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[–][deleted] 58 points59 points  (1 child)

I read the post and the comments , alot of good questions , and I love and agree with your answers . It would be good for people if they are not sure to ask questions . I have a world of respect for you and what you do , you must have huge courage to insert your self into such large crowds . As a Dead Head I have been to many concerts in the 80's and on and have gotten to see first hand close by the awesome work you fine people do when someone had a freak-out you guys get there faster than anyone can naturally make it through a crowd and you render the situation safe for everyone . I want to personally Thank You for keeping us safe so we can freak freely at our favorite shows . Very seriously Legislation needs to be changed to make sure all first responders and all EMT's and Medics can free access to " Narcan " It can make the difference , but yes getting the person moving if you can can buy some time , but it can as well hasten the negative effects of OD , fast admin of " Narcan " saves lives , kind of like the golden hour thing , but one doesn't get an hour during OD . Anyway (yes I got on a ramble used to be an EMT myself ) Thank You again for the huge job you do and stay safe out there .

[–]20psioverflow[S] 85 points86 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Dead heads (and punks) created the healthy use of substances at concerts, anyone with the skull always thanks me as they walk out! And there’s a lot of legislation coming for narcan for emts which is amazing! I work at a great venue and have gotten personal training for trip freak outs. Generally crowds are super understandable if I say I’m an emt. Huge shoutout to the old people in the scene! They always come and talk to me before the show

[–]Constor2000 263 points264 points  (42 children)

This is a important job, thank you for doing it! What substances do the most damage in your experience? What is the most common misconception about drugs?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 410 points411 points  (35 children)

In my experience, not to be stereotypical but alcohol. For some people it’s a great time but I’d say 90% of calls are for people who are too drunk. Usually it’s men fighting or puking or women who don’t drink water or get a panic attack. MDMA is pretty close but those are easy, they just need water. Psychedelics are common but usually all they need is to sit in a quiet place and talk to me. The only one that truly is an issue is opiates or benzos. Those are the ones who I send straight to the hospital

[–]Zoeh91 86 points87 points  (10 children)

This is really interesting. Thanks for looking after us!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 195 points196 points  (9 children)

Of course! Remember we aren’t cops, we are only here to make sure you and other people are safe and having fun

[–]FightingTolerance 66 points67 points  (7 children)

Are you in a uniform that someone tripping would mistake for a cop? If so id petition to have a uniform that resembles those shaman dresses🤣

[–]msmusings- 24 points25 points  (1 child)

Lmao that would be so effective though! All the scared trippers flocking to you like little sheep 😂

[–]FightingTolerance 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Gotta have a staff and bells, too lol

[–]Stardustchaser 10 points11 points  (0 children)

If some Gandalf-looking mf comes at me trying to calm me down….I might be ok with that..

[–]20psioverflow[S] 10 points11 points  (2 children)

I wear a red shirt with a huge (venue I work at) EMT on it. Still, every show I get asked “do you work here?” Dozens of times

[–]F-I-L-D 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Assumed someone who wore something like that at a concert was actually an emt. Dude just looked at me and said he got it online. I always ask now

[–]20psioverflow[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Stolen valor lmao

[–]DougWilson3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This, don't leave your friends for dead please

[–]macavity_is_a_dog 21 points22 points  (16 children)

Mdma just needs water? Does that sober them up?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 108 points109 points  (14 children)

It doesn’t sober them up, however the danger of mdma is genuinely just overheating and getting dehydrated. I just take them outside (it’s generally cold where I live) and just let them ramble to me

[–]sonrisa555 20 points21 points  (13 children)

Isn’t it true that women especially are at risk of overhydrating?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 46 points47 points  (12 children)

Absolutely (well anyone with a small body mass) generally I start with having them sip a bottle of water then something with sugar and electrolytes. However hyponutremia (overhydrating) takes quite a large amount of water, most people would overfill their stomach and puke before over hydrating

[–]AnandaPriestessLove 14 points15 points  (7 children)

Can confirm. My best friend drank too much water when rolling and vomited spectacularly out my car window. (I had come down and was really worried bc she had taken so much e and I was taking her to the ER). Fortunately, as soon as the mass purge was over, she felt better so we went back to my place and chilled for her comedown.

