First, I apologize for the perceived personal attack. I was attempting to point out the expectation we have here as to how we communicate with each other.
Secondly, I fundamentally agree with what you say. The CFHS seems to have a habit of hamstinging the med techs as to what they are allowed and not allowed to do. That being said there are certain things that they do that make sense and others that absolutely do not. I understand why you think it is dangerous medicine, but I would counter that it is not dangerous at all, but quite conservative, perhaps even timid, as there is no place where clinical decisions by the QL 5 is made. A couple of my peers call it "monkey medicine", cause you could teach a monkey to do it.
In agreement: AED/ACLS/ACS - a QL 5 med tech should be taught and tested the big 3 (unstable VT/VF, PEA, Ustable narrow Tach) algorythms and be able to know the medications used, and then have the protocols to allow them to do it. They also should be equiped with a Zoll as a minimum on every amb. They should also have the ability to read 3 lead ECGs. I agree though that thrombolitics is a protocol/skill that is best left above the Med Tech levels.
tacmed2007 said:
So with the that I put forward with the input of some very skilled Paramedics and MO/PA's that our Snr Medic position that is NOT a PA but a QL5 be trained as a Paramedic(ACP) and have that skill under the Lic body of the prov in which they practice.
I also agree with your thought that a QL6 Sgt Med Tech should be ACP...but the remainder of the statement is a nice thought, but impractical. Because of our postings, you cant have the English language skills and protocols being dictated by 9 different regions. It is unfortunate that they chose BC and not AB or Ont (where the majority of Med Techs are stationed), but they had the choose one.
Now for picking pepper out of fly turds: I disagree about your semantics of "advanced airways". I, now a bit more educated than before because of time we spend with anesthesia and trauma services, do consider LMA and combitube as advanced airways. Basic airways, as I consider them are manual, NPA and OPA, and ET intubation and cricothyroidotomy are considered definitive airways. As the advisors are all MO and PAs, this is likely where they get the title from, as that is now the common nomenclature used. But as far as the skill of ET intubation, medics should know who to do it (so they can effectively assist me when I am trying to place a tube), but until there is significant improvement in the kit we have (i.e. glidescopes, fibreoptic blades) then no medic should attempting live intubation, especially in trauma , as it is a skill difficult even for skilled doctors.
All in all, good thoughts. Keep bringing them up to those who where crowns, wreaths and coats of arms...that way things will continue to improve. And thank you for giving me your perspective.