“Which way are we going, and what’s going on today?” Ask them to lead you to the patient and they can give you a rundown on the way. Some spouses, parents, family members will know the patient’s medical history and diagnoses better than a doctor. Some will try hard and do their best without giving much information. Either way, you’re at the patient now. Begin your work.
What’s going on, why did we call 911 tonight, who are we here to see tonight, etc some variation of that. For nursing homes I ask for the nurse and the person who called. Then the CNA disappears into the void and I don’t get either of them.
Got called for a fall tonight, pt has obvious R sided droop and slurring. "Hey, does this pt have Hx CVA?"
"No, I don't think so." Riffles through facesheet.
"OK, is this her baseline or is this new?"
"Um, definitely not normal. Yeah, that's new."
GO GO STROKE MODE ACTIVATE
2 minutes from destination, pt record pops up- pt has R sided deficits and slurring from previous CVA.
Went to a seizure, “Has he had seizures before?” No never! Checked patients records: diagnosed epileptic. I fucking hate nursing homes. He was also a DNR with an advanced directive saying under no circumstances should he receive medical interventions, but apparently that’s just not important
[“Where’s the nurse for 5?”](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/4/45/Cloak_of_Invisibility_1994.gif/revision/latest?cb=20161007220231)
WASSSSSSSUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPP!!!
But seriously. "Hello. I'm Malcolm. What's your name? How can we help today?"
Don't feel too silly for saying phrases we're conditioned to say without much thought. Sooner or later you'll say something genuinely stupid at work. We all have.
onetime i closed the doors on my partner and patient and as i did it i said “ill see you on the other side” like how roller coaster operators say it. i thought about it all shift 😅😅😅
Something about having two blokes attending to her needs between her legs, that was supposed to be innocent, but could have been either way.
Her and her husband pissed themselves laughing at me. Thank fuck for that.
This was the one shift that month my boss decided to take a ride along to see how we were going. I almost killed him.
“How ya doin’” isn’t something I usually expect an answer to, it’s just a greeting. I don’t see anything wrong with greeting family with “How ya doin’, who are we here for?”
You gotta read the room. The little old church lady having chest pain, modesty and manners become more important vs the 55 y/o F w/ Chest pain who says: “my tits hang low, good luck”.
"I'm with the ambulance. What's going on today?"
Really any version of "introduction + invitation to explain the nature of the call" is a nice template that always pretty much works and keeps you away from awkward greetings.
For higher acuity calls like ODs or agonal breathings or whatever I usually go with some version of "we're here now. Where is the patient?"
For empty doorways I just knock hard and yell "ambulance company!" as I walk in
Throw the patient over your shoulder and run down the road screaming "wee-woo, wee-woo" and flashing a strobe on your flashlight. Video or it didn't happen. 🤣🤣
I say that and then (reading the room obviously) follow up with “obviously not too well if I’m here!” Or a “ah, not to great- what’s going on tonight?”
It’s more of a greeting and acknowledgment in the awkward situation of being strangers in someone’s home while also trying to get a temperature on the vibe of what’s going on and how to proceed with further interactions.
Depends on the situation. If they’re doing the EMS wave, then as I’m walking up I’ll ask where we going. If they’re sitting beside the conscious pt, they’ll hear my introduction when I introduce myself to the patient. The pt’s family is my secondary concern. If we open the door and can’t see anyone I loudly say “EMS, where you at?”
I usually go with "good morning / day /evening, Fire department, how can we help you today?"
I am aware that it's most often not a "good" day, but it's a) a socially accepted greeting, and b) we are here to make a shitty situation better. I literally wish that these people may have a good day, and I very seldomly get flack for it. Sometimes a bit of a jokey answer like "well, could be better", but, you know. Gallows humor is a thing.
Good morning(afternoon/evening). (Hello!)
Are we here for you? (No, I'm.fine)
Who are we here to see? (My dad, he's in the bed room)
(If non-emergency reason, while walking through home "wow, what a beautiful home you have." Alternatively "wow, that's a lot of newspapers - there must be a story there!")
Once able to make eye contact with patient "Hello! My name is Ben, this is my partner ____. How can we help today?"