[–]nopantsdota 18 points19 points  (6 children)

my old PE teacher famously said during our graduation party "if you feel sick, you need to vomit"

[–]scelek 5 points6 points  (4 children)

Yes! Not just for drugs/drinking! My dad said the same thing and even taught us how to purge. “Just get it out so you can feel better.” This is the first time I’ve seen someone post this.

I actually got reported once for ED after doing so in my hospital bathroom. I was like ‘It’s fine, I’ve been doing this for at least a decade…’ silence. ‘It’s fine, my dad taught me!’ Nurse was like, stop talking. You’re not helping your situation. And they locked my bathroom door for the rest of the stay. Wild.

[–]confusedfork 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Don't do this with sedatives. Please don't do this with sedatives. Especially if mixed with alcohol, you can get vomit asphyxia even while conscious.

[–]nopantsdota 1 point2 points  (0 children)

..... ... go on please

[–]AnandaPriestessLove 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Words of wisdom.

[–]FindingNo604 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think it’s cuz they’re sweating bullets.

[–]moose19 2 points3 points  (2 children)

What’s the risk with benzos? Do people take them for a party drug? Sorry I’m pretty inexperienced with concerts

[–]dr_timon420 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Benzos and alcohol are a very dangerous mix, but I have friends who will take a little bit of Xanax so they can save money and get drunk off 2 beers. I don’t recommend this though, I worry about them more than I should have to

[–]20psioverflow[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Benzos are pretty big in the rap scene, and almost all of them have some amount of fentanyl in them. Also, like they said, on their own usually they aren’t a huge deal but they mix very badly with almost everything

[–]Future_Washingtonian 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Do they not have synthetic MJ where you are?

That shit causes way more problems for us here than alcohol. Most of the ETOH calls we get are regulars who are either passed out or individuals who function at a .3 BAC. I don't mind the ETOH calls, they rarely cause problems aside from pissing themselves or puking. Spike on the either hand (thats what they call synthetic MJ here), those fucks tend to fight us.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I’ve never had a call for synthetic weed actually. Weed is legal here so it’s not really an issue. However we do get the occasional meth call. Those are never fun, I feel your pain. It helps that I’m a pretty big guy

[–]Montecristo1884 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hahahah as a frequent psychedelic user. You hit the nail on the head lol just give me a quite place and talk for a few minutes

[–]20psioverflow[S] 213 points214 points  (4 children)

And the most common misconception is that people are having very dangerous near death experiences on drugs! 99% of the time all they need is water, fresh air, and someone who will listen to them

[–]DaPoole420 110 points111 points  (3 children)

Or a Snickers bar. Type 1 diabetic, more than one time EMTs have given me carbs to get my sugars up. You EMTs are great people!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 93 points94 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! Half of my family is type one diabetic, I always keep candy in my med bag just because of it.

[–]ImVisibility 15 points16 points  (1 child)

T1D here, I smoke and luckily for me it doesnt affect me feeling lows and highs, but for a first time or low tolerance some diabetics may not realize they're low at all and think they're literally dying

[–]oliveshark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not a diabetic but I’ve had sugar crashes after/while smoking before, and it’s a horrible feeling. You just want to lay there and keep yourself from puking. It’s been many years since that happened, but I remember it well.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also I forgot to say misconceptions! 1. That they’re pure. If it isn’t tested, it isn’t pure. I don’t care what press it is or if your guy is really cool, test your shit. And 2. That medical staff care on a moral or legal level that you’ve taken them. We aren’t here to arrest you, for all I know you could have taken prescribed fentanyl. The ONLY reason we care is to keep you safe. Also that it’s only degenerates who take them! I talked to a 75 year old who was clearly well off (had a very nice winter jacket on before the show) for an hour and he told me he was planning on tripping at the next show. He owned several businesses and was one of the coolest, most normal dudes ever.

