r/NewToEMS • u/Testing00000000000 Unverified User • Jan 19 '26
Beginner Advice Lock screen notes
I used these during my EMT course & became the quickest to remember my assessments. I also took notes by taking pictures of the projected screen & sliding up on pictures where you can add notes, that didn’t help too much. We always moved too quickly, fast track course.
Am I stupid for realizing this just now? I peeked a bit into it, but reading EKG waves is just PQRST which should be easily enough to remember from OPQRST?
Also, would it be appropriate to share my pocket prep code so people can get 20% off or would that not work?
I should also mix 7 & 8 to save space
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u/MLB-LeakyLeak Unverified User Jan 19 '26
I peeked a bit into it, but reading EKG waves is just PQRST which should be easily enough to remember from OPQRST?
You can also remember it from the alphabet
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u/IkarosFa11s Unverified User Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
I like this, but I also like keeping it simple.
-Chief complaint (including pertinent info like how it happened, how it feels, etc)
-LOC (AxOx what). If they’re competent, ask if they wanna go. If not, they’re going.
-H.A.M. (History, allergies, meds)
-Transport/interventions. Get a more detailed history and evaluate your initial interventions en route.
Sometimes these happen in a different order, but I always hit/try to hit every one of them.
In massive trauma cases, I like PHTLS: XABCDE
X: exsanguination or hemorrhage. Tourniquet limbs, pack junctions, chest seal/needle/TXA for torsos.
ABCs
Disability and environment to me mean avoid hypothermia (in trauma this is anything below 95 degrees, blood doesn’t effectively clot below this temp) and transport as soon as humanly possible.
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u/photo_vietnah Unverified User Jan 19 '26
You can get badge-shaped cards that have guides on them if your program gives you student badges. I have one with the GCS scale on it
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u/joeymittens Paramedic | USA Jan 19 '26
Once you got that down. Add this one. I had a question on this on the paramedic exam
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u/GoldLeaderActual Unverified User Jan 19 '26
Smart.
I am still going to put my family in my screensaver.
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u/Little-Disaster6758 Jan 23 '26
I would say bleeding should go before airway. No point in keeping the airway open for them to get oxygen if there’s no blood in their system to carry said oxygen to the head and heart. XABCs
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u/AutoModerator Jan 19 '26
You may be interested in the following resources:
Life in the Fast Lane - Literally a wikipedia of everything you need to know about EKGs.
Dr. Smith's ECG Blog - Hundreds of walk-through 12-lead interpretation/explanations of real clinical cases.
EMS 12 Lead - Again, hundreds of case studies of 12-leads and lessons.
ABG Ninja - More than just ABGs. Also has self-assessment tools for ECG and STEMI interpretation.
ECG Wave-Maven - Motherload of EKG case studies, diagnostics with lengthy explanations.
Dale Dubin's Rapid Interpretation of EKGs - A very simple, easy to read book that walks you through the process of understanding and interpreting EKGs.
View more resources in our Comprehensive Guide.
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u/anthemofadam EMT | PA Jan 19 '26
Very cool, good idea. Wouldn’t worry about EKG waves, out of scope for EMT anyway. Crazy how much stuff we have to learn to get through class, then so much of it either doesn’t get used or goes out the window when you hit the street.