Wednesday is lab day at medic school. Most of the people in my class groan on Wednesday, because everyone knows it’s a day where you have to have all of your ducks in row and you’re expected to be able to treat patients appropriately. We worked through 6 stations today including assessment, static cardiology, electrical therapy, med math, intubation practice and more IVs.
Maybe I’m weird, but I love Wednesdays. When I do a lab practical, I look at the whole thing as a game. The objects are simple: Follow all the rules, get as many points as you can, don’t step off the cliff with a critical fail and allow your “paramedic presence” to grow.
I think my two favorite practical stations are Medical Patient Assessment and Static Cardiology. Anyone who’s been through medic school knows the drill. For patient assessment the proctor gives you a scenario and follows along with the National Registry check sheet. Fun! Static Cardiology is just “read ‘em and treat ‘em.” You’ll be handed a sheet with some info and a strip.
78 year old man, weak and dizzy for past hour. HR: 52, BP: 112/62, Resp: 14
Now, go! You’ve got to identify the rhythm, and treat him appropriately. Do 4 of those in under 6 minutes.
Yeah, I know it’s beginner stuff but it’s still simply a blast. I love this class.
Please do not ever forget that behind every EKG strip and rhythm, is a real, live patient. The strip, is just a sign. Treat the patient, not the monitor.
There is nothing wrong with liking Wednesdays; shows that you care enough to actually learn. Have fun!
Very true. As a matter of fact, I was complimented on the fact that I treated the patient, not the rhythm. (Of course, the patient was a list of s/s and vitals, but still…)
Interesting… I look forward to referencing this site if (when?) I ever go to medic school.