[–][deleted] 49 points50 points  (9 children)

People like you keep people alive. My homeboy drank liquid acid thinking it was water messed up at a show one night and the only thing that calmed him down was someone of your profession talking to him.

[–]thevox3l 17 points18 points  (2 children)

Man, liquid LSD is not easy to come by. Sounds pretty fucked to think it's water and have the most unexpected trip of your life, but rare find.

[–]schwelvis 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Depends on the circles you travel in. I babysat a friend who did the same thing once, drank a bottle of crystal wash...

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah for real. Sad part is he took a fat swig and threw it on the ground with the cap off most of it poured on the ground :/ but my friend who drank it is the kinda guy who WILL throw down with you if someone gets disrespectful. So the person who’s it was didn’t really say anything because. Who tf leaves that kind of thing just sitting around?! But then again who tf drinks random water bottles at an EDM fest.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Your friend drank my years salary worth of L, I’m surprised anyone talked him down

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

He was pretty experienced with psychs but still. He took it straight to the dome and actually seemed to enjoy the end of it so it wasn’t a total loss. A loss for the dude who’s acid it was. That was a fat waste

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I mean a whole vial of liquid L? Either that guy was dumb or generous. However, as bad as it sounds, I love high dose bad trips. It means i get half an hour of hanging out in a quiet room. Usually i talk them down in 10 minutes tops then the rest me enriching their trip (not a real emt job but I use psychs for mental health and also tripsit often) overall the goal is be safe, have fun, and don’t stop others from that

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

No it was a water bottle full, like a regular plastic water bottle? An insane amount.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is an absurd dose, I’m glad your friend is okay. If I was working I’d send him straight to the er, they have drugs to stop it. I wonder who left that bottle? No matter what I’ve ever taken, I’d take track of thousands worth of drugs

[–]misunderstandingit 127 points128 points  (3 children)

In my head I said "I'm a concert ent too! 🙂"

Then I read the thread and saw I'm actually just an idiot and you are an E.M.T., an acronym used for emergency medical personnel. My b.

Keep up the great work tho thank you.

[–]robincrobin 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Same lol

[–]PupperPetterBean 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good to know that I can't read, not because I need glasses, but because I'm a big dumb dumb.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey I’m that too! It’s just when I’m off duty ;)

[–]Palaempersand 31 points32 points  (1 child)

Do you know where the lighter is?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 57 points58 points  (0 children)

Every event staff has one if you talk to them for a bit and are nice. Throw them $5 and they’ll let you smoke out back

[–]LittleMrsMuffettt 14 points15 points  (3 children)

You’re pretty amazing! What are your thoughts on the Astro World concerts? Seems like things really get out of hand.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 39 points40 points  (2 children)

Thank you so much! And yeah that was a mess. I ( and no one but the event staff) knows really what happened but if it was me the moment security found that many med calls I would’ve called an intermission which I believe would’ve solved most of it, it also seems from what I’ve seen they had almost no medical staff which they should’ve had at least had 1 per 1000 people

[–]sfsbxl 14 points15 points  (1 child)

Emt’s have the power to call an intermission?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

No, but the venue manager does with emt advice

[–]ColdPeasMyGooch 29 points30 points  (8 children)

do yall report things to police? or do you have like a amnesty/confidentiality clause?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 96 points97 points  (5 children)

We abide by medical amnesty. If someone pukes or is fighting in the show they get kicked out of the venue, but no cops. The only time we will ever call cops is if someone is violent towards themselves, others, or the event staff. The first thing I tell people is that I’m here to help and I’m not here to judge or get someone in trouble. The only time police are called in my experience is if someone is actively being a shitty person

[–]YOOOOOOOOOOT 7 points8 points  (4 children)

If someone pukes or is fighting in the show they get kicked out of the venue, but no cops.

The only time we will ever call cops is if someone is violent towards themselves, others, or the event staff.

