EMT-B training tips and tricks

I'm three months into EMT-B training and thought I would compile a list of tips and tricks that we were taught by our instructors. Nothing fancy, but it might be handy for other trainees out there looking for some extra help. I will be updating this post as often, so consider it a live article that can and will change as time progresses.

First up one of the instructors who spent over 10 years as a medic in the US Army Special Forces gave me this tip last night: Hold the nebulizer liquid medication up to a light to make sure there are no particulates or any other signs (cloudy, etc.) that the medication is bad. He said when doing Paramedic exams you WILL be failed if you do not check for this. I'm not being certified as a Paramedic however it's a nice tip for an EMT-B.

The same instructor also told us to MEMORIZE the Medical and Trauma Patient Assessment forms. When you get in to do your exams they will give you a pen and paper, you can then write out your assessments from memory (no time limit). You won't be penalized and this could come in very handy.

Websites
Wikipedia entry for EMT