ER Shadowing
One of the most well-received and popular opportunities offered through this organization is shadowing in L.A. County’s Emergency Department. There are three locations that you can sign up to shadow in: East, West, and Resuscitation. Shifts are from 4pm-12pm.
Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board across from McK 156. New sign-up sheets are posted every two months during the academic calendar. If you have a last-minute conflict with your scheduled shadowing shift, send out an e-mail to the EMSIG list (emsig-L@usc.edu) asking if anyone would like to take your shift. These shifts are in high demand. Sign-up sheets are initially offered online, with a paper copy being posted afterward.
Instructions for Shadowing:
1) Wear your white coat (with ID badge), closed-toed shoes, and scrubs.
2) As soon as you arrive find out who the attending physician is by asking a nurse.
3) Introduce yourself to the attending and ask if he or she can pair you up with a resident to shadow (you may end up shadowing more than one resident).
• You may be asked to perform or help with procedures. Don’t do anything you are not comfortable doing! Use your common sense! If you tell a resident or nurse that you’re a first- or second-year medical student, they will understand!
• When things get hectic in C-Booth or any other area of the Emergency Room, step to the side and hold your questions. (In C-Booth, you can get a good view of the incoming trauma from the viewing platform behind the wall.)
• Please don’t hesitate to contact Matthias Barden (mbarden@usc.edu), Andy Grock (andygrock@gmail.com) or Brad McCammack (bradmc83@gmail.com) if you have any questions or feedback regarding the tag-a-long experience.
• HAVE FUN!