A Check Up From the Neck Up For EMS' Future Leaders
By Steven P. Velasquez June 13, 2009 Radio talk show host, attorney and activist Ron Kuby introduced me to a phrase some time ago, regarding young hot shots with a head full of new information. He said "you cannot preach, as truth, today, what you only learned yesterday ." I wish this concept would have been imparted on me as a young paramedic in my 20's. It certainly would have saved me some personal embarrassment and I really think it needs to be taught to today's new generation of paramedics as they appear to be coming out of school much younger, far less experienced and increasingly arrogant. At the risk of sounding like an old man shooing a bunch of youngsters off his front lawn, please allow me to explain myself. When I became a paramedic at the age of 22, I immediately came home and wanted to master my craft and to improve my resume. I inquired about teaching ACLS & PALS with a very special lady, and nurse, named Linda Sylvester (may she rest in ...