Lack of Ostomy Training in Emergency Medical Courses

I took a first aid recertification course two weekends ago and just received the books for the medical first responder/paramedic course, and nowhere in any of the books do I find anything about ostomy stomas. You would think that in a motor vehicle accident, considering the location of the stoma and the seatbelt, we would be trained to recognize and deal with this type of injury.

You bring up a very interesting point. Paramedics should be educated and trained about dealing with emergency situations with people who have ostomies. I have wondered what would happen if I got into some kind of accident and my stoma got injured. I thought about getting one of those bracelets that say I am an ostomate. But who knows if they will even read it. There are so many of us that have ostomies. You would think that there would be something in the books about how it should be dealt with in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
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I often think about this myself. I think wearing a bracelet is a good idea just in case. I would be interested if anyone out there has any information on this subject regarding training for paramedics, regarding ostomies, ambies.

I have a bracelet and it simply says "Crohn's Disease, Ileostomy, and my blood type." I got it as a birthday gift from one of my friends. I think that is one of the first things any medical person looks for: a bracelet or necklace identifying any medical issues.

I have had many ambulance trips, but they were called in. I have never been in an emergency situation such as a car accident. This is a very interesting point, and I think I'm going to see if I can get some answers from our First Aid instructor at work (I work at a training center for electricians and we offer F.A. courses). I'm also going to speak to my contacts at CCFC about it as well. I mean, they are trained in dealing with most situations to at least stabilize you until they can get you to the hospital, but would they know what to do with a wounded stoma?

I will repost if I can get any clear answers...

Unfortunately, about 90% of the nurses are lost when you say, "I have an Illi." Try going to a urologist who puts the glove on when you go for your yearly and says, "Oh, that's right." I've even had a nurse tell me, "She didn't know that there were drainable pouches and how do you do it."
All you have to do is attend an ostomy meeting, and the members will educate you better than any ostomy nurse or doctor.

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Maybe things are different here in Sydney because I haven't experienced any lack of knowledge about my colostomy. I am in and out of the hospital with worrying regularity. Three times in February this year. All of my nurses knew what to do about my stoma, but then it wasn't damaged. Sometimes I feel concerned about the seat belt in my car; it crosses right over the top of the stoma. I have a large leather "pad" that I cover the stoma with to protect it in the event of an accident, but that is only in my car.

As for paramedics, I see these people as ultra-special. However, they are not surgeons. Their knowledge covers a very wide range of problems, but honestly, we cannot expect them to know everything. I have the greatest respect for paramedics; they have always been very good to me.

Ostomates are a minority group in reality, but as time goes on, I believe that our problems will become better known.

Doug

My husband is an EMT.  Our local rescue squad did not have information about ostomies until I had one.  He then made it a point to teach and train all new EMT's in my community about ostomies.  He definitely recommends wearing a bracelet or a necklace saying that you are an ostomate as they always look for that sort of thing.  When they strap you into a stretcher, they need to be aware of your stoma.

I have thought about this many times, even while driving I'm always adjusting the seat belt as my stoma is right on my belt line and right under the seat belt. But I suppose if one were in an accident and the pouch got ripped off, or worse, they would know about it pretty quickly, I'm sure the smell would be a good clue and hopefully, if awake, we could tell them exactly where it's coming from. No! Not that hole!!!
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