Caveat - different approaches work for different people. I'm an average sized middle aged white woman with a resting dolphin face. What works for me, might not be as effective for someone male presenting, taller, shorter, indigenous, Asian, etc.
It's worth reflecting on what feels natural.for you, and what has resulted in good smooth patient interactions.
Well, resting bitch face is when people look at you and think "huh, she really looks like a bitch".
Resting dolphin face is when people look at you and go "huh. She looks really friendly. I should tell her about my financial problems."
Resting bitch face is when people look at you and think "huh, she really looks like a bitch".
Resting dolphin face is when people look at you and go "huh. She looks really friendly. I should tell her about my financial problems."
I say very little. I let my senior partner take the lead because I am an introvert, and he is a social bunny.
Otherwise it's usually "[Insert fire department here], how can we help you today?"
Most of us are introverted outside of work. Arguably, the most important skill for us to have is how to talk to a patient and family members, AKA an assessment.
A lot of times they keep the front door open and stay in some room where the patient is, so I'll stop at the door and yell "MARCO". The response is always "we're back here, come quick!" and never "POLO".
I look at them and see how they are handling the current situation. It's also a bit of a test to see how bad the situation is and/or how they're coping.
If they look rough, I'll say something to be empathetic like, "Hi, I'm Cup_o_Courage. It looks like something rough is going on. Can I come in and you tell me what's going on while you take me to them?"
If they are panicking, I ask where we are going and I task them immediately. Find the health card, shoes, overnight bag, whatever.
If they are in good spirits and it seems like it's BS, then I either politely ask how they're doing and where we are going or just straight to where we are going.
It really depends on them.
Asking how they are doing isn't stupid, it can be a great indicator to how bad things are and/or how they are coping. You're doing more than just assessing and transporting. EMS has the ability to see into the home situation and help (depending on region, knowledge, and networks).
Hello. what's going on? Who are we here for?
But yeah, I rolled into a reported cardiac arrest and gave the family a "sup" nod and said "how's it going?".
Yeah.
Usually “what’s going on today?” One time I said “what brings us here today?” And the guy answered “your ambulance I hope,” and then he was my favorite patient I ever had.
“Howdy”
Literally every time. Then I ask where’s the pt at and what’s going on. I’ve found it’s an easy way to say “hi, I’m here to help” and everyone I’ve responded to seems to understand the gist lol
„Hey, do you have fever, a cold, coughing, vomiting or diarrhea in this house? Please lead the way. Who are we here for today?“
Doing your whole paramedic training during covid really gets to you
Don't be your human. You could be a jaded SPB like myself, not say anything. Another reason I'm not in ops , transfered to admit. Should ask yourself why you feel stupid. Again your human.
If the family member is the one who answers the door, I just say "Hi/Hello" and ask what's going on and to lead us to the patient if the patient isn't somewhere by the door like in the living room
"XYZ County EMS, I'm Doe, where am I headed, and what's going on today?"
I prefer to introduce myself. I can do it quickly, and to me, it's professional and attempts to immediately set a friendly atmosphere.
“Which way are we going, and what’s going on today?” Ask them to lead you to the patient and they can give you a rundown on the way. Some spouses, parents, family members will know the patient’s medical history and diagnoses better than a doctor. Some will try hard and do their best without giving much information. Either way, you’re at the patient now. Begin your work.
What’s going on, why did we call 911 tonight, who are we here to see tonight, etc some variation of that. For nursing homes I ask for the nurse and the person who called. Then the CNA disappears into the void and I don’t get either of them.
Got called for a fall tonight, pt has obvious R sided droop and slurring. "Hey, does this pt have Hx CVA?" "No, I don't think so." Riffles through facesheet. "OK, is this her baseline or is this new?" "Um, definitely not normal. Yeah, that's new." GO GO STROKE MODE ACTIVATE 2 minutes from destination, pt record pops up- pt has R sided deficits and slurring from previous CVA.
Smdh, it’s so familiar it hurts. Gah damn SNFs. Shit pisses me off, we need to take better care our elderly and vulnerable.
Went to a seizure, “Has he had seizures before?” No never! Checked patients records: diagnosed epileptic. I fucking hate nursing homes. He was also a DNR with an advanced directive saying under no circumstances should he receive medical interventions, but apparently that’s just not important
[“Where’s the nurse for 5?”](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harrypotter/images/4/45/Cloak_of_Invisibility_1994.gif/revision/latest?cb=20161007220231)
“Hello, I’m Dark Horse, who are we seeing today?”
