Boys play with Tonka trucks, girls with Barbie Dolls. As trainee Ambo’s we get to play with oxygen tanks, resus manikins, stretchers and bandages amongst other things. We have been given free license to play with these things, as it is the best way to learn. Some people thrive on the theory side of things but that will only get you so far when it comes time to actually treat someone in an emergency situation. Even though we are officially just Patient Transport Officers (PTO's) we have to be ready to respond to emergency calls, anything is possible.
Most of the first week consisted of all that stuff that we had to hear, as opposed to the stuff we have to know. For example we met a representative from the Health Services Union (HSU), the SGE Credit Union, First State Super and the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals (ACAP).
The HSU rep unsurprisingly went on to tell us how much they are doing for us. But I still struggle to see how much I will actually get out of my $400 + membership fee. I think I will get more out of my ACAP membership and that is only about $150.
Highlights thus far have been seeing inside a PTO van for the first time, meeting current PTO’s and playing around with the oxi-resus unit.
Next week sees a ride-along with a couple of real PTO’s for a day, a tag team drive in a PTO van down to the south coast, and let’s not forget my first pay cheque.
Most of the first week consisted of all that stuff that we had to hear, as opposed to the stuff we have to know. For example we met a representative from the Health Services Union (HSU), the SGE Credit Union, First State Super and the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals (ACAP).
The HSU rep unsurprisingly went on to tell us how much they are doing for us. But I still struggle to see how much I will actually get out of my $400 + membership fee. I think I will get more out of my ACAP membership and that is only about $150.
Highlights thus far have been seeing inside a PTO van for the first time, meeting current PTO’s and playing around with the oxi-resus unit.
Next week sees a ride-along with a couple of real PTO’s for a day, a tag team drive in a PTO van down to the south coast, and let’s not forget my first pay cheque.
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2 comments:
That's so cool Tim - I hope you enjoy your experience next week. So - when will you be allowed to get behind the wheel?
As soon as I start on the job which will be next week.
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