There's a growing trend in the "medic alert" field...one that some in the pre-hospital and emergency medical system are finding hard to support...medical alert tattoos.
The EMS Chiefs of Canada (EMSCC) have issued a statement saying they do not promote the use of tattoos to provide medical information to Paramedics, and I agree with their position. The use of non-traditional abbreviations, the reliability of a tattoo to remain easily read and the fact that medical conditions often change and require additional or amended alerts makes me question the long-term dependability of this "medic alert" form.
The more conventional MedicAlert necklace or bracelet remains my preference when it comes to alerting Paramedics of important emergency medical conditions. Not only is it easily recognized, but it also provides valuable patient and provider support when needed most.
At the risk of sounding "old fashioned"...this is one aspect of health care where I'll take tradition over new-age trends.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Canadian Forces Recognizes Manitoba PCP Program
The Paramedicine - Primary Care Paramedic Program offered by Red River College is one of only two paramedic education programs in Canada to be recognized by the Canadian Forces. This means students enrolled in the RRC program who may be considering a career as a Canadian Forces medic are eligible for support to offset tuition, and are are able to receive advanced status as a Medical Technician upon graduation.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba has long been an advocate for a health education model that better prepares graduates to assume greater responsibility for patient assessment and treatment and enables them to practice in a multi-disciplinary health environment. To validate that role and ensure credibility for graduates as they interact with other allied health professionals, PAM made recommendation in our White Paper that government support an education model for paramedics with strong affiliations to other health sciences programs.
The Canadian Forces recognition of the RRC PCP program speaks to the strength and credibility of this education model.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba has long been an advocate for a health education model that better prepares graduates to assume greater responsibility for patient assessment and treatment and enables them to practice in a multi-disciplinary health environment. To validate that role and ensure credibility for graduates as they interact with other allied health professionals, PAM made recommendation in our White Paper that government support an education model for paramedics with strong affiliations to other health sciences programs.
The Canadian Forces recognition of the RRC PCP program speaks to the strength and credibility of this education model.
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