Dear Matt,
"Dunn Matthew Dr. (RJC) ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY - SwarkHosp-TR" wrote:
>
> > Its awkward for ambulance personnel. They don't get paid
> > enough for clearing cervical spines if anyone states neck
> > pain. SHOs do get paid enough ( especially come December) and
> > if they are given adequate instruction they can clear these
> > spines on arrival as the patient is got off the spinal board/
> > scoop stretcher.
>
> This is a bit insulting to the professionalism of ambulance personnel. The
> issue is training and protocols,
With Danny's assistance on our Local Area Paramedic Steering Committee,
we have instituted pre-hosp c-spine clearance protocol based on NEXUS
(US versions that exist as alluded by yourself, Matt) - and I hasten to
add that we know that NEXUS was not a pre-hosp study but we felt that
NEXUS had applicability to pre-hosp practice. Have used successfully
for the last year. Can send it to those who are interested.
> not pay, and I think there are few
> ambulance crews who take the attitude that they will deliberately provide
> suboptimal patient care unless they are paid more.
Yup, am afraid if you chat to our local branch secretaries, that is
precisely the position they have taken - they have refused to undertake
training on hydrocortisone, chlorpheniramine and ondansetron. Staff who
have undertaken training have been subject to large degree of vitriole.
Winter pressures and discontent ...
Anton
<SNIP>
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