AboutPam Enve Expertise I can answer any questions related to basic first aid, minor wound care, emergency situations, true emergencies. Symptoms of most major emergencies. When it is necessary to immediately go to the hospital and when a doctors appointment should suffice. I am not a doctor but was employed as a paramedic for over 12 years in a very large city. I have pretty much seen it all. I can't diagnose your illnesses. I will always recommend that you see a physician but I can still instruct you on care, splinting, and basic first aid until you are able to get to a doctor. I can also answer questions for EMT's and Paramedics regarding protocols and basic procedures. Altough each state has different protocols I can give you the general standards.
Experience Paramedic it large city for 12 years. Still an active paramedic with a volunteer fire company and have been for 15 years. The first and only paramedic in my volunteer company and very proud of it. Certified in AEMT-P, ACLS, BTLS, CPR, PHTLS, PALS. I was also a field training officer at my former company for over 6 years. I can instruct you on safe handling of vehicles. Caring for patients using the human factor. I strongly believe that each and every person believes to be treated with respect no matter how often they may call an ambulance or how many times they visit an ER even for something so simple as they are hungry or cold.
Organizations Recently retired paramedic from 2nd largest ambulance company in the nation. Active volunteer paramedic for our town volunteer fire department.
Publications Wrote the entire SOP's and infection control plan in 1992 for our volunteer fire department and made them compliant with OSHA standands. All of my work is still in use today and we have passed every OSHA evaluation since.
Education/Credentials Nationally registered Paramedic, ACLS certified, PALS certified, BTLS certified, PHTLS certified. CEVO I and II certified, EVOC certified. Former field training officer.
Awards and Honors Firewoman of the year 1994, 15 year service award and accomadation 2006, Above and beyond the call of duty award in 1992.
Past/Present Clients I live in a resort community with approximately 300,000 people during tourist season. The average age last year during the census was 72. We transport over 600 patients per season. There are to many clients to mention.
Question I was trimming tree branches in my yard yesterday and I stepped on a small tree limb. The branch came through my shoe and punctured the bottom of my foot. I cleaned it off and continued working. Later that night my foot was beginning to really bother me. I have kind of a numbing feeling on the top of my foot over the sore and on my big toe. I feel like my foot is also a little swollen on the top of my foot. The bottom of my foot has a black dot where the tree punctured me and is pink around the sore. Will this go away or do I need to be seen by a doctor? Thank you for your help.
Answer I would strongly suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor. It may be a generalized infection but puncture wounds can cause damage on the interior as well. The fact that your foot is numb is something that really should not be over looked. Your best option is to call your doctor and get in as soon as possible. They will also want to make sure your tetanus is updated. Although many people believe that tetanus is only from rusty nails or rusty metal it can also be carried in the soil.