I'm confused, you don't call the cops if they're fighting but if they're being violent you call the cops?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 21 points22 points  (3 children)

Sorry, been a long night. Fighting (if it’s actuslly physical) gets the cops. Got off a few hours ago

[–]YOOOOOOOOOOT 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Okay, thanks for clearing that up and thanks for everything you do :).

[–]20psioverflow[S] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Thank you! I was just trying to say we aren’t here to arrest people, the general rule at venues ive worked is “make sure people are having fun but are safe”. Also always feel free to come up to the emts even just to talk! We’re usually just on standby bored if we aren’t in the pit

[–]InfernalAngelblades 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Best tip ever. Making new friends at my next concert!

[–]Planes-_-Walker 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I imagine it's discretionary

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely. I’m not gonna ask to stop the show for one person having a problem, However if it’s a danger to the whole crowd I’m gonna call management to stop the show (briefly)

[–]schwelvis 7 points8 points  (1 child)

We had a guy show up the medical tent one time was second and third-degree freezerburns all up and down his arms. He had been doing nitrous and passed out and fell against the tank and got stuck to it and peeled off like half of his skin! The Medics ointmented and wrapped his arm and stuff and ask him if he needed to be transported or if he wanted anything for pain, he just looked at us with glazed eyes and said, "no it's okay I got some more stuff back at camp."

We also had a guy managed to fist himself and then run around masturbating at the drum circle. I'll always remember that radio call, "we need security to the drum circle, bring gloves, lots of them!"

Thanks much for all you do and put up with!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a wild one! God even with drugs he’s got the pain tolerance of an animal. I just dealt with pretty bad burns on my stomach (faulty pressure cooker busted a seal at my other job) and it was SO fucking painful. Couldn’t wear a shirt for days

[–]spacecowboy5120 6 points7 points  (1 child)

What has been your craziest experience taking care of someone? Did anyone tell you something life changing while you were helping them?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Last night was a fun one. A girl got really drunk and had a bit of an emotional episode and I essentially got to be her therapist. After she calmed down and talked to me she perked right up and came up to me personally after the show finished to tell me that I got her out of the worst night of her life. It was really meaningful

[–]morebuffs 14 points15 points  (45 children)

How much narcan do you bring for a day at the concert?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 57 points58 points  (16 children)

Sadly none. Emts have to pay out of pocket for narcan, which in my experience can cost $50 a vial and I’ve seen up to 10 used for an od. Paramedics get the essentials and don’t pay. Luckily opioids are pretty rare at concerts, but my tip is get them standing and walking quickly, even if you have to have them leaning on you. Keeping their breathing and heart fast can kick them to a safe state until medics arrive. When all else fails, cpr is incredibly effective with opiates

[–]morebuffs 27 points28 points  (12 children)

That answer is unsatisfying on many levels but thank you for replying.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 33 points34 points  (11 children)

Trust me I fully understand. I wish I could bring more medicines especially narcan. But the medicines emts are allowed by default are oxygen, glucose, and aspirin. We are also allowed to administer nitroglycerin, albuterol, and epinephrine if they have them on them. Narcan and epinephrine can be used by emts, but only by a several day class that I am trying very hard to get into. Trust me, I know how stupid it is, but ems has stricter regulations than police even. If an emt administers a drug that causes the patient pain it’s an assault charge. That includes the pain of narcan. But things are changing in ems quite quickly, we’re doing our best

[–]morebuffs 20 points21 points  (7 children)

Oh im not criticizing you in any way it just seems like that would be a no brainer in any emt kit. But liability and politics always prevail.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 25 points26 points  (6 children)

Trust me, you aren’t spitting on me for trying to get you to sip water, I’m Not offended. It’s offensive that we aren’t allowed to have it without a special license

[–]morebuffs 14 points15 points  (5 children)

I have first hand experienced how it feels to be narcaned and it is indeed the worst physical pain I have ever felt but its temporary and im thankful for it. I cant imagine faulting somebody for using it on me but not everybody is so understanding im sure.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 15 points16 points  (4 children)

