EMS Sevices for Research

[Lil Piggy]

If everyone that reads the latest copy of Jewils – the EMS magazine. There is a very interesting story, starting on page 68 about how SCEMS and SBUH have been using us are research guinea pigs for the last 3 years.

Oink Oink

[Shirleyite]

I don't have a copy of the article so I can't comment on the content. Are you sure they are using you as a guinea pig or are you assisting them with research to improve the level of care provided to your patients and improving EMS overall?

[Firemt]

Who do you think has been reading all our PCR's and doing Quality Control?

[jamespjack]

How can you say that the EMS providers in Suffolk County have simply been used as guinea pigs? Every PCR that is written obviously goes back to Stony Brook Hospital Medical Center for review. The fact of the matter is that, if the person or persons that are reviewing them can find a common trend that is going on with patient care and can find a way to improve on it and therefore increasing patient care in Suffolk County, how can you fault them? We all strive to be the best that we can in this profession, weather you are a paid EMT/Paramedic or simply a volunteer in your local fire department or ambulance company, and if someone can find a way to make things better or improve the skills of the men and women that are in the field, then I personally feel that there is no problem with Suffolk County EMS or Stony Brook Hospital reviewing every PCR that is written.
________
macintosh games (http://macgame.org)

[Lil Piggy]

I agree that all the data collected should be used to improve the system. That is if the data is correct. If SC EMS and SBUH want to do research and case studies, that fine, just let everyone know what your doing and ask for the correct info so the info you finally release is correct.

[Rsqrngr173]

Just in case you were wondering, this would be the research that the "Research Copy" of the PCR goes to. It is (or should be) understood that all data on the PCR (not HIPPA protected) is used to find trends in the service and look for areas we can improve. The data collected is from the PCRs and Medical Control run sheets. The info provided on these should be correct regardless of whether or not it is used for data, court cases, or toilet paper.
Matt G.
NREMT-P

[my2cents]

Oh and by the way...since the County has a contract with UHSB to collect and collate all of the data which is required under the Program Agency Agreement, they have EVERY RIGHT to review EVERY PCR.

Besides, if you were underwriting the cost of Errors and Ommission insurance for EVERY EMS agency in the County, wouldn't YOU want to protect yourself and LIMIT YOUR LIABILITY by ensuring that the PCRs are being completed correctly?

Wake up.
________
Ford Ranchero Rio Grande (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Ford_Ranchero_Rio_Grande)

[MedicAWhile]

My only problem with the system is that, they collect all this data, and don't get me wrong the guys and gals at MC do a great job. So they collect all this data and process it. Why does it seem like we can never get a decent set of protocols from REMAC then. I know they are unrelated in many ways, but we can't even get a damn saline lock. What a crock!!! I understand that you have to make protocols to fit the lowest skilled individuals, but I think it is time that we looked at separate protocols for some. I am not quite sure how to do so, but I feel that there are many providers in this county, including myself, that feel we could do so much more for our patients with better meds and orders. Maybe it is time to start weeding out the inactive and the unskilled. I know this will bring up the whole paid/vollie thing. Yes, I agree, you can be paid and be a sub par provider. You can also be a volunteer and be the best Medic/CC. Here is my point, the people who are working doing this, are usually working anywhere from 40-70 hours a week. So for the most part, they will see more, do more, and become more proficient at their patient assessment and treatment. Now, I can see that some of you might be boiling, what I am trying to say is, that maybe it is time to start giving our patients the best care possible. Almost every dept west of Southampton has some kind of paid EMS. Whether it be a daytime responder, crews, or around the clock service. There are some depts that don't yet, but for the most part, those depts are soon following suit. I know some people won't agree with this, but if you look at it from patient care stand point I think this would definitely increase the odds for better patient outcome. Just an idea, and i am sure that there are a million people just itching to tear this reply apart. All I am trying to say is that are protocols stink, and we should do something about it. How about some cardizem, or electricity standing order, more narcs, vasopressin, beta blockers, better call to cath lab time for cardiac events, etc. There are a million things being done in the US today and we could have as good a system as any. I just want whats best for my patients. It doesn't have to be Paid/Vollie, it could be Active/Inactive protocols. Set certain criteria as far as certain types of calls and skills that need to be performed and followed. Example, 10 CHF calls, 8 Cardiac Arrests, or whatever. Just a better level of care and skill overall. Maybe that will get some people up and out of their chairs, and maybe turn some people off. Either way, there has to be a better way. Til then, be safe.......

[Rsqrngr173]

You bring up some great points....and just you wait...things are coming...saline locks have been discussed...the new protocols have needle decompression for EMT-CCs as a medical control option. Things can and will be happening. The only trouble is, and I reeeaaaalllly hate to bring this up yet again in yet another thread, the focus remains on actually getting an ambulance to the patient in a timely fashion. This is the case in most areas, but needs to be addressed in others. Once the entire county can get an ambulance in a reasonable amount of time (the fundamental aspect of "E"MS), then we can work to bring the quality of providers and the care they provide to an even ground through training and protocols.
Just my own 2 cents to add to the pot.
Matt G.
EMT-P

[MedicAWhile]

Matt you are exactly right also. There are many places that are remedying that problem as we speak. Many others already have. We definitely need to have more trust in our fellow providers. The problem arises that unless you work in the system or have been around a long time it is tough for anyone to know. I am fortunate enough to have, what I think anyway, is a pretty good reputation at the places I work. I never have any problem at MC b/c my name is a familiar one. I get what I ask for, every time. Once you have the trust of your colleagues it is not such a difficulty. It is all about patient assessment and the way it is presented. But like you said, none of that is relevant if we can't get the bus there in a timely manner. Nice to finally have some decent conversation on this board. Be safe and take care.

[Very]

Very

[very interesting....]

When does all this go into place???

aliens

at least they stopped using monkeys.

They now have children with 3 eyes.

really

yes

[guest1]

:lol:

bump

:roll:

[guest14]

:lol:

If everyone that reads the latest copy of Jewils – the EMS magazine. There is a very interesting story, starting on page 68 about how SCEMS and SBUH have been using us are research guinea pigs for the last 3 years.

Oink Oink

:mrgreen:

[UnregisteredToday]

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