Cone of Learning and Study Tips

A lot of people have difficulty learning in the American education system. Despite the best teacher and material, a lot of work and practice is required to master a new skill or learn the details of a new subject.

Robert Kiyosaki (Entrepenuer, Real Estate Mogul, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" author)

Source: Rich Dad Companies, Robert Kiyosaki

When you create and simulate a real Emergency Life Services event, you will make more mistakes and learn more than simply sitting and listening.

Actively taking notes and highlighting pertinent sections in your book will also help you absorb information. If this is your introduction to the medical field, I would recommend creating a small group of 3 -5  students for a weekly or semi-weekly study group.

Tips for Study Group:
1. 3 - 5 Members. More people = more confusion and more likely to turn into a party.
2. Have a prerequisite workload for study group, i.e. everyone read the chapter and complete the work book assignment as best you can without checking the answers in the back.
3. Review the workbook assignment together and check each other's work. Use the work book as if you were taking a test.
4. Assign a section for each person to take notes on and teach the basic material to the rest of the group. For example, when covering trauma: one person can summarize and explain the important points of MCI and triage, another person can cover MVA and hazmat incidents, another person covers assessment and treatment including Battle's Sign, etc.
5. Review the workbook questions that gave everyone problems and wrap it up. Group should last between 1 and 2 hours of study time. Any longer and focus will be lost.
6. Go for a run as a group or do calisthenics before starting group. Studies have shown that working out before studying helps you retain information better. "To train the mind, you must first train the body." Also, you guys will be studying to be EMTs and will probably miss out on a lot of gym time if you are in an accelerated class.

Medical Trivia

Some important trivia that you may be tested on....

1. Epistaxis is also known as _______________?

2. Epistaxis should be treated by:

A. Provide hi-flow, high-concentration oxygen to the patient via NRB @ 15 LPM.

B. Provide hi-flow, high-concentration oxygen to the patient via "blow by" with a NRB @ 15 LPM.

C. Apply direct pressure and place patient in the Trendelenburg position.

D. Apply direct pressure and have patient lean forward.

3. ____________ is a French word meaning "to sort".

4. The __________________ is the only skull bone that moves.

5. When responding to a mass casualty incident on the interstate or highway, the highest medical authority is:

A. The EMS personnel who first arrived on-scene

B. The fire captain of the responding fire department

C. The highest ranking medical personnel (The person with the largest scope of practice).

D. An agent of an investigative authority.

6. When driving in Code 3 Operation, the number one cause/scenario for an accident to occur between an ambulance and a civilian vehicle is:

A. When driving Code 3 and making a right hand turn.

B. When driving Code 3 and entering an intersection.

C. When driving Code 3 during "rush hour".

D. When driving Code 3 and driving faster than the posted speed limit.

ANSWERS

1. Nose bleed
2. D
3. Triage
4. mandible
5. D
6. B

Volunteering!

"Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth."
Mohammed Ali

Experience

With such a tight economy, applicants must separate themselves from the rest of the stack (often it is a huuuuuge stack) with that little extra. In spite of the necessary advantage, you may find yourself unintentionally enjoying your volunteer experience and learning a lot more than you thought you would. Also, if this is your first foray into the medical field, feeling comfortable with the terms, environment, and etiquette is priceless. Even if you cannot find a job as an Emergency Medical Technician, you can still provide patient care and support to your community.

Alvarado Hospital

The application process is easy and quick. The staff are very friendly and appreciate the help. Volunteering in the ER will give you experience that nothing else will. While the scope of practice for volunteers is limited, the staff enjoy contributing to your ongoing medical education when patients consent to your oversight. Also, most other hospitals would have you straightening the magazines in the lobby as an ER volunteer. If you are a student, Alvarado Hospital's Auxiliary Board offers a scholarship for its volunteers.

Make sure you call or visit the website of a prospective volunteer opporunity. Some good questions to ask are:

1. What is the volunteer scope of practice?/What will I be doing?

2. Is there a commitment?/How long is it?

3. What are the hours and days available and how long is the shift?

4. How much does the uniform cost?

Networking

If you do well, you may be able to ask the staff for a reference. References from medical staff, fire service, and law enforcement personnel are valuable. Also, be nice to your teacher, she is your main filter and mentor into the EMS world.

Alvarado Hospital, Volunteer Services - (619) 229-4619 - www.alvaradohospital.com

Volunteer Match - http://www.volunteermatch.org/

Volunteer Match Blog - http://blogs.volunteermatch.org/engagingvolunteers/

Requirements

1. Proof of TB Tests and Negative Test or Negative X-Ray. The hospital should provide you with a testing service for free. Save your TB test that you used for you EMT class as long as it is within the hospital's time frame (usually within the last 6 months).

2. Proof of MMR vaccination.

3. Identification papers for background check.

These are just some things that they will probably ask you for so keep your paperwork in order!

Additional Benefits

Some hospitals give preferential treatments to volunteers who become patients. Also, during National Volunteer Week, many hospitals have awards dinners or picnics for their dedicated volunteers. Also: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer (http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/volunteering/benefits.asp).