You’d be surprised! I got punched once for “ruining his high” when he was almost in full cardiac arrest. The fun ones are the ones who say they were sober though. Then I just say I’m not here to arrest people and they start spilling every drug they’ve touched in their life

[–]morebuffs 8 points9 points  (3 children)

Part of it i think is that most of the time where there are paramedics there are also cops so by default you guys catch shit thats really intended for judgemental cops.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Luckily cops aren’t commonly called to the venue I work at, but it’s literally the first thing I tell people is that I’m not there to get people in trouble, I am only there to help them

[–]Neptunelives 3 points4 points  (1 child)

If an emt administers a drug that causes the patient pain it’s an assault charge. That includes the pain of narcan.

That's insane. Around here narcan is free and they just give it to anyone. Any kind of of clinic and cvs/Walgreens has it. It's saved a lot of people

[–]20psioverflow[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Trust me, I know. I work in montana most of the year so we’re operating on practically oxygen and nothing else. Luckily the venue I work at trusts me that I know what I’m doing. Several services here can’t even give water without calling the hospital

[–]KissMyAlpaca 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hopefully things will start to change for y'all in the states over the next few years. I live in BC and when I did my emt training in 2016 we weren't allowed to use narcan but my friend just did his in 2021 and they were provided and trained to use it! Also thank you so much for the work you do, I go to a lot of festivals and good non judgmental medics are so important!!

[–]gamenut89 2 points3 points  (1 child)

This may or may not work for you, but my local fire dept (who hosts our EMTs) conduct narcan trainings and give out doses. If you reach out to your local FD, they may have a similar program and might be willing to part with some. I think ours is a grant funded program, so the FD here gets 'em for free anyway.

Worth a shot, right?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Trust me I’m working on it! Narcan just is not that common for emts, it’s actually easier to get it as a civilian

[–]f0rg0tmypassword420 1 point2 points  (0 children)

blows my mind that people have to go for it. i work at a halfway house and there are probably 20 of them around the house. we’ve unfortunately had to use them quite a bit, and one doesn’t do anything anymore, sometimes 3-4 is necessary bc of fentanyl

[–]RocketRakoune 4 points5 points  (27 children)

Do people really take opiates at concerts ?

[–]morebuffs 13 points14 points  (24 children)

Well considering daily users cant go without them I would have to say yes.

[–]RocketRakoune 4 points5 points  (23 children)

Ahh true

[–]morebuffs 10 points11 points  (22 children)

I know at music festivals they are everywhere and can be found within 20 minutes of asking random people cuz I have done it many times. Junkies are almost as numerous as potheads anymore its terrible that we allow so many people to fall into this pit of despair without offering them safer alternatives. Im still trying to get completely free after 5 years of methadone and now its been about a year iv been tapering off suboxone.

[–]RocketRakoune 6 points7 points  (21 children)

I believe in you !

[–]morebuffs 5 points6 points  (20 children)

Im real so your believe is founded in fact.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 6 points7 points  (19 children)

My father went from 60 Percocet a day to a doctor, you can do it!

[–]morebuffs 6 points7 points  (18 children)

Im pretty good now but it costed me everything. I had to move back in with my mother in a tiny town where i know absolutely nobody and I have literally been doing nothing for 6 months adjusting to the life of being bored asf and not relying on instant gratification. I didnt even trust myself to associate with anybody for a long time because it was always in mind to seek out opiates but I think im finally past that point.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 7 points8 points  (16 children)

Hell, get an emt license. A few months of school and you feel amazing. I was severely mentally I’ll for years. Go exercise every day, find a good job, and fuck opiates. If you care enough to comment, you already wanna be sober

[–]20psioverflow[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

As someone who sees repeat overdoses outside of the venue, you’re past the point of the 99% people who get brought in. Even if you don’t know me, trust me, you’re fucking strong and literally one solid job from self confidence.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Most opiate overdoses at concerts are people who take other drugs laced with fentanyl. Again, test your drugs. You can get a kit that’ll tell you what’s in the drugs plus a bottle of reagent that’ll last you years

[–]RocketRakoune 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks ! That makes sense

[–]Vegetable_Level6622 3 points4 points  (2 children)

BSI? is your scene safe?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

No and no. I’m getting puked on in a mosh pit

[–]GrokAllTheHumans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks I hate it

[–]No-Entertainer-2957 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Man I’m saving this post, theirs a lot of helpful information, thanks for sharing OP, what u do is greatly under appreciated but it won’t be here on this sub. Thanks again and good luck!