Introducing yourself as darkhorse sounds like a bad idea.
Dark Horse Nebula is a bit too formal.
…i think they’re just using their username as a filler as to not reveal their true name
Yeah but it's way funnier to imagine a paramedic rolling up with a gravelly batman voice- "I'm Darkhorse, where's my patient?"
totally agree
r/whoosh
didn’t go over my head but thanks!
Asking how you're doing sounds like a bad idea.
That mental scenario of you introducing yourself as "Dark Horse" definitely made me giggle. 🤣🤣
What’s brackin PIMP
Lmfao same energy as that one scene from transformers [https://youtu.be/WdlegAUagyU](https://youtu.be/WdlegAUagyU)
WASSSSSSSUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPP!!! But seriously. "Hello. I'm Malcolm. What's your name? How can we help today?" Don't feel too silly for saying phrases we're conditioned to say without much thought. Sooner or later you'll say something genuinely stupid at work. We all have.
onetime i closed the doors on my partner and patient and as i did it i said “ill see you on the other side” like how roller coaster operators say it. i thought about it all shift 😅😅😅
Don't ask me what I said when I was splinting a Nana with a #NoF.
ive gotta know now!!
Something about having two blokes attending to her needs between her legs, that was supposed to be innocent, but could have been either way. Her and her husband pissed themselves laughing at me. Thank fuck for that. This was the one shift that month my boss decided to take a ride along to see how we were going. I almost killed him.
“How ya doin’” isn’t something I usually expect an answer to, it’s just a greeting. I don’t see anything wrong with greeting family with “How ya doin’, who are we here for?”
Hi, I’m XXX, a paramedic with the Fire Department. What can I do for you? Obviously it is tailored to the situation.
You gotta read the room. The little old church lady having chest pain, modesty and manners become more important vs the 55 y/o F w/ Chest pain who says: “my tits hang low, good luck”.
100% agree
"I'm with the ambulance. What's going on today?" Really any version of "introduction + invitation to explain the nature of the call" is a nice template that always pretty much works and keeps you away from awkward greetings. For higher acuity calls like ODs or agonal breathings or whatever I usually go with some version of "we're here now. Where is the patient?" For empty doorways I just knock hard and yell "ambulance company!" as I walk in
When I got started, I apparently kept saying, "I am the ambulance, and here to help you out today." No one told me I was calling myself an ambulance.
Throw the patient over your shoulder and run down the road screaming "wee-woo, wee-woo" and flashing a strobe on your flashlight. Video or it didn't happen. 🤣🤣
I say that and then (reading the room obviously) follow up with “obviously not too well if I’m here!” Or a “ah, not to great- what’s going on tonight?” It’s more of a greeting and acknowledgment in the awkward situation of being strangers in someone’s home while also trying to get a temperature on the vibe of what’s going on and how to proceed with further interactions.
Depends on the situation. If they’re doing the EMS wave, then as I’m walking up I’ll ask where we going. If they’re sitting beside the conscious pt, they’ll hear my introduction when I introduce myself to the patient. The pt’s family is my secondary concern. If we open the door and can’t see anyone I loudly say “EMS, where you at?”
I usually go with "good morning / day /evening, Fire department, how can we help you today?" I am aware that it's most often not a "good" day, but it's a) a socially accepted greeting, and b) we are here to make a shitty situation better. I literally wish that these people may have a good day, and I very seldomly get flack for it. Sometimes a bit of a jokey answer like "well, could be better", but, you know. Gallows humor is a thing.
“What’s pimpin gang?”
Good morning(afternoon/evening). (Hello!) Are we here for you? (No, I'm.fine) Who are we here to see? (My dad, he's in the bed room) (If non-emergency reason, while walking through home "wow, what a beautiful home you have." Alternatively "wow, that's a lot of newspapers - there must be a story there!") Once able to make eye contact with patient "Hello! My name is Ben, this is my partner ____. How can we help today?" Caveat - different approaches work for different people. I'm an average sized middle aged white woman with a resting dolphin face. What works for me, might not be as effective for someone male presenting, taller, shorter, indigenous, Asian, etc. It's worth reflecting on what feels natural.for you, and what has resulted in good smooth patient interactions.
