear (literally "do"-Matt. 7:24).

~ Matthew 11:15 ~