Since I became a CLI by NYS DOH I see how more and more programs for EMTs and Paramedics are being made simple. EMS education became a money making machine with lower and lower standards. Many people get into it because where else without any former education but finishing a 3 month course you can get a respected job paying you $15-$20 an hour for EMT and $19 to $28 for Paramedic (more time wise training for paramedic)? Criteria for working EMS field are being dropped left and right and EMTs become dumber and dumber with no skills. EMS profession used to be about understanding, initiating care in the field and rapid transport now it is all about transport.

I teach my friends First Aid. We sit down in my house and hang out for 6 or 7 hours where I show them basic things. We go thru burns, soft tissue injuries, bleeding control, spine stabilization, fractures, basic characteristics of heart attack/stroke, major diseases, some basic anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and allergies. I tell them what should they know and bring out drugs that technically can't be used in the field. Since they are learning that stuff for their spouses and families not for strangers I don’t really care. We don’t go into big scenarios but stuff that happens everyday. But I give them enough information to figure things out and due no harm if something unusual happens.

If I had my way in the world that's how I would teach first aid. I'm big on equipment use, Sam splints, proper bandaging, aggressive medication treatment, diagnosing and most important UNDERSTANDING of the problem. I believe that new wave of EMTs and Paramedics especially here in NYC are handicapped and I admit that even my training had a lot to be desired . I do spend a lot of time with MDs in the ER learning stuff. But than again medical field becomes less and less about patient care and more about liability and billing.