Summary
In this conversation, Dan Schwester interviews Dan Gerard, a senior medic, about the generational divide in EMS and the importance of learning from experienced medics. They discuss the need for mentorship and the transfer of knowledge from senior medics to younger generations. They also highlight the importance of interpersonal dynamics, observational skills, and physical exam techniques in patient care. The conversation emphasizes the value of understanding the ‘whys’ behind protocols and the need to break down barriers between different generations of medics. In this conversation, Dan Gerard discusses the importance of physical examination in paramedicine and the value of learning from senior medics. He then delves into his article on emergency medical services (EMS) as a human right. He argues that EMS should be recognized as an essential service and a public good, and that it should be publicly financed to ensure equal access for all. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the delivery of EMS and highlights the importance of providing high-quality care to every individual in the community.
Keywords
EMS, generational divide, mentorship, transfer of knowledge, interpersonal dynamics, observational skills, physical exam, protocols, paramedicine, physical examination, senior medics, EMS, emergency medical services, human right, essential service, public good, publicly financed, transparency, accountability, high-quality care
Takeaways
There is a generational divide in EMS between older and younger medics, but it is not representative of the entire profession.
Experienced medics have valuable knowledge and skills that can be passed on to younger generations through mentorship.
Interpersonal dynamics, observational skills, and physical exam techniques are important aspects of patient care that younger medics can learn from senior medics.
Understanding the ‘whys’ behind protocols and procedures is crucial for providing effective and efficient care.
Breaking down barriers between different generations of medics can lead to a more collaborative and cohesive EMS community. Physical examination is an essential part of paramedicine and can provide valuable insights into a patient’s condition.
Learning from senior medics can offer valuable clinical pearls and improve clinical practice.
EMS should be recognized as an essential service and a human right, ensuring equal access for all individuals.
Public financing of EMS can help ensure quality care and accountability.
Transparency in the delivery of EMS is crucial for the community to understand the value they are receiving.
Providing high-quality care to every individual in the community is essential for positive outcomes.
Sound Bites
“There is definitely a dichotomy between the younger generations and the older generations.”
“Every new EMT, every new paramedic should have a mentor.”
“Establishing rapport with patients and other first responders is critically important.”
“You should have good perfusion down there. Now, this might be an ongoing problem, you know, like your feet are always cold, you know, but like if they’re like a little mottled or cyanotic, that’s kind of telling me that you have like a circulation issue that’s going on here.”
“Talk to your senior people, go get a cup of coffee, go get a soda, iced tea, whatever. Sit around with them, identify the ones that you know that are actually doing the job and enjoy doing the job, and talk to them.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:07 The Generational Divide in EMS
09:33 The Importance of Interpersonal Dynamics
13:07 Enhancing Observational Skills
18:07 Understanding the ‘Whys’ Behind Protocols
23:12 Breaking Down Barriers in the EMS Community
27:20 The Importance of Physical Examination in Paramedicine
30:46 Learning from Senior Medics
36:08 EMS as a Human Right: Recognizing the Essential Service
41:43 Public Financing of EMS: Ensuring Equal Access and Quality Care
49:53 Transparency and Accountability in the Delivery of EMS
Paper:
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