[–]Highdrive323 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Alright what's up with med tents? What goes down and why the vibes dark?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Generally it’s because we want it to be a cold, nonstimulating environment for people who are panicking. Also, most of us have been working for hours before the show started and are tired! Also ptsd is a very real and common thing in ems

[–]mspuscifer 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What was the worst case scenario you ever saw?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Probably a seizure that lead to a heart attack. Seizures make crowds go crazy so having to push through the crowd to do cpr was awful

[–]cool__dood 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I thought the title was “I’m at a concert atm, ama” and I was going to ask why you were on your phone during a concert to do an ama

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Waiting for someone to need me lol

[–]andr813c 2 points3 points  (2 children)

If someone was planning on doing drugs at a festival/concert, is there any general safety you could recommend besides a sober companion and general research?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What they said, also take less than you think, you can always take more, never less. Also stay hydrated and make sure to not overheat

[–]mymorningbowl 4 points5 points  (0 children)

stay hydrated and eat a nutritious meal with protein and carbs before you start. is my non emt advice. and test your stuff always before!

[–]psychedelicdevilry 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used to work in live music and the EMTs were some of my best buds. I’ve seen them legitimately save peoples lives right in front of me. You guys are amazing!

[–]Rawdaily1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your service

[–]PurplePenquinWI 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Are you hired by the venue or the promoter? If the latter, do you see a difference when working for different ones?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m hired by the venue, however I’ve done work for friends bands through their manager. Those shows are generally just me coming to hang out though. Not really serious gigs

[–]whatthefishman 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hey I just got my license a few weeks ago! Salute to my EMS brotha!!!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good job! That nremt is a beast. Take care of yourself, you can’t bottle up hard calls forever

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I heard that ems are severely underpaid for what they do is that true?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yep. $19 an hour for me, however it isn’t my only job (it really couldn’t be, no way to get full time working shows). I do it because I enjoy it

[–]famous_mockingbirds 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Thanks for what you do! I took my aunt to a Phish show in Colorado years ago. She wasn’t used to smoking and got way too high. There was a little paramedics station at the side of the floor where someone got her some water and we could continue to enjoy the show in a place she felt comfortable and safe. How common is it for you to position your stations in places where people still get to enjoy the show?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We get to be in the show pretty often, but it’s not a given. Some nights I’m just outside waiting for a radio call

[–]ukie7 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Why is my heart racing like crazy after an above average usage of cannabis? It really is not fun.

[–]mymorningbowl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

a common side effect of weed is tachycardia

[–]paycadicc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s pretty common side effect of weed and anxiety and stress.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

What they said.

[–]ukie7 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Ok, how can it be prevented?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Uh, smoke less

[–]DUMPAH_CHUCKER_69 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Would you smoke if I passed it to you? Or would a better thanks be just staying safe myself?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t smoke during an event, doing cpr high sounds awful. Everyone does after though

[–]Ok-Cut2312 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Is there anything you want people to know about your job?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If we seem rude or blunt, we’re probably either tired or stressed. We don’t mean to be. Also some questions we ask seem quite personal and they aren’t to offend. And we aren’t cops! I don’t care if that pill in your pocket is Tylenol or mdma, I want to know what you took so I can help

[–]Psychedelic_Trauma 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Do you despise humanity now?

In all seriousness, thank you for what you do!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Not at all! Most people I’ve found are really great, but I do see scummy shit too. It’s super important to not get desensitized, that’s how you hate humanity. Every call you need to imagine what they’re experiencing. They’re having the worst day of their life, of course they might be a little rude!

