I remember how nervous I was when the time approached to take my 3rd rides. I was excited of course, but I was also worried. I was worried about what to expect and what was expected of me. We'll talk first about what will be expected of you.
The crews you'll be riding with will expect you to be nervous. Some of them will be understanding. Some of them will push you a little to help you overcome your fear. The first thing you need to remember is that you're not alone and it's not all up to you. The crew training you will be there, so will the fire dept, PD, etc. With that in mind, get involved.
The crews will expect you to get involved and not just stand there with your hands in your pockets. To know what is expected of you on scene, you need to think about your roll as an EMT. If you are on an ALS truck that day, you will be expected to do the physical parts of patient assessment.
If you want to make a good impression, go ahead and start to take vitals on scene. Don't wait to be asked. It's one of the first things you'll do on scene when you start working as an EMT. While you're taking vitals, listen to your paramedic as they conduct the patient interview. If the patient is complaining of chest pain or difficulty breathing, go ahead and start hooking them up to the monitor so the medic can run an EKG. Here is a video that teaches proper 12 lead placement. This video doesn't go in to extremity lead placement, but most of you will know that. Just click on the following link to watch the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUIKXnot-1k
If you want the easiest way to know what your preceptor expects from you, simply ask them at the beginning of the shift. I promise they will let you know. You will get much better comments on your day sheets.
Be eager to help. Offer to carry the jump bag. Ask to try anything you haven't done before. This is a great time to practice using the stretcher. There are a lot of different kinds out there, and some of them are difficult to use(because they are cheap). Most important... Don't forget to have fun! These will be some of the best and most memorable days of your lives!
