EMS Rideout LP Q & A with Shannen

Shannen shares about her oberservership earlier this school year on an EMS rideout....

What LP did you do?

EMS ride out

How did you go about contacting and arranging the LP? 

My sister is a paramedic in the surrounding Hamilton area so she was able to connect me with the coordinator for ride outs. I also confirmed with the PA program office that I was in communication with the EMS unit to ensure that I was going about making arrangements correctly and to ensure I had the proper paper work done. 

What were the two main things you learned from this LP?

I learned how all the first responders (paramedics, police, and firefighters) work together and how well coordinated they are with one another. They all know what job/role they have in each situation and work very efficiently. 

I also learned what drugs and equipment paramedics have with them in their vehicles as well as the specific training that they have to go through in order to do their job. Because of this they are capable and prepared to respond to a large variety of situations. 

What did you wish could have been different?

I wish that I could have done another shift. I did a day shift and would have liked to have done a 12-hour night shift to experience that.

How has this experience helped you clinically, in class and/or in career decision making?

I’ve gained an appreciation for EMS and inter-professional collaboration. I think it will help in my role as a PA because by better understanding a paramemdic’s role in the health care system will help facilitate us working together more efficiently and effectively. 

Any other comments?

I recommend that first years do an EMS ride out because it is a lot different from other LPs. You are out in the community, and you get to see patients before they come to the hospital since you are first on scene. 

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