Hi Eagle,
I didn't intend on sounding like a jerk above, but it may have come off as though I did, I appologise. But as for what I said, it still stick behind it. First of all, in Illinois, we do recieve licenses, not certifications (
link ), I have one in my wallet that says EMT-Basic License, and will soon say Paramedic.
And as for the statement that I said don't listen to the doctors or the nurses, I think you mis-read it. I said don't listen to them when they say that we can't daignose in the field. Saying we can't and shouldn't diagnose in the field is like telling someone to go put out a fire but not giving them any water to do it with; it doesn't make any sence. Sure, my diagnosis might be just increased intracranial pressure when its actually a subdural hematoma, but what is the difference in the field? They both get treated the same way on my side of things, and the hospital will still come to their own diagnosis.
Again, I don't want to get into a pissing match with you about this, it's stupid to do so. Also, I am having a good time here. I mainly stick to the medical forums and sometimes venture into the weapons forum. There is a lot of good info and pictures as well, and I enjoy throwing my 2 cents in here and there.