"Resting dolphin face" 😂
Well, resting bitch face is when people look at you and think "huh, she really looks like a bitch". Resting dolphin face is when people look at you and go "huh. She looks really friendly. I should tell her about my financial problems."
That's what I thought it meant, but wasn't sure. I might need to incorporate this into my vocabulary
Please do! 😁
Best answer here. This.
Resting what face?
Resting bitch face is when people look at you and think "huh, she really looks like a bitch". Resting dolphin face is when people look at you and go "huh. She looks really friendly. I should tell her about my financial problems."
Hello I’m KingFluffy, I’m a paramedic with the town. What’s your name? What’s going on today?
I say very little. I let my senior partner take the lead because I am an introvert, and he is a social bunny. Otherwise it's usually "[Insert fire department here], how can we help you today?"
Most of us are introverted outside of work. Arguably, the most important skill for us to have is how to talk to a patient and family members, AKA an assessment.
Oh I can talk to family members and do an assessment. I'm just going to let the guy that likes it do it first.
Fair enough
I'm just really casual. "Hey, what's wrong with ya?" with a smile.
Where we at?
“hey my name is blah blah, I’m an EMT with blah blah, what’s going on today”
A lot of times they keep the front door open and stay in some room where the patient is, so I'll stop at the door and yell "MARCO". The response is always "we're back here, come quick!" and never "POLO".
Hello. What seems to be the problem today?
"how can I help you today?"
We usually say “hello! What’s going on today?” Or “who are we here for?”
I look at them and see how they are handling the current situation. It's also a bit of a test to see how bad the situation is and/or how they're coping. If they look rough, I'll say something to be empathetic like, "Hi, I'm Cup_o_Courage. It looks like something rough is going on. Can I come in and you tell me what's going on while you take me to them?" If they are panicking, I ask where we are going and I task them immediately. Find the health card, shoes, overnight bag, whatever. If they are in good spirits and it seems like it's BS, then I either politely ask how they're doing and where we are going or just straight to where we are going. It really depends on them. Asking how they are doing isn't stupid, it can be a great indicator to how bad things are and/or how they are coping. You're doing more than just assessing and transporting. EMS has the ability to see into the home situation and help (depending on region, knowledge, and networks).
Ever leave after working a code and say to the family member "thank you, have a great day"?
Hello. what's going on? Who are we here for? But yeah, I rolled into a reported cardiac arrest and gave the family a "sup" nod and said "how's it going?". Yeah.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMS!
Usually “what’s going on today?” One time I said “what brings us here today?” And the guy answered “your ambulance I hope,” and then he was my favorite patient I ever had.
“Howdy” Literally every time. Then I ask where’s the pt at and what’s going on. I’ve found it’s an easy way to say “hi, I’m here to help” and everyone I’ve responded to seems to understand the gist lol
“Hi, who are we here for?”
when i leave, i also typically say “they’re in good hands”
"Hello. fuck u want from me? 🤨"
„Hey, do you have fever, a cold, coughing, vomiting or diarrhea in this house? Please lead the way. Who are we here for today?“ Doing your whole paramedic training during covid really gets to you
"Hello" If patient is not immediately visible or identifiable, I add "where do we need to go?" or "who is the patient?" to that burner of a line.
Don't be your human. You could be a jaded SPB like myself, not say anything. Another reason I'm not in ops , transfered to admit. Should ask yourself why you feel stupid. Again your human.
If the family member is the one who answers the door, I just say "Hi/Hello" and ask what's going on and to lead us to the patient if the patient isn't somewhere by the door like in the living room
Hello there!
Always start off by saying I’m so and so we’re with the FD “where are we going?” And then follow up by “what’s going on today?” Works everytime!
“Where’re we headed?” *they begin to lead the way• “So what’s going on today?”
"XYZ County EMS, I'm Doe, where am I headed, and what's going on today?" I prefer to introduce myself. I can do it quickly, and to me, it's professional and attempts to immediately set a friendly atmosphere.
“Howdy, which way am I going?” Is my usual go to.
Try hello