The paramedic ride along is an optional experience available to you during your elective. When considering a career in Emergency Medicine, it is imperative to understand the capabilities of pre-hospital care providers. The ride is an 8 hour shift with a local paramedic unit. This shift is designed to help the student understand basic terminology, observe on-scene EMS care, and understand the difficulties experienced while attempting to deliver pre-hospital care and transport. Your experience will help you understand some of the situations not easily communicated during pre-hospital-to-ED telemetry communications.After you have reviewed your ED shift schedule (posted under the schedule link) please contact Carol at the EMS department, 708-684-3778 to schedule your shift. Due to the volume of EMT, paramedic, and medical students ride along you will be asked to provide three available dates that she can work with to schedule your shift.
EMS Prehospital Care Ride along form
Once a year the local HAZMAT and Rescue teams demonstrates their equipment for the EM residents and attendings. Here are some of the pictures.