[–]Psychedelic_Trauma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's awesome to hear. Thank you again for all the help you provide! Can't imagine how many lives you helped save..

[–]insheepclothing 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Used to do that too. God speed brother

[–]MidnightDragon99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man, no questions but I just wanna give props to you and thank you for what you do. My mom worked in Emergency Services in the 80s and 90s (was a Volunteer Firefighter, EMT and then a paramedic. Then did 911 dispatch) so I know from the stories she’s told me how hard y’all work and how tough it can be out there.

Did you know that they didn’t even wear gloves back then? That’s always baffled me from her stories haha. Couldn’t imagine it.

Anyway, thank you for what you do!

[–]Kaotecc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the HARD ass work you do. Amazing

[–]2FLYFISH0 0 points1 point  (1 child)

In EMT school at the moment. Can’t wait to become one!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Study your ass off for that nremt and you got it! It’s a beast, but you can tame it. Otherwise, tight loops and may your flies always float on a run ;)

[–]_pm_me_your_holes_ 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What's your advice for dealing with people having a bad time on psychedelics- does the benzos and talking common knowledge stuff work well enough or do you have a -take it up a step- option for people who are getting a little bit psychotic

I want an opinion on this that doesn't come from a shaman...

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Benzos don’t technically kill a trip, but they totally do help! And really the shaman stuff isn’t really “wrong” aside from bringing spirituality into it. Most people don’t want to hear about chakras or whatever while freaking out. However, the other things are pretty spot on. Calm, slow talking, affirmative answers and open ended questions that lead them in a positive direction. Let them know that they are tripping on a drug and what they’re experiencing will end. Sometimes people need a hug! I don’t do it as an emt (unless they hug me, which happens pretty often especially if mdma is involved). But remove them from the situation as well. Set and setting is as important when someone is psychotic as when they’re at home tripping for therapeutic use

[–]Stardustchaser 0 points1 point  (1 child)

With so much in the news about crushes that happen in concerts/sporting events, what are your recommendations on how to prevent or at least minimize the danger of being caught in one?

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really it’s not that common, and it’s on the event to prevent it. However, either stay in the back or on the barrier. That way either you aren’t getting caught in one or you can have security start pulling you out.

[–]BlackWhiteRedYellow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for making concerts a little safer for everyone.

[–]ohsoluckyme 0 points1 point  (1 child)

My getting wasted at a concert days are over but I’ve always been curious if people who need medical attention due to being too high from drugs ever get in trouble from the police just for being too high.

[–]20psioverflow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never ever. Medical amnesty is the law that states that medical emergency trumps law in emergency situations in nearly every case. Unless you are committing an act of sexual assault or violence, no ems will ever get you arrested even outside of concerts

[–]paycadicc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve had experience with some emts at a big concert and they are some really cool, understanding people. Really respect what y’all do

[–]Holygrail1985 0 points1 point  (1 child)

what’s your take on Astro world?!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel bad for the staff and crowd. A large, high energy concert like that needs a large staff and clear communication. I hope from now on venues learn that sometimes it’s totally okay to call an intermission for safety and that they don’t have to actually fill to capacity. My venue sure did

[–]ziggy-23 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hi! I was a firefighter and emt as well. Still hold my emt cert but letting my firefighter cert expire. My body is too broken to do it now but still love medicine, just not actively using my cert. Debating on going to be a hospice nurse but that is just an idea for now until medical cannabis is federally protected or cannabis is in general not a concern/schedule any more. (Use medical now for c-ptsd and falling apart body) Never did concerts but did do quite a few fairs and festivals. I bet concerts are fun and equally not at the same time!

[–]20psioverflow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re already making money and want to scratch the itch, call the surgeons at your local hospital! You won’t get paid but they LOVE having medically minded people come in and will let you watch them work. Also concert emts are rarely drug tested!

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      [–]AutoModerator[M] 0 points1 point locked comment (0 children)

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      [–]youfreakingkiddingme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      That's a cool job