Survey Shows that Paramedics Might Not be Trained

 Posted on November 18, 2013 in Personal Injury

In emergency situations, paramedics are generally the first to respond. Their prompt attention is necessary in cases where people are sick or injured and need medical care. Their main task is to stabilize the conditions in order to transport them to the more all-encompassing and precise care of a doctor and hospital. Paramedics can also be called upon to transport patients in dire situations from one hospital to another to receive better care. They are typically required to have over 1,000 hours of training over as long as two years. William Raynovich, who works at Creighton University in the EMS Education department, added his take on the paramedic field. "It is not just a matter of correctly administering a drug dosage or adjusting the settings on the equipment as prescribed. The physiologic condition of critical patients deteriorates rapidly and correct adjustments and interventions must be quickly performed." It is scary to think that these medical professionals do not have all the training that they need to do their jobs. According to a new survey of paramedics, some responded that they execute techniques and utilize tools that they are not formally trained to do. Raynovich and his partners sent out almost 2,000 surveys to paramedics of which they received over 600 responses. Part of the questionnaire asked the paramedics what equipment and expertise they use and whether they have been trained in those disciplines. The responses were definitely scary to hear. Of those paramedics who have used neonatal incubators to treat a patient, only 86 percent admitted to having received education about those devices. In addition, around 88 or 89 percent of paramedics said they were formally trained in administering care to patients with chest tubes, handling blood products, or utilizing devices that measure pressure inside their skulls. Training is a necessary part of being a health care professional. If you have been treated by any medical professional who has administered negligent care due to a lack of education, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice suit. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Bloomingdale